Aktio switches to Volvo CE with record Thai order

From left to right: Aktio Operator, Panipak Petcharapirat, General Manager Sales, CHAB, Nunnapin Petcharapirat CEO, CHAB, Yuichiro Abe, Managing Director, Aktio, Wiphada Thong-om, Machine Sales Director, CHAB, Navin Amornvech, Machine Sales Manager, CHAB, and Khachonsak Poasing, Machine Salesman, CHAB.

Leading Thai rental company Aktio has placed a landmark order for 13 Volvo EW145B Prime wheeled excavators. This marks the largest-ever wheel excavator order from a single customer in Thailand this year, and the first time Aktio has opted for Volvo machines over their traditionally preferred Japanese brands.

CHAB, Volvo CE’s trusted dealer in Thailand, played a crucial role in the deal by anticipating rising demand for slightly smaller but more mobile excavators in the Thai market. With infrastructure development accelerating across the country, especially in strategic projects such as the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS Sky Train), highways, and road construction, Aktio saw an opportunity to diversify its fleet with machines better suited to urban construction environments.

A Strategic shift in the market

The deal reflects a shift from 20-ton crawler excavators to more compact and versatile 14-ton machines. The EW145B Prime is attracting attention for its powerful performance, easy transportability, and reduced operating costs—all critical factors for rental businesses and contractors working in congested or urban job sites, which are common in Thailand.

Delivery of the 13 machines has been scheduled to match project timelines. The first unit was delivered in January 2025, followed by five units in March, one unit in April, and three units in May. The final three units will arrive in June.

Powerful performance with exceptional flexibility

The Volvo EW145B Prime combines powerful performance with exceptional flexibility, making it ideal for a wide range of construction applications. Key features include:

• High lifting and digging performance, which is ideal for tough job site tasks.
• Superior mobility: Wheeled design allows for quick relocation between job sites, minimising downtime.
• Fuel efficiency: Optimised hydraulic system reduces consumption without compromising output.
• Operator comfort: Spacious, ergonomic cab improves productivity over long shifts.
• Ease of maintenance: Durable components and simplified service access reduce total cost of ownership.

Yuichiro Abe, Managing Director, Aktio (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said:

“We’re extremely pleased with how the EW145B Prime units have performed. The machines have been working well and are supporting our customers on major construction projects. In addition, the support we’ve received from CHAB, both in sales and after-sales, has been excellent.”

This milestone represents more than just a successful equipment delivery, it’s a strategic win for Volvo CE and its dealer, demonstrating the brand’s growing influence in Thailand’s construction equipment market.

Raven Chua, Head of Market West, Volvo CE, adds:

“This deal shows how Volvo CE can meet the evolving needs of rental customers in high-demand infrastructure projects. We’re proud to see Aktio embracing the EW145B Prime, and even prouder of the teamwork between our dealer CHAB and the customer that made this possible.”

Looking ahead

With a positive outlook for 14-ton class excavators in Thailand and growing customer interest in wheeled solutions, Volvo CE and CHAB are poised to continue leading the shift toward smarter, more versatile construction machinery.