Volvo is set to manufacture the first-ever Australian-made heavy duty electric trucks as part of nation’s largest-ever order.
The announcement coincides with Volvo’s delivery of 10 heavy-duty electric trucks to Linfox, which represents the biggest single delivery of Australia’s largest order for 30 heavy-duty electric trucks.
Ten of the electric trucks in the landmark order will carry the ‘Australian Made’ label, positioning Volvo at the forefront of creating a new electric truck manufacturing sector in Australia, tailored to the country’s unique heavy transport needs and conditions.
The truck maker says manufacturing Volvo electric trucks in Australia will expand the nation’s manufacturing capabilities, help accelerate their adoption and lower emissions throughout the Australian road transport sector.
The landmark order with Linfox will comprise 29 FM Electric and one FH Electric model. Linfox has already successfully trialled Volvo electric trucks, beginning with two vehicles in 2021 and expanding to four in 2023.
The announcement was recently celebrated at Linfox’s Willawong site in Brisbane, with Volvo Group President and CEO Martin Lundstedt, and Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, who have travelled from Sweden with Volvo executives, joining Martin Merrick, President of Volvo Group Australia, and Linfox Executive Chairman Peter Fox for the official handover.
Lundstedt says the announcement signifies not just the delivery of electric trucks, but “the dawn of a new era for Australian manufacturing”.
“This landmark order from Linfox, coupled with our commitment to build a third of these electric vehicles right here in Australia, demonstrates our confidence in the local industry’s potential to lead the way in sustainable heavy transport, perfectly suited to Australia’s demanding distances and conditions,” he says.
Martin Merrick adds that manufacturing a significant portion of the electric trucks locally is “a key pillar of our long-term vision for Australia”.
“We are dedicated to establishing a thriving electric truck manufacturing industry that will create skilled jobs, drive innovation and accelerate the uptake of zero-emission transport solutions across the Australian road transport sector.
“To assist the industry accelerate the adoption of low emission electric trucks, we would like to see all state and federal governments provide more accessible incentives for all businesses, especially small to medium enterprises, so they can follow in Linfox’s footsteps,” he says.
Volvo Group’s decision to manufacture these advanced heavy-duty electric trucks in Australia builds upon its extensive 50-year history of local production at the Wacol plant in Brisbane.