Nolan’s accepts handover of Volvo’s 50,000 locally made truck

Volvo Trucks Australia this week celebrated the delivery of the 50,000th Australian built Volvo Truck.

In an event held at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol Qld headquarters, the milestone FH16 XXL was handed over to Nolan’s Interstate Transport.

Volvo Trucks Australia Vice President, Tony O’Connell, Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia Dealer Principle, Greg Sargeant and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz were all present for the handover ceremony.

The 50,000th Volvo commercial vehicle features custom paintwork and airbrush murals that reflect both the heritage of
Volvo Trucks in Australia and the growth of the Nolan’s Transport business, a relationship that spans nearly five decades.

“Back in 1970 Volvo Group Sweden invested $2 million dollars (AUD) creating an Australian manufacturing capability,” said O’Connell.

“This truck is a fitting tribute, not only to that wise investment 50 years ago, but also the evolution of Volvo Trucks in Australia,” he said.

“We build some of the toughest, safest vehicles on the Australian market here and our commitment to investing in this country and in our customers continues to grow.”

Speaking at the event, Greg Sargeant spent time reflecting on the value of close customer relationships.

“Transport is such a relational business. Trust, integrity, honesty and transparency are the building blocks of a successful business partnership,” he said.

“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,” said Sargeant.

“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.”

Sargeant made the obsevation that families grow, and in turn their children grow, and soon another generation comes along.

“The family name stays on the truck door,” he said.

“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,” continued Sargeant.

“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.”

Last month Volvo Group Australia announced a further $25 million expansion in manufacturing capability in addition to an all new range of Volvo Trucks that will be manufactured at the Wacol Qld plant commencing in 2021.

(Image: VCV Australia Key Account Manager, John Grossman, Volvo Trucks Brand Manager, Tracy Griffin, VGA President and CEO,
Martin Merrick, Vice President, Volvo Trucks Australia, Tony O’Connell, VCV Australia Sales Director, Martin Lambert, VCV Australia Volvo Trucks Sales Manager, Philippa Stewart).

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