Volvo launches ‘660’ model, looks to add capacity at Virginia plant

DUBLIN, Va. — As it introduces the new “660” model, Volvo Trucks North America finds itself in need of extra capacity at its Dublin assembly plant in Virginia’s New River Valley. Since launching its VN line in 1996, the company has sold over 42,000 VN trucks, which puts it two years ahead of the original plan, says VTNA president and CEO Marc Gustafson.

With 22,000 VN sales projected for this year, and 30,000 overall, Volvo’s present North American class-8 market share is 12.1%, up from 10% last year.

The company is producing 90% more trucks now than it was two years ago, but it’s looking to add a second shift at the one-million-square-foot Virginia plant — where some 800 employees have already been added in the last 18 months. Gustafson says he’s discussing a six-year contract extension with the United Auto Workers there. An existing six-year deal is soon to expire.

The Volvo 660 is the third new model this year, and the eighth VN so far. It’s a cross between the 610 and the premium 770, aimed at high-mileage team operators who want the luxury of the 770 at a lower cost and 1000 pounds less weight. It combines the 610’s 16-inch shorter BBC with the raised roof of the 770, offering 98 inches of stand-up room with upper and lower bunks.

Volvo also announced that a driver’s-side air bag is now standard on all VN models.