Whilst the Volvo brand has been available in Southern Africa from Private Importers for many years, 2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of Volvo’s own total responsibility for the business operations in the region. “I believe that the business has been exceptionally successful in these last ten years,” says Anders Lindblad, President for Volvo Area Southern Africa. “In that time we have entrenched the Volvo brand firmly on the Southern African map, built a strong relationship with our loyal customers and have developed a network of retail outlets that provide top quality sales, aftersales and parts services throughout the region.”

Over the years Volvo has made investments of R350 million in the local infrastructure. Projects include the custom designed Head Office premises and Gauteng Branch constructed in 2003 in Jet Park.

In 2006 Volvo moved their production plant operations from Botswana into South Africa investing in the manufacturing premises located in Umbogintwini. A warehousing and stock holding premises for the Parts Distribution Centre was set up in 2006 in Jet Park.

New fully operational branches were established in Cape Town in 2005 and in Nelspruit, Kimberley and Beaufort West in 2007.

In 2007 AB Volvo and Volvo (Southern Africa) (Pty) Ltd invested substantially in a social responsibility project to provide funding for the Star for Life programme over a 3 year period; a curriculum based programme in selected schools in KwaZulu Natal designed to educate school learners on how to cope with HIV/Aids. This programme is ongoing and proving to be extremely effective and beneficial to the communities it serves.

The product range available locally has kept pace with the innovations on offer in European markets, not least the new Volvo FH16, FH & FM models introduced in late 2008 through to April 2009. Today Volvo’s range of fuel efficient long haul vehicles are available in a variety of engine, cab and chassis options for adaptation to demands from local operators.

In 2009, despite the challenges of the global economic downturn, Volvo has maintained steady sales in the local market and improved in market share in certain sectors. Alongside the vehicles Volvo is able to offer customised service plans tailored to individual customer requirements.

Volvo is a key player in the local heavy duty truck markets;  a full ten years of 100% commitment to the region has been achieved and the business operation has stood the test of time. In the future Volvo aims to maintain the highest possible standards in customer service; to grow and develop the network of service facilities and product offers designed to promote successful business partnerships.