The first locally built OEM battery-electric trucks from Volvo Group Australia are rolling off the production line at Wacol, Queensland.
The milestone was officially recognised today at Volvo’s Wacol plant, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joining Volvo Group executives, customers and industry representatives to celebrate the start of local electric truck production.
Volvo said the trucks are the first OEM-manufactured battery-electric heavy vehicles to be built in Australia, following investment in production capability and workforce training at its long-established Brisbane manufacturing facility.
The Wacol plant has been producing Volvo trucks for Australian conditions for more than 50 years. To support the introduction of battery-electric models, Volvo trained local employees with the assistance of international specialists, enabling Australian workers to manufacture the vehicles to the company’s global standards.
Volvo Group Executive Vice President and Volvo Trucks President, Roger Alm, said local production reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the Australian market.
“Australia is an important market for Volvo Trucks, and building electric trucks here is a clear sign of our long-term commitment. It reflects Volvo Group’s confidence in Australian manufacturing and in the people behind it,” said Alm.
“We are convinced that electric trucks will play a key role in the future of transport. Producing them in Australia will help drive the sustainability transformation, while bringing us even closer to our customers and their needs.”
Albanese said the project demonstrates the opportunities for Australian manufacturing as the country transitions to lower-emissions transport.
“My Government is backing a future made in Australia – investing in local jobs, manufacturing and industry,” he said.
“We have all the resources to be a clean energy superpower, under the ground and in the sky, and projects like this show just what’s possible.
“Electric-made trucks built right here in Brisbane will keep Australia moving now and into the future.”
Volvo Group Australia President and CEO, Martin Merrick, said the achievement is an important step for both the company and the broader manufacturing sector.
“This is a proud day for Volvo Trucks and for Australian manufacturing,” he said.
“For more than 50 years we have built Volvo trucks for Australian conditions here in Wacol, and today we have built the first electric truck ever manufactured by an OEM in this country.
“These trucks were built right here by an Australian team we have trained to a global standard. This is proof of concept, and a foundation we are ready to build on.”
The first locally manufactured electric prime movers will enter service with Linfox, which has been progressively expanding its low-emissions fleet.
Linfox Australia and New Zealand CEO, Mark Mazurek, said the company was proud to deploy the first Australian-built electric trucks.
“Today’s milestone is a prime example of what the industry can achieve in partnership with local manufacturers and government,” he said.
“These Australian-made electric prime movers will ensure we continue to service our customers with a reliable fleet that is safe, secure, efficient and sustainable.”
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