Volvo Trucks Malaysia - Spurred onwards by a positive 2022, Volvo Trucks Malaysia seeks more growth via a sustainable future through leading on vehicle safety and EV adoption through collaboration

Yesterday, the 22 March 2023, Volvo Trucks Malaysia (Volvo Trucks) held a small media event where the Managing Director, Anthony O'Connell spoke on the company's 2022 performance and what Volvo Trucks have planned in the near future. For 2022, Volvo Trucks had  registered an 8.5% growth in volume of units delivered to customers. This was spurred by pent-up demand following the post-pandemic period and the Malaysian success echoes the truck manufacturer’s global performance which delivered an all-time high number of its trucks to customers while simultaneously increasing market share in 41 countries.

For 2022, Volvo Trucks shared that its 8.5% volume growth represented 320 units sold compared to 295 units sold the previous year. The brand’s top performing portfolio by model for the year remains its popular FM440 6x2, FMX440 and FM370 prime mover models. They had also during the event, which was held at Volvo Trucks Port Klang 3S Centre showcased the latest Volvo FM range of trucks and the latest features of the trucks which ranged from the blind spot reducing passenger side camera, dynamic steering and other driver oriented features that assist drivers when driving the trucks.

Aside from that, one other growth area is the aftersales sector. Leveraging an extensive network of 13 dealerships across Peninsula and East Malaysia, Volvo Trucks also registered a 12% growth in its aftermarket service.

 

“We grow with our customers at every stage of their business. This growth is attributed by Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s deep understanding of the commercial vehicle industry’s need for safety, reliability and efficiency. While we address current needs, we also believe in driving the future by being a partner to Malaysia and its efforts in accelerating the adoption of green technology and electric vehicles. The only way forward is leadership through collaboration, and Volvo Trucks Malaysia is proud to be a contributing member to the conversation,” said Volvo Trucks Malaysia Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell.

So aside from the numbers and figures presented, Mr O'Connell also shared with us what is planned for the near future of Volvo Trucks here in Malaysia

 

With the theme of "Pioneering a sustainable future", Volvo Trucks intends to be into more sustainable means of achieving transportation goals. The move to green logistics is a process and Volvo Trucks understands that the industry needs offerings to supports this gradual transition. In support of this, Volvo Trucks will introduce the Volvo Euro 5 Prime Mover which meets the stringent international emission requirements, offers better fuel economy, and a cleaner fleet by middle of this year.  At the moment, the Euro 5 Volvo FM was already on display and was showcased at the event. Basically having all the upgraded cabin of the recently improved FM cab, you now have the option of a cleaner engine than before.

They are also looking forward to the launch of the first Electric Prime Mover in Malaysia by the third quarter of the year that will pioneer the commercial vehicle sector’s journey into a sustainable future. Here, Volvo Trucks intend to proceed with the introduction of  Volvo EV trucks in Malaysia in partnership with industry players and government agencies.

 

Leading safety and EV adoption through collaboration

Volvo Trucks is driving conversations and action around road safety and Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption with industry and government agencies. They include a collaboration with PLUS Expressways Berhad to develop a heavy-duty truck safety programme, with the aim of equipping drivers with better safety knowledge and handling of heavy-duty vehicles. And also to the road users to have better understanding of a truck driver’s view when in the driver’s seat.

 

Volvo Trucks also inked a partnership with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) in 2022. The Swedish truck maker will play a key role in advancing the promotion of green logistics through EV adoption, providing hands-on training, and is registered under the MyHijau directory, a reference for sourcing and purchasing green products and services in Malaysia.

 

From an applications perspective, Volvo Trucks’ collaboration with SWIFT Haulage Berhad, inked in 2022, is expected to result in the purchase of Volvo’s first EV truck for the Malaysian market. Additionally, the partnership will explore a potential charging network, developing qualified human capital development, and technology sharing for electro mobility in Malaysia. 

 

More recently, Volvo Trucks Malaysia has joined the "Pioneer the Possible" platform, organised by Business Sweden. The platform is designed to foster collaboration between Swedish companies and key decision-makers in Malaysia with a common goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and 2045. The effort is in support of Malaysia’s green transition efforts through low-carbon reforms in key sectors such as transport, production, energy, and the environment.

 

Developing viable and sustainable assets 

Evolving with the dynamic needs of the market, Volvo Trucks is invested in developing its talent and facilities as assets for a sustainable future. This is supported by the recent relocation of its Sibu branch, which taps into the economic potential of the business district, and upcoming installation of solar panels at its Shah Alam and Kuantan dealerships.

Volvo intends to continue its introduction of sustainable trucks into the Malaysian market. They are currently identifying transporters that are able to operate these EV Trucks and while some may think that such trucks are range limited, the game plan for such vehicles are being worked out as there are various companies operating within a fixed 300km to 400 km round trip route from Port Klang to the warehouses so this is where EV Trucks can actually make things viable as EV trucks these days can operate within that radius. 

We also asked whether with the introduction of EV trucks, would it be economically viable for Volvo Trucks to enter the last mile provider market of smaller sized trucks. Not in the near future was the answer as while this could be possible, there are other factors to be taken into account which requires more looking into at the moment. 

The push towards a more sustainable future of transportation is in line with Volvo Trucks keeping their eye on the 2050 deadline for carbon neutrality, Volvo holds on to its optimism for achieving a greener future for Malaysia.