North America
The new millennium sees a continued focus on developing new, user-friendly and performance-enhancing technology that benefits marine leisure, commercial and industrial application customers. A new assembly factory in China was inaugurated and the factory in Vara enlarged to be able to handle the new model range and new technology. Sales and profitability increased, and Volvo Penta became the best performer in the entire Volvo Group.
A new assembly factory is inaugurated in China. The factory in Vara is enlarged to be able to handle the new model range and new technologies. Sales and profitability increase, and Volvo Penta is the best performer in the Volvo Group. Launch of the D12 for leisure boats and the range for commercial engines is extended up to 2,000 hp.
Every yacht in the 2001-2002 Volvo Ocean Race has two Volvo Penta engines on board: a propulsion engine that can only be used in emergency situations during the race and an auxiliary engine for onboard production of electricity and freshwater, and for powering the ballast water pumps. During the entire race, the syndicate has access to service from several of Volvo Penta’s more than 5,000 dealers worldwide. This year also sees the launch of KAD300 – the last version of “the Fence Engine”. It becomes the world’s best-selling diesel engine with sterndrive.
This year’s record-breaking result is the high-water mark for Volvo Penta. Volvo Penta’s operating income for 2002 is SEK 647 M. In 2002 the 4-bladed folding propeller for sailing boats is launched.
The successors of the “Fence Engine” (D4, D6, D3) set new standards in the marine industry. This new proprietary generation of diesel engines is cleaner, faster and quieter. In addition, Volvo Penta launches Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), an electronic platform and comprehensive system that enables a boat’s engine, control systems and instruments, as well as other onboard functions to communicate and exchange information. The system is highly flexible and expandable, and can be upgraded with new software.
The year's prominent event was the introduction of the revolutionary Volvo Penta IPS. The boating industry is facing its greatest change since Volvo Penta launched the Aquamatic in 1959. Faster, stronger, more comfortable, more fuel-efficient and as easy to steer as an ordinary car. Success was instantaneous, as only four years later – in 2009 – the 10,000th system was delivered to customers.
The Volvo Penta IPS Joystick was introduced at the London Boat Show in January 2006. The advantages provided by Volvo Penta’s ingenious joystick are obvious. With a few simple hand movements, the boat driver can safely place the boat at the quayside even in difficult wind conditions. Just move the joystick in the direction you want the boat to go and Volvo Penta IPS does the rest.
2007 marks the centennial celebration of Volvo Penta as a company. The success of Volvo Penta IPS is growing rapidly and over 100 boat models already have the system. The diesel sterndrive range is further strengthened. Volvo Penta Oceania was created as a fully owned sales company for the region. Industrial engine sales are strong, as is the marine commercial segment.
