A combination of competitive products and high demand in most markets saw Volvo Construction Equipment report net sales in the second quarter of 2018 that were up by almost a third, rising 32% compared to the same period in the year before.
Good cost control as volumes return also resulted in strong improvement in profitability.
Net sales in the second quarter increased by 32%, amounting to SEK 24,403 M (SEK 18,439 M in Q2 2017). Operating income was also strongly up, at 3,675 M in the period, eclipsing the 2,460 reported in the same period the year before, equating to an operating margin of 15.1% (13.3%).
The second quarter 2018 also saw order intake increase by 41%, while deliveries in the period were up 38%, at 24,108 machines. Order intake in China was particularly strong, rising by 72%, driven by increased demand for SDLG wheel loaders and SDLG and Volvo excavators.
Market improvements
The second quarter of 2018 saw a continuation of the improving demand situation in most major markets. In the year-to-date, Europe is up 8%, North America up 17% and South America up 28%. Asia (excluding China) is up 19%, while the Chinese market continues its strong development, rising 47%.
“Volvo CE is well invested in strong products and services and a strategy that is serving both our customers and ourselves well,” commented Melker Jernberg, President of 
Volvo Construction Equipment. “We continue our efforts to improve efficiency across the supply chain, and are moving in the right direction. Finding the balance between investing in new technologies while at the same time maintaining cost consciousness and flexibility will continue to be in focus during the remainder of the year.”