en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Volvo Group Australia has commenced local manufacturing of battery electric trucks at its Wacol facility in Queensland, with the first Australian-made OEM electric trucks rolling off the production line. This marks the first time an OEM has produced electric trucks in Australia, signaling a new development in the country's manufacturing and heavy vehicle sectors.
Volvo stated that these electric trucks are manufactured at the Wacol facility, which has over 50 years of experience building trucks for Australian conditions. Local employees have received specialized training from international experts to ensure production meets the company's global standards. Attendees at the launch ceremony included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Roger Alm, Executive Vice President of Volvo Group and President of Volvo Trucks, Martin Merrick, President and CEO of Volvo Group Australia, Mark Mazurek, CEO of Linfox, Ben Lazzaro, CEO of Australian Made Campaign, and Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council.
Roger Alm noted that this launch reflects Volvo's long-term commitment to the Australian market, emphasizing that electric trucks will play a key role in future transportation and that local production helps support the transition while staying close to customers. Prime Minister Albanese pointed out that this is an example of government support for domestic manufacturing, stating that manufacturing electric trucks in Brisbane will drive Australia's continued development. Martin Merrick commented that this is the first OEM-produced electric truck in the country, demonstrating the capabilities of the local team and facility.
Volvo mentioned that transportation accounts for approximately 22% of Australia's carbon emissions, and broader adoption of electric heavy vehicles requires collaboration between industry and government, including policy support, uniform road weight regulations, charging infrastructure investment, and procurement commitments. The first Australian-made electric trucks will be delivered to logistics company Linfox. CEO Mark Mazurek stated that locally manufactured vehicles will support the company's sustainability goals while strengthening manufacturing. Ben Lazzaro called this milestone a testament to the skills and capabilities of Australian workers.
In a LinkedIn post following the event, Australian Made Campaign stated that this achievement showcases the capabilities, expertise, and ingenuity of Australian manufacturing, noting that after over 50 years of local production, Volvo is on track to produce its 85,000th Australian-made truck.
