Volvo Trucks has revealed it will build the first-ever Australian-made heavy duty electric truck in the next year.
Ahead of Australian Made Week, and on the opening day of the Brisbane Truck Show, Volvo announced the pivotal decision.
From next year, the electric trucks will be built at the company’s Wacol facility in Brisbane.
Volvo Group Australia says manufacturing its electric trucks in Australia will expand the nation’s manufacturing capabilities, help accelerate the technology’s adoption and lower emissions throughout the nation’s road transport sector.
The milestone announcement was celebrated in Brisbane, with Volvo Group president and CEO Martin Lundstedt joining Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm in Australia for the reveal.
“Today signifies the dawn of a new era for Australian manufacturing,” Lundstedt says.
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“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.”
Merrick says manufacturing a significant portion of Volvo’s electric trucks locally is a key pillar of its 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,” he says.
“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.”
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.
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