AB Pentaverken had a hard time during and for a number of years after the war, as all efforts in Volvo went toward car, truck and bus production. However, in 1946 a very important product was introduced: the first inline six-cylinder diesel. Quiet and smooth running with pre-combustion, it immediately attracted a great deal of attention. At the same time, marine engines became more important than ever. And in 1949 a new president was appointed.
In 1946, the rather ungainly Pentaverken name was changed to AB Penta. This year also saw the first diesel engine leave the Skövde factory. The inline engine attracted a great deal of attention for its quiet, smooth operation.
In 1949, Harald Wiklund was appointed President of AB Penta. With a strong flair for business and full of bold ideas, he would lead AB Penta for the next 28 years. A new era began under his leadership. In just five years, turnover increased fivefold. Product development moved ahead in leaps and bounds.
