Volvo and the ACT Government have announced that they have signed what they are describing as a landmark zero emissions agreement between the the truck maker and the Territory’s Emergency Services Agency.
The agreement, which places VGA as preferred supplier of zero emissions heavy vehicles to the ESA is believed to be a first for an Australian emergency services agency and places both parties on the road to a fossil free future.
President and CEO of Volvo Group Australia, Martin Merrick said the journey towards a zero emissions future isn’t just accelerating globally it is fast gathering pace here in Australia.
“Collaborations like the one we have just announced with the ACTESA are vital to help decarbonise our world and I applaud the agency for its commitment to being a part of this journey with us,” said Merrick.
“We are very aware of the trust placed in us to fulfil this role.Every day around the world lives depend on our vehicles, and we look forward to that trust evolving towards an emissions free environment to improve the lives of many more,” he added.
“Emergency service support vehicles with zero-emissions capability are not currently available on the market, the fulfillment of this contract will position the ESA as a leader in Australia for zero-emissions operational support vehicles,” said ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan.
“At its core, the ACTESA strives to ensure the safety of our community, staff and volunteers. Making the transition to a sustainable fleet, subsequently contributing to the wellbeing of Canberrans and our environment, aligns with this key commitment,” she said.
“The world around us is rapidly changing, both in terms of technology, workplace diversity and the environment and it is exciting that we are leading this change,” concluded Commissioner Whelan.
The statement announcing the agreement says that Volvo Group Australia has been manufacturing trucks at Wacol in Queensland for more than 50 years and employs more than 700 people directly in the production process, supported by over 60 dedicated engineers.
The company says that it has committed to being fossil-fuel free by 2040 with production of electric trucks expected to begin at the Wacol site during 2025.
