Good news for the South African automotive industry is Volvo Trucks South Africa’s announced that it has started the assembly of Euro 6 and FH Aero trucks at its facility in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Local assembly of Euro 6 and FH Aero trucks reinforces Volvo Trucks’ leadership in sustainable transport solutions, while continuing to support the development of the local manufacturing sector,” says Stuart Potter, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “As we assemble trucks on order, it is a clear indication that many of our South African customers are incorporating more sustainable and efficient transport solutions into their fleets.”
While this transition does not dramatically change the physical scope of the company’s current operations, it does play an important role in elevating the technical expertise of the existing workforce such as the assembly operators, road testers, and product auditors.
“Our teams are gaining enhanced skills and deeper exposure to advanced technologies that position us for future innovations,” says Vuyo Sabata, Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa Durban Plant (main photo). Quality is the foundation of everything we do, from the way we design and build our trucks, to the people, parts and services that support them”.
The integration of Euro 6 and FH Aero production is complementary to the existing local assembly of Volvo’s full range of extra heavy trucks, including the FH, FM, and FMX ranges, with no disruption to current assembly lines. Rather, it enhances the plant’s capabilities and product offering.
“Being entrusted with additional models is a strong acknowledgement of the capability and maturity of our local manufacturing operations. Euro 6 represents one of the highest global standards for emissions, safety and technical performance, and having these models on our production line reinforces our position as a plant that can meet advanced international requirements. It is an honour for our team, and it reflects the confidence Volvo Trucks have in the quality, discipline and expertise of our people,” he says.
By assembling trucks locally, Volvo Trucks is not subject to import duties that are typically applied to fully built-up vehicles. This enables the company to offer Euro 6 and FH Aero models at more competitive pricing.
“As always, we are driven by our customers’ needs,” Vuyo states. “By assembling Euro 6 trucks and FH Aero locally, we’re not only responding to growing local demand for more sustainable and efficient technology but also doing so in a way that ensures competitiveness and accessibility for our customers.”
Notably, the Euro 6 standard represents a substantial improvement over the current Euro 2 standards regulating both passenger and commercial vehicles in South Africa. The company continues to offer products from Euro 3 technology and up, to support customers with various sustainability requirements.
This also marks the introduction of the FH Aero range in South Africa. This product was launched globally in 2024 and is seen by the company as the ideal long-haul truck. Its aerodynamic extended cab is designed to save fleet owners energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
Local customers are able to choose between electric and diesel models, with specialised I-Save technology for enhanced fuel economy.
The FH Aero was designed from the ground up to save energy and starts with the aerodynamic design for effortless cruising at high speed and a clear view for the driver. The aerodynamic shape, the streamlined Camera Monitor System and the drag-free disc brakes are there to reduce costs and reduce its carbon footprint.
“The new Volvo FH Aero is our most efficient truck ever as we continue to reduce CO2 from our entire product range,” says Stuart. “The FH Aero will prove itself in the local market as a safe, aerodynamically designed and superior quality truck for tough long-haul tasks, designed for the success of our customers.”
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