Dive Brief:
- Volvo Trucks North America recently upgraded its Blue Service Contract to offer optimized service stops based on factors such as fuel consumption, idle time and oil samples, according to a press release last month.
- The dealer-managed preventative maintenance system — powered by the OEM’s proprietary artificial intelligence models — will enable fewer stops for Volvo trucks that are 2023 model year and newer. Volvo says the technology will increase uptime and reduce operating costs for its customers.
- The new features are a part of Volvo Trucks’ integrated connectivity solutions, which allows fleet managers and dealers to monitor and manage trucks in near real time.
Dive Insight:
Volvo Trucks’ refreshed Blue Service Contract will be able to make certain that the service bay, technician and parts are available when the truck arrives at the dealership, which will expedite service, the release said.
The contract, available throughout the company’s dealer network, will give customers access to a “Fleet Manager” that will provide “concierge-level service,” according to a Volvo Trucks fact sheet.
The connectivity is a defining feature of Volvo trucks, said Magnus Gustafson, VP of connected services at Volvo Trucks North America, in the release.
“We find that many fleets are over-maintaining their trucks, which can be costly,” he said. “Applying AI to optimize maintenance intervals based on truck specs, operating conditions and actual use ensures our customers can maximize the uptime of their Volvo trucks.”
The Blue Service Contract also will allow customers to choose specific services covered under their contract, including new options such as fuel filters, valve adjustments and truck washes.
In the release, Volvo Trucks said customers reported a day of downtime — representing a revenue loss between $800 and $5,000 — during launch activities for the new Volvo VNL. The disruption “underscored the importance of optimized maintenance,” the company said in the release.
