Volvo Buses reported a substantial increase in deliveries for the third quarter, compared with the same period in 2010. A total of 2,954 buses were delivered, which is an increase of 37%.
North American and European markets continue to display a negative trend, while markets in South America and Asia expand rapidly. The bus market in Europe remains weak, with tough competition and is not expected to recover during 2011.
The market In Mexico recovered from a very low level in 2010. In Brazil, the market increased, driven by pre-buying before the transition to Euro 5, and several on-going BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) tenders in the cities. In the rest of South America, the city-bus market is also positive.
Deliveries during the third quarter of 2011 amounted to 2,954 buses, compared with 2,151 in the year-earlier period, up 37%, with South America accounting for the largest increase. The order intake for the third quarter amounted to 2,580 buses, compared with 2,845 buses in the year-earlier period, down 9%.
During the quarter, a number of significant orders were received, including 90 buses for commuter traffic in New York City. This means a step into a completely new bus segment in New York City. In Mexico, an order was received for 54 buses, of which eight are hybrids. These are the first Volvo hybrids in traffic in Mexico and outside Europe. In addition, another order was signed for 91 buses to Nobina in Norway, of which 32 hybrid buses will be put in operation in Tromsö.
Net sales in the third quarter rose 12% to SEK 5,157 M (4,594). Operating income for the third quarter amounted to SEK 185 M (155). Compared to the third quarter of 2010, operating income was negatively impacted by changes in currency exchange rates in an amount of SEK 46 M. The operating margin was 3.6% (3.4).
