en.Wedoany.com Reported - At Volvo Group Australia's facility in Wacol, Queensland, the company has completed the manufacturing of the country's first battery electric truck produced locally by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The factory has been producing trucks for Australian road conditions for over 50 years, and the rollout of these initial battery electric trucks is seen as a key milestone for Australia's heavy vehicle manufacturing industry.
Attending the commemorative ceremony were Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Volvo Group Executive Vice President and Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm, Volvo Group Australia President and CEO Martin Merrick, Linfox CEO Mark Mazurek, Australian Made Campaign CEO Ben Lazzaro, and Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio.
Volvo stated that these trucks demonstrate Australia's capability to manufacture battery electric heavy vehicles to global standards, with local workers having received training from international experts prior to production. Transport accounts for approximately 22% of Australia's carbon emissions, and heavy freight is considered a key sector in the country's transition to net zero emissions.
Roger Alm said the move reinforces Volvo's long-term commitment to the Australian market. "Australia is an important market for Volvo Trucks, and manufacturing electric trucks here is a clear signal of our long-term commitment. This reflects Volvo Group's confidence in Australian manufacturing and the people behind it. We believe electric trucks will play a key role in the future of transport. Producing them in Australia will help drive the sustainability transition while bringing us closer to our customers and their needs."
Prime Minister Albanese noted that the project aligns with the government's manufacturing strategy. "My government supports a future 'Made in Australia'—investing in local jobs, manufacturing, and industry. We have everything needed to become a clean energy superpower—both underground and in the sky—and projects like this showcase the limitless possibilities. Electric trucks manufactured locally in Brisbane will ensure Australia's transport keeps moving, now and into the future."
Martin Merrick said the achievement is significant for both Volvo and Australia's manufacturing capabilities. "This is a proud day for Volvo Trucks and Australian manufacturing. For over 50 years, we have been building Volvo trucks for Australian road conditions in Wacol, and today we manufactured the country's first OEM-produced electric truck. It is a testament to the capability of our people and our facility. These trucks are built here by our Australian team, trained to global standards. This is a proof of concept and a foundation we are ready to build upon."
Linfox will be the first customer to deploy Australian-made electric prime movers.
Mark Mazurek said: "As an Australian-owned company, Linfox is proud to support the local economy by putting the first Australian-made electric trucks into our fleet. Today's milestone is a prime example of what can be achieved when industry collaborates with local manufacturers and government. These Australian-made electric prime movers will ensure we continue to serve our customers with a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable fleet."
Volvo emphasized that the transition to battery electric heavy vehicles requires ongoing collaboration between industry and government, including supportive policy frameworks, harmonized heavy vehicle weight regulations across Australian states, fleet procurement commitments, and investment in charging infrastructure and the power grid.
