Volvo Trucks emphasizing capacity growth in its dealer network

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Growing investment in its dealer network is a key priority for Volvo and the truck maker today announced further expansion throughout the southeastern US.

The size of Volvo’s dealer network has been something competing truck makers have tried to use against Volvo in the past, acknowledged Brandon Borgna, who handles communications for Volvo, adding: ”We feel strongly about it.”

To stress its point, Volvo held a press conference today at the sprawling Nacarato dealership in  La Vergne, Tenn. The dealership, managed by brothers Mike and Joe Nacarato, recently moved into an impressive new home. It serves as testament to the investments being made to beef up the Volvo network, which now includes 347 dealerships across North America.

Investments by Volvo Trucks dealers throughout the Southeastern U.S. have resulted in a nearly 21% increase in work capacity in that region since January 2010. During this time, the dealer network has added 214 truck service bays and 230 Volvo-certified technicans. Parts inventory has grown by more than 20 percent.

 “We’re quite pleased with the high level of engagement and extensive investments made throughout our dealer network,” said Göran Nyberg, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. “The recent investments signify increasing dealer interest in partnering with the Volvo brand and confidence that the transportation solutions we provide deliver great value for their customers’ businesses.”

Leading the surge in the Southeast are Nacarato Volvo  and Vanguard Truck Center in Adairsville, Ga.

 Nacarato Volvo – La Vergne, Tenn.

The recent opening of the  newly constructed full-service dealership marks the latest milestone for the family-owned Nacarato Volvo. Founder Mike Nacarato, Sr. opened the family’s original dealership in Nashville, Tenn. in 1976 following more than 15 years as dealer principal of a heavy-duty truck dealership in Indiana. His sons run the business today. 

Located just outside Nashville off Interstate-24, the 80,000 square-foot facility houses 28 service bays staffed by 32 Volvo technicians, including eight Volvo master technicians. To help ensure parts availability and expedite repair, Nacarato Volvo keeps more than $2 million in parts inventory in their warehouse.

“The new hours of service regulations are putting extra pressures on our customers. If they are wasting time in the shop, they are not making money. We can either help with that or contribute to the problem. We are choosing to find solutions,” Joe Nacarato told media and customers attending the event.

Nyberg emphasized that increasing uptime through more reliable truck technology, innovative approaches to preventive maintenance and diagnostics and dealer support is one of Volvo’s top priorities.

Nacarato Volvo includes a dedicated body shop with 18 bays and a two-bay paint booth that provides same-day turnaround. Additional features include steam cleaning and wash bays and an FSX Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning system.

Designed with energy conservation in mind, Nacarato Volvo utilizes a heating system that runs on waste oil. The dealership also harvests solar energy through roof-mounted panels on the service and body shops.

 Vanguard Truck Center – Adairsville, Ga.

Vanguard Truck Center recently expanded its footprint in Georgia with the addition of a new full-service dealership in Adairsville. Located off Interstate-75, the easily accessible location serves as a satellite store for Vanguard’s primary facility in the Atlanta suburb of Forest Park.

The facility can simultaneously service seven trucks in its oversized bays, which are staffed by six Volvo technicians, three of which are Volvo master technicians. On-site parts inventory in Adairsville now exceeds $200,000, with fast access to the more extensive parts warehouse at the Forest Park location. Vanguard in Adairsville also offers a complimentary pickup and delivery service, so local customers don’t have to worry about the transportation of a truck needing service.

“The Adairsville location puts us closer to our customers north of Atlanta, allowing us to provide even better service and expand our reach to new customers,” said Mike Youngblood, branch manager at Vanguard Truck Center’s Adairsville location.

 Volvo Trucks’ dealer network has grown significantly since January 2010. Work capacity has increased 32 percent at Volvo Trucks locations in Texas, resulting in an additional 170 truck service bays, 138 Volvo-certified technicians and a 39 percent increase in parts inventory. Work capacity has also increased at Volvo Trucks dealer locations throughout the Western region of the U.S., growing by nearly 15 percent over the past three years. The expansion includes the addition of nearly 80 truck service bays, 135 Volvo-certified technicians and a nearly 22 percent increase in parts inventory.

To hear Volvo president Goran Nyberg talk about his first impressions of the North American trucking market and Volvo’s plans for growth, check out this week’s episode of Transportation Matters.

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