Volvo Voluntarily Initiates Replacement Of Non-Compliant Labels

    GREENSBORO, N.C.--March 30, 2001--On March 21, Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. announced a voluntarily non-compliance notification with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This voluntary action relates to the weight rating indicated on the certification label and the distribution of the weight on the front axle of the truck when the trailer is not present. Of the over 70,000 VN series trucks produced since 1996, this labeling issue effects 1,577 VN series model trucks manufactured between November 22, 1997 and August 28,1999. "Once we discovered this labeling issue, we were quick to react and work with NHTSA" said Christopher W. Patterson, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Volvo Trucks North America.
    In an unrelated matter, Volvo Trucks North America Inc., asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open a Preliminary Evaluation regarding a petition filed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).
    "Volvo has always been recognized for its outstanding record of safety and commitment to its customers. We are confident in the quality of our vehicles and we pledge full cooperation with NHTSA." said Patterson.
    According to federal law, NHTSA has 120 days to determine whether or not the agency sees a need to initiate the first phase of such an investigation, a Preliminary Evaluation. Volvo is calling for the agency to grant the request prior to the 120-day deadline in order to bring this issue to a close.
    "We are prepared to work with NHTSA immediately to clear up these issues. We have always had an open relationship with the agency and we encourage them to move forward and open up a preliminary evaluation procedure" said Patterson.
    Specifically, the focus of the OOIDA petition is on all Volvo Trucks manufactured in North America between 1989 - 2000. Of the 260,000 units produced in that time frame, 42 OOIDA members have officially come forward in the petition. "We've been working on their issues with OOIDA for some time now." said Patterson. Patterson goes on to state, "about a year ago OOIDA allowed us to contact approximately a dozen of the 42 owners in question and have found maintenance practices to be the prevailing factor for their current performance issues." Patterson continues, "additionally, we want to continue working with every one of the 42 customers who have raised these issues to make certain that the vehicles are properly evaluated to determine the basis for their complaints."