THE first three months of 2014 saw improved earnings on the back of higher sales at Volvo CE. With deliveries up and a new range of Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant models launched, the company saw most growth in mature markets. Much of the improvements during the period came from higher sales of smaller machines, while larger machine sales remained relatively subdued. The biggest sales increases came from more mature markets, particularly North America, where sales were up 21 per cent during the period, compared to the same period in 2013.

During the first quarter of 2014, Volvo CE saw net sales grow by 10 per cent to SEK 13,371 million (SEK 12,136 million in Q1 2013). When adjusted for currency movements, growth increased by 11 per cent. Operating income was also up during the period, increasing to SEK 647 million, compared to SEK 500 million in the first quarter of 2013.