The new facility is located strategically in the Riverhorse Valley Business Estate, which provides easy access from the N2 highway and connects the dealership to all the major transport and logistics corridors to Gauteng and the rest of the region.

The new dealership is situated on 37 000m² of land and, amongst other things, has a service workshop with 17 bays, pre-delivery inspection, test workshop, including a bay for servicing liquid natural gas (LNG) vehicles, secure trailer parking and an extensive parts warehouse.

The dealership employs 67 local staff, including 23 qualified diesel mechanics and five apprentices.

Volvo Group Southern Africa vice-president Marcus Hörberg says they anticipate that the recent announcement by the SA National Road Agency (Sanral) on the upgrading of the N2/ N3 highways will have a positive effect on the region’s spatial connectivity and therefore on the ease of doing business in this area.

Volvo Trucks South Africa, whose head office is in Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, has an assembly facility in Durban and 19 dealer facilities across South Africa.

Hörberg says the new Durban Truck and Bus Centre is designed and developed to offer their customers the latest Volvo Trucks specifications in terms of ergonomics, sustainability, equipment and technology.

“It is large enough to allow for a smooth and efficient flow of vehicles through the workshop, reducing congestion, cutting booking lead times and limiting unnecessary downtime for customers.

“We also focused a lot of attention on the well-being of drivers and offer an overnight facility for operators should a vehicle come in late in the day for servicing.

“It ensures a safe and comfortable space for both male and female drivers with separate ablution and sleeping facilities, as well as a communal kitchen, lounge and outdoor space to relax,” he said.

Hörberg adds that Volvo Trucks South Africa’s commitment to its customers does not stop when they hand over the keys of a new truck.

“It’s just the beginning. Our dedicated team, extensive genuine Volvo parts and service offer, and ground-breaking connected solutions can keep our customers’ trucks and businesses moving.

“It’s all part of our promise to provide the best possible support through the entire life cycle of a truck – and beyond,” he says.

Environmental considerations were considered in the development of the dealership, which has energy-efficient lighting, a 20 000-litre water recycling plant in the wash bay, increased temperature control and more efficient hydraulic tools now in use.

All waste and discarded lubricants are also safely removed, treated and recycled by a professional waste management company.

Solar energy will be installed to supply electricity to all four buildings in the second phase of the dealership’s development, thereby bringing it closer to its target of becoming a carbon neutral facility.