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The official announcement of the deal by AB Volvo pointed out that the three operations' "powertrain, purchasing, and product development will be merged," but provided no other details. Volvo, Mack, and Renault VI each currently have their own diesel engine lines and production facilities. Other plans for the future, including rationalizing engine and other major component production, have yet to be determined, Gustafson said. Despite bringing Mack into its family, Volvo still intends to launch its own new vocational chassis in July, he added. Speaking at a press conference last month, Gustafson said Volvo would continue to market and maintain both the Volvo and Mack brands, and that both brands will keep separate sales and parts networks.

Gustafson also served as executive vp-sales and marketing for Mack Trucks and president of Mack Trucks Canada before coming to Volvo Trucks North America in 1996. "As a former longtime Mack dealer, I could not be more pleased to be associated with Mack Trucks again," said Marc Gustafson, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks North America. The two also take a vertically integrated approach to truck building, producing their own major powertrain components. While Mack is strong in vocational trucks and local and regional vehicles, Volvo has a strong presence in the LTL and sleeper longhaul tractor markets. Observers say Mack would be a good fit with Volvo in North America since they have complementary product lines with little overlap. Although it will probably take the rest of the year to finalize the deal and gain the needed regulatory approval in both Europe and the U.S., the transaction would double Volvo's global truck business and make Volvo Trucks North America the number-two heavy truck maker in the U.S. Under a $2-billion deal announced late last month, AB Volvo will exchange 15% of its shares for 100% of Renault's truck business, Renault VI/Mack. Acquisition makes Swedish truck maker number two in heavy trucks