BEIJING, May 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Volvo Group China has decided to donate RMB 9 M to the areas of China that have been hit most severely by the earthquake. In addition, the Volvo Group China has provided Volvo equipment that has already been deployed in rescue work in various parts of the affected areas.
The earthquake, reportedly the most powerful to hit China in 30 years, has claimed at least 10,000 people in Sichuan province and left thousands homeless. The worst is the casualties keep rising.
To echo the need for a quick and efficient response the Volvo Group is initiating the “Blue Care” program and is immediately pledging RMB 9 million to the people mostly affected by the disaster through China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation. The donation includes 2 million RMB in cash and 7 million RMB equivalents of complimentary Volvo excavators, Lingong wheel loaders, and Volvo Penta generator sets for rescue use.
“The earthquake in Wenchuan Sichuan has influenced all of us. We would like to extend our condolences to all those who have suffered from the earthquake or to the families of lost members. Volvo has more than 4,000 employees in China who are concerned about the progress of the rescue,” said Par Ostberg, Senior VP of Volvo Group for Asia. “China has become a domestic market for the Volvo Group, which means we are closely linked to the country in which we conduct business. At this moment, we are fully committed to giving back to the Chinese society.”
About 20 Lingong wheel loaders and 10 Volvo excavators have started their rescue work at the front line. 2 sets of 80kwe Volvo Penta generator sets will soon be delivered. Volvo is coordinating with dealers around Sichuan province to offer more machines to meet the urgent needs from earthquake-stricken areas.
Since the official entry into China in 1992, Volvo Group has deeply rooted in China with the continuous increase of local investments and business expansion. Donation is just one step along the way of Volvo Group’s dedication to become a responsible corporate citizen in China.
About Volvo Group
Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services. At the same time, the Group also provides financing services for complete transport solutions and other relevant services. Volvo Group’s net sales in 2007 increased by 10% to SEK285,405 M from SEK258,835 M. By the end of 2007, Volvo Group has over 101,000 employees, production facilities in 19 countries and sales in over 180 countries.
All of Volvo’s business areas hold strong positions in their respective markets. Volvo is the world’s second-largest, European largest heavy-duty trucks manufacturer, world’s second-largest bus manufacturer and one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment. Volvo Penta is a global market leader in marine leisure diesel engines. Volvo Aero is included in 80 percent of the world’s new major aircraft engines.
The earliest offices established in China by Volvo Group are Volvo Trucks and Beijing Office established in 1992. Till now the eight business areas under the Group have entered China successively, involving Construction Equipment, Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, Mack Trucks, Volvo Buses, Volvo Penta, Volvo Aero and Volvo Financial Services, with the business covering more than 20 provinces, cities and autonomous regions across the country. At present Volvo Group have around 4,000 employees in China.
