The Key Attributes of Volvo

Ascendum, Volvo’s distributor in Mexico, modifies its machinery and equipment in order to meet the requirements of its mining customers, and works closely with those customers in order to understand exactly what modifications will be required given the working conditions. “We need to know how many hours they will be operating, and if it is going to be a dusty, hot or humid environment,” says Marco Liz Cifrián, CEO of Ascendum Mexico. “We have articulated trucks for open pit mining, but they can be modified by lowering the chassis to comply with the requirements for working underground. The customization of equipment really makes a difference for mining companies.” Ascendum offers an onsite maintenance service to gain proximity to its customers and overcome the logistical problems resulting from mines being located far away from the nearest town. “Because machinery that is being used in mining operations is really put to the test, we have to be sure that we can reach their locations promptly and with all of the equipment needed to perform repairs. Ascendum has onsite branches for customers in Coahuila and Veracruz, which are essentially a container with spare parts for servicing the machines we have working inside the project,” says Liz Cifrián.

A unique feature of Volvo products is the Care Track technology, a monitoring system that works through GPS signals, reading and recording everything that the machine does. “It is an intelligent system that communicates the performance of the machine with central control, and will also send a notification if the operator is using the equipment in an improper way. This is very important, because it allows owners to identify training needs. The system can also be programmed to trigger an alarm if the equipment leaves a certain perimeter. Essentially, it helps to maximize efficiency, drive cost savings and identify training needs,” says Liz Cifrián. Through its full suspension technology the company also administers the distribution of hydraulic pressure in the wheels of articulated trucks. “The computer analyses the features of the terrain, loading or unloading the pressure to maximize efficiency. This increases the speed with greater safety, resulting in cost savings, since the system is adjusting to perform better,” adds Liz Cifrián.

The Ascendum Group is a multinational corporation based in Portugal, with 54 years of history in the heavy machinery business and over 25,000 operating machines around the world. In 2012, the company established its presence in Mexico. The mining industry currently represents close to 25% of Ascendum’s total sales, after the construction industry which represents 50%. With distribution centers in Mexico City, Monterrey, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi and Guadalajara so far, the plan is to open around 20 more branches in 2014. “Ascendum’s mission is to consolidate the Volvo brand in Mexico using our experience, our knowledge and the know-how that we have accumulated over the years working in several countries,” says Liz Cifrián. “Ascendum has defined mining as a critical opportunity.”