Dubai, December 04, 2007: FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company), the Al-Futtaim Group's market-leading distributor of Volvo Trucks and Buses in the UAE, today announced a major deal to supply 30 Volvo trucks to Allied Transport Establishment, a leading commercial transport solutions provider in the UAE.

Allied Transport will use the trucks to meet the growing demands for DHL's express mail and transit cargo customers across the GCC and Levant countries.

The first of the Volvo FH400 trucks with I-shift transmission technology were delivered at a private ceremony at FAMCO's head office in Dubai. Joe Lahoud, Divisional Manager - FAMCO's Volvo Truck & Bus Division handed over the truck keys to Ali Khalifa Beyat, Managing Director of Allied Transport Establishment. 

At the handover Mr. Lahoud said: "We are delighted that Allied Transport has chosen Volvo to upgrade its fleet. These trucks are tailor made to enhance the DHL Road Express and Logistic operations across the region. We are confident that the Globetrotter cab and the revolutionary I-Shift gearbox will enhance driver comfort, increase road safety and improve fuel economy.

"Moreover this is evidence of how the top transporters in the region's extremely demanding logistics market appreciate the many outstanding features of the latest Volvo trucks. At FAMCO we are committed to providing the very best products, but also the best possible service and parts back up to our customers."

Mr. Ali Beyat, Managing Director of Allied Transport commented that the delivery of the first thirty trucks is a part of the company's five-year strategy plan. He said: "We anticipate the supply of over 500 trucks for DHL's requirements over the next five years. These trucks will be used to meet the growing demands for DHL's express service across the GCC and Levant countries and North Africa.

"Our fleet currently includes eight Volvo trucks and we have found these trucks to be very reliable. With the addition of the latest Volvo I-Shift trucks, we believe that we will be able to achieve our objectives with much better economy and improved efficiency. We decided to go ahead with the I-Shift trucks primarily because of Volvo's superior quality and reliability, as well as FAMCO's reputation for after-sales service which is second to none," he added.

Mr. Bachi Spiga, Middle East Head of Operations - DHL Middle East said: "Our operations continue to grow at a rapid pace and the company is seen as the number one road solutions expert. The addition of these Volvo trucks will help us to meet our increased schedules throughout the Middle East due to the enormous growth of the road express business and our requirement for tailor-made solutions for customers also."

Since its official launch at Dubai's Autodrome in April 2007, the I-Shift truck has gained ground, becoming the preferred solution for most of the professional transport operators in the UAE.

-Ends-

About FAMCO:
FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company) supplies products and services to a diverse range of industries and commercial undertakings covering the transportation, construction, manufacturing, warehousing and marine sectors. FAMCO serves these industries with world-class brands including Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, Volvo Construction Equipment, Ingersoll-Rand, Linde, Dexion, Yanmar, SDMO, Stanley Proto, Fenner, Bruynzeel, Global, Bott, System Edstrom, Stertil, Hart and Nassau.

FAMCO's operations cover the entire UAE, with bases in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and the company's development and success has been based on an in-depth understanding of customer needs and the dedication of its skilled staff.

FAMCO is committed to providing outstanding second-to-none service levels to customers and to maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards at the highest possible levels. Evidence of this is that FAMCO is an ISO 9001:2000 (Quality Standard) and ISO 14001:2004 (Environment Standard) certified company.

In addition, FAMCO continues to receive performance awards from its principals; recently Volvo Trucks, Volvo Construction Equipment, Linde and Dexion have honored the company with awards for outstanding sales and excellence in after-sales support.

For more information, please contact: 
Geoffrey Watson
Head of Corporate Communications
Al-Futtaim Group
Tel: +971 4 228 2101 Ext.214
Fax: +971 4 227 9801
Email: victoria.jacks@gmasco.com 
Web: www.al-futtaim.com 

© Press Release 2007