Monday, May 5, 2008

Volvo

North America
Volvo F88-49T Truck 1970
Volvo F88-49T Truck 1970

In 1980 Volvo bought White after White's bankruptcy filing. The Canadian assets were purchased by a consortium of two Alberta energy companies, and were renamed Western Star Trucks.

Throughout the 1980s, Volvo produced White and Autocar, as well as distributing European-made Volvo. The White high cabover engine model was also badged a Western Star and sold through that company's Canadian dealer network.

In 1987, Volvo acquired the heavy-duty truck models of General Motors, and began marketing the WhiteGMC badge, although all of the legacy GMC product lines were discontinued by 1990.

In 1997 the WhiteGMC name was discontinued, and all models were badged either Volvo or Autocar. In 2000, the remaining Autocar products were discontinued, and the nameplate was retired (temporarily) after over 100 years.

In 2001 Volvo acquired Renault Vehicules Industriels, including Mack Trucks in the United States. In order to secure the approval of the authorities to proceed with the merger, Volvo had to agree to divest of its low-cab-forward (LCF) models, known as the Xpeditor range, due to the degree the combination of this product with the Mack MR and LE series dominated the refuse markets in which these vehicles are predominantly used.

In 2001, Volvo divested of the Xpeditor product and the rights to the Autocar trademark. The purchaser was Grand Vehicle Works LLC, a private equity venture based in Indiana that also produced stripped chassis for vans and recreational vehicles, and walk-in van bodies for parcel delivery service.

Today, Volvo produces Volvo and Mack class 8 truck models at plants in Dublin, VA, and Macungie, PA. Affiliate Volvo Powertrain produces engines and transmissions at its Hagerstown, MD, facility, for use exclusively in the North American market

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