Volvo Trucks Provides Autonomous Transport Solution to Brønnøy Kalk AS

PR76377

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, November 20, 2018 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Volvo Trucks has just signed a landmark agreement with Brønnøy Kalk AS in

Norway to provide its first commercial autonomous solution transporting

limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port.  

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8449551-volvo-trucks-autonomous-transport-solution/

The solution for Brønnøy Kalk AS consists of limestone being transported by six

autonomous Volvo FH trucks on a five kilometer stretch through tunnels between

the mine itself and the crusher. Tests of this solution have been carried out

successfully and will continue throughout 2018 to become fully operational by

the end of 2019.

The agreement follows recent successful automation projects involving mining,

sugar cane harvesting and refuse collection. Yet this commercial solution

represents an exciting first for Volvo Trucks. Rather than purchasing

autonomous trucks, Brønnøy Kalk is buying a transport solution - specifically

the transport of the limestone between the two hubs.

"This is an important step for us," says Raymond Langfjord, Managing Director

of the mine. "The competition in the industry is tough. We are continuously

looking to increase our efficiency and productivity long-term, and we have a

clear vision of taking advantage of new opportunities in technology and digital

solutions. We were searching for a reliable and innovative partner that shares

our focus on sustainability and safety. Going autonomous will greatly increase

our competitiveness in a tough global market."

"We are proud to be able to present an autonomous solution which will meet the

challenges of our customers both in terms of safety, reliability and

profitability," says Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks. The global

transport needs are continuously changing at a very high pace and the industry

is demanding new and advanced solutions to stay ahead. Our aim is to be the

leader of the development of products and services to respond to these

demands," continues Claes Nilsson.

"It is exciting to reach this point where we introduce autonomous solutions,

says Sasko Cuklev, Director Autonomous Solutions at Volvo Trucks. By working in

a confined area on a predetermined route, we can find out how to get the best

out of the solution and tailor it according to specific customer needs. This is

all about collaborating to develop new solutions, providing greater flexibility

and efficiency as well as increased productivity."

The agreement involves a deal whereby the customer buys a total transport

service and pays per tonne delivered.

Facts: Volvo Trucks first autonomous commercial solution

The deal covers an autonomous hub-to-hub solution transporting limestone at

Brønnøy Kalk in Velfjord, Norway.

Partners are Brønnøy Kalk AS and Volvo Trucks.

The autonomous Volvo FH trucks are managed by the operator of a wheel loader.

The route includes driving in both tunnels and outdoor environment.

LINK to high resolution images https://bit.ly/2JXwMyu

LINK to film https://youtu.be/m4wLPfOz-c4

Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery

at http://images.volvotrucks.com

Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and

demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks.

Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,100 dealers and workshops

in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 16 countries across

the globe. In 2017, more than 112,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide.

Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers

of trucks, buses and construction equipment and marine and industrial engines.

The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks´ work

is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

For further information, please contact:  

Christina Magnusson, christina.ohlsson-jones@volvo.com, +46-31-3227636

     (Photo:

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/787005/Volvo_Trucks_Bronnoy_Kalk.jpg )

Source: Volvo Trucks