Volvo’s bold Australian of the Year bid

Truckmaker spruiks its Australian accomplishments in lighthearted spiel

 Volvo FH.JPG

Volvo Trucks Australia has made an audacious Australian of the Year claim ahead of Australia Day celebrations.

Pointing to Australia’s reliance on road transport and the growing freight task, coupled with its Australian manufacturing presence, Volvo outlines further why the Volvo FH is a “front-runner to take the top prize”.

The list includes:

  • The FH has been built to thrive in local conditions and has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of being made in Australia
  • Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol facility not only remains in operation, but has become Australia’s largest vehicle manufacturing powerhouse, providing local jobs since 1972 with more than 46,475 Volvo trucks rolling off the production line up to December 2018
  • All Volvo FH and FM models produced at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol factory are certified to carry the ‘Australian Made’ stamp
  • The location of the factory allows workers to customise trucks to suit the challenging Australian conditions, including high temperatures and long distances
  • Volvo has invested and continues to invest heavily in the largest dealer and customer service network in Australia and New Zealand – with a total of $160m in the four years to 2018 including new national headquarters and dealerships in both Sydney and Brisbane.

Volvo Australia admits the tongue-in-cheek nature of its nomination, but with a serious undertone to its Australian credentials.

“It ticks every box,” Volvo Group Australia president and CEO Martin Merrick says.

“It makes a significant contribution to the community, it’s an inspirational role model for Australia and is an Australian citizen. Why shouldn’t it be Australian of the Year?”


Read more about the FH’s 25th birthday celebrations, here


Vice President of Sales Tony O’Connell echoes the sentiment.

“The Volvo FH has been servicing Australia for over a quarter of a century,” O’Connell says.

“It works hard for Australians day in and day out by not only providing employment opportunities but also delivering everything from food to construction materials.”

Volvo notes the industry’s contribution to the nation’s economy is growing, with some research predicting road freight will grow 50 per cent by 2036, firmly entrenching the brand’s local commitment for the long term.

“We are extremely proud of the Volvo FH’s 25-year history and we look forward to continuing our innovative Australian manufacturing story,” Merrick says.

Volvo’s statement concludes by “congratulat[ing] every Australian of the Year nominee for their outstanding contribution to building a better Australia”. Perhaps a nod at other manufacturers who may now stake their claim?

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