KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Trucks, one of the world's largest commercial vehicle providers, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Malaysia this year.
"This is one of the most momentous milestones for us and we are very satisfied with everything that we have been able to accomplish over the past five decades," said Volvo Trucks Malaysia managing director Mitch Peden.
The company started its business in 1969 as Federal Auto Industrial Sdn Bhd. A year later, the Swedish Motor Assemblies plant started operations in Malaysia. The first product that was brought into the country in that year was the Completely Built Up (CBU) N Series truck. It was one of the first trucks to be equipped with three-point safety belts.
In its over 50 years in Malaysia, Volvo Trucks has expanded its footprint through launching new truck models, opening dealerships across Malaysia, gaining new customers, as well as introducing many key aftermarket services and activities to meet the needs of its growing customer base.
"We also feel truly honoured to have the continuous support of the industry and our customers as they have made it possible for us to grow our business in this market," Peden said.
Some of the accomplishments of Volvo Trucks in Malaysia include the assembly of the N Series trucks and equipping 3-point safety belts in all units, during the 1970s. At the same time, the company also delivered the Volvo F88 trucks to the Malaysian Army.
In the 1980s, the company introduced the Euro 1 engine in the FL 10 model and became the first truck brand to introduce airbags and the 6x2 tag axle. Volvo Trucks Malaysia also expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the F7, F10, F12, FL10, N10, N12 and NL12 truck models. The N10 trucks were also delivered to the local fire department and the first batch of N12 logging trucks was shipped to customers in East Malaysia.
The 1990s saw the arrival of the Euro 2 engine and the FL10, FL12, and FH12 models. The company also introduced the Blue and Gold Service Agreement to serve its customers' demand for cost-effective preventive maintenance and repairs. Volvo Trucks also introduced the Breakdown Service Team to ensure its aftermarket support reached its customers wherever they were. Its network of dealerships also expanded across Malaysia.
In the early 2000s, Volvo Trucks Malaysia brought the FM9 and FM12 models into Malaysia; and launched its Customer Care Centre to provide 24/7 breakdown service support. To promote safety and fuel-efficient driving behaviour among truck drivers, the Volvo Driver Training programme and the annual Fuelwatch Challenge were launched.
Then came the Volvo I-Shift transmission, which helps to reduce the fatigue levels of its truck drivers. In 2008, Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd was appointed the first private dealer for Volvo Trucks in East Malaysia.
In 2014, Volvo Trucks Malaysia invested RM75 million for its network enhancement strategy across both Peninsular and East Malaysia. The three-year long project saw Volvo's dealerships in Kuantan, Prai, Ipoh and Sibu being relocated to newer and bigger locations. A new Kota Baru dealership was established and other dealerships across the country were upgraded with additional facilities.
The Port Klang dealership was enhanced into its flagship outlet, serving the needs of at least 3,000 Volvo trucks in the area. Simultaneously, the company launched the facelifted Volvo FM and FMX.
The following year, the company introduced Volvo Dynafleet – its telematics system for customers to better manage their fleet and keep track of their truck and drivers' performance in real time.
One of Volvo's most significant product milestones was the launch of the premium flagship Volvo FH Series – FH13 and FH16 – which entered Malaysia in 2017. The two truck variants feature technologies like the ultra-low crawler gears and Volvo Dynamic Steering.
In 2018, Volvo Trucks Malaysia carried out its biggest local corporate social responsibility project in Bario, Sarawak. The company funded an es
timated RM500,000 to build a fire-fighting system for the Bario Asal Lembaa longhouse settlement, and five eco-shelters along the 25km-long Bario ancestral jungle trail.
The company has continuously launched additional aftermarket services to ensure that its customers receive the highest global standards which Volvo has always adhered to. This includes Volvo Service Planning, 24-month fitted parts warranty and Port Klang Extended workshop hours programmes to further boost customer satisfaction and long-lasting truck ownership experience.
"Strongly guided by our three core values which are safety, quality and environmental care, Volvo Trucks has successfully achieved 50 years in Malaysia by continuously expanding our resources, products and service offerings, as well as giving back to communities.
"The next 50 years will pose new challenges. We are thrilled and ready to embrace it as we remain focused on driving efficiency, innovation and excellence for all our stakeholders," said Peden.
