Volvo Trucks Australia (VGA) celebrates the milestone of its 50,000th Australian-built truck.
The milestone FH16 XXL was handed over to Nolan’s Interstate Transport by VGA Vice President Tony O’Connell, Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia Dealer Principle Greg Sargeant, and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz.
The 50,000th truck features custom paintwork and airbrush murals, highlighting the growth of both Volvo Trucks and Nolan’s Transport business and a relationship spanning nearly five decades.
“Back in 1970 Volvo Group Sweden invested $2 million dollars (AUD) creating an Australian manufacturing capability, O’Connell says.
“This truck is a fitting tribute, not only to that wise investment 50 years ago, but also the evolution of Volvo Trucks in Australia.
“We build some of the toughest, safest vehicles on the Australian market here,” he continues.
“And our commitment to investing in this country and in our customers continues to grow.”
Greg Sargeant reflected on the value of close customer relationships within the transport sector, something Volvo Trucks Australia and Nolan’s Interstate Transport have fostered.
“Transport is such a relational business. Trust, integrity, honesty and transparency are the building blocks of a successful business partnership,” Sargeant says.
“And I’d like to think it’s these very qualities that have led to us all being here in this room today to celebrate.
“The Australian transport industry is made up of a tapestry of stories.
“Stories of hard work, sacrifice, innovation and ingenuity.
“One of the privileges of working in this business is that I often get to hear these stories, and even see them play out over time as one truck become two, then becomes three then four.
“A humble gravel hardstand gets a demountable office, then a shed. The shed gets a sign, the hardstand gets concrete.
“Families grow, children grow, another generation comes along. The family name stays on the truck door.
“Success in transport can be elusive and it doesn’t favour everyone. Hard work needs smart decisions, the courage to stick with those decisions. And occasionally even just a bit of good luck.
“And in my mind, we are celebrating this milestone with one of those very success stories. One that embodies everything I admire about this industry,” he says.
Volvo Group Australia recently announced a further $25 million expansion into its manufacturing capability as well as an all-new range of trucks that will be manufactured at the Wacol Qld plant from 2021.