Volvo Trucks has celebrated the delivery of its 50,000th Australian built Volvo Truck with the long-time Volvo fleet ,Nolan’s Interstate Transport.
The milestone truck was delivered to Nolan’s in a special ceremony at at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol headquarters in Brisbane.
The 50,000th truck is an FH16 XXL and the keys were handed over was handed over to Nolan’s by Volvo Trucks Australia vice president, Tony O’Connell, in the presence of assistant minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz as well as Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia dealer principle, Greg Sargeant.
The 50,000th Volvo 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 5 decades.
“Back in 1970 Volvo Group Sweden invested $2 million dollars (AUD) creating an Australian manufacturing capability, says Tony 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.”
“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,” O’Connell said.
Assistant Transport minister Scott Buchholz spoke to the critical importance of heavy vehicle manufacturing and his affinity for the Nolan brand.
“Today represents the coming together of two wonderful Australian companies. As a former transport operator, I know the Australian transport and trucking sector has embraced Volvo and Nolan’s is a fine example of that.
Mr Buchholz said this was a very special occasion for Volvo and the Nolan family.
“Both of the companies represented in this room have a proud legacy in Australian Trucking and I thank Volvo Group for their ongoing commitment to Australian manufacturing and jobs and of course to Nolan’s Interstate Transport, a stalwart of the industry.
Mr Buchholz said companies like Nolan’s have literally kept shelves stocked during the pandemic, and wonderful Australian made heavy vehicles kept the wheels turning.
“The fact that this truck remains at home here in Queensland, the fact it ended up with a beautiful genuine family, there is not a better match for this 50,000th order.
The first Nolan vehicle in the early 1900’s was a horse drawn cart carrying cream, wood and milk across the Lockyer Valley. From humble origins, Nolan’s Interstate Transport is now a fifth-generation operation and one of the largest family-owned and operated Transport businesses in Queensland.
Mr Buchholz said the success of Volvo and Nolan’s was the ultimate Australian success story.
Greg Sargeant used the event to reflect 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,” said Sargeant.
“I’d like to think it’s these very qualities that have led to us all being here in this room today to celebrate.”
“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,” he added.
Volvo Group Australia recently announced a further 25-million-dollar expansion in manufacturing capability as well as an all new range of Volvo Trucks that will be manufactured at the Wacol Qld plant commencing in 2021.
