Latest news with #Linfox
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lao Aussie Chamber of Commerce marks 20 years with glamorous ‘Roaring 20s' ball
VIENTIANE: The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Laos (AustCham Lao) celebrated its 20th anniversary in style recently with a 1920s-themed gala dinner, bringing together over 200 members and guests at the Crowne Plaza Vientiane for an evening of networking, entertainment and celebration. This year's Annual Ball, held on May 31, embraced the theme 'The Roaring 20s', with attendees donning era-inspired outfits for one of the Chamber's most memorable events to date. The celebration was made possible through the generous support of Gold Sponsors, including Phu Bia Mining, Acteus Group, Boart Longyear, and Lao Brewery Company. Silver Sponsors included Linfox, EXIM and Valentis, while prize sponsors featured Crowne Plaza, Vasse Felix Fine Wines, The Namkhan (Luang Prabang) and Complete Dental Care. Thanks to a record level of corporate sponsorship, the event showcased fine dining, dazzling attire, and standout performances from some of Laos' best local talent. AustCham Lao Executive Director, Oliver Purvis-Smith, led the organisation of the event, with support from Indee, a local events and production company. 'It was a tremendous and memorable evening for our members and guests. We came together to celebrate many of our individual and shared achievements,' Purvis-Smith said. 'Our main goal was to provide a fun and engaging opportunity to connect the Australian and Lao business communities in a relaxed social setting. This would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions from our generous sponsors.' He also extended thanks to Tony Campbell of Katalyst Partners, who served as master of ceremonies and played a key role in the success of the evening. Also attending the event was AustCham Lao president and country manager of Linfox, Brendon Bangma. 'The event was fantastic! It was certainly a creative and enjoyable way to mark 20 years of the Australian business presence in Laos,' he said, adding with humour, 'The only disappointment was the executive director's dance moves.' Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, delivered remarks at the event, highlighting the strong partnership between the embassy and the Australian business community in Laos. 'The partnership the Embassy enjoys with our Australian business people in Laos is key to deepening trade and investment between our two nations,' she said. 'We could not do what we do without the support and commitment of AustCham Lao and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.' Speaking on behalf of one of the sponsors, Valentis Group COO and CFO, Michael Phin, said 'Valentis was pleased to support this important milestone for AustCham Lao and to celebrate with such a dynamic mix of the Lao and Australian business community. Congratulations to the entire AustCham team, past and present.' Throughout the evening, event sponsors had the opportunity to showcase their products and services, strengthening relationships within the Australian, Lao and broader international business communities. A series of prizes were awarded to winners in categories such as best-dressed male, female and couple, most creative outfit, and more. The lucky draw saw several guests go home with special gifts as a token of appreciation from the Chamber and its partners. Later in the evening, popular local band Felicia took to the stage, and more than 100 guests danced into the night, including a spirited performance of the iconic YMCA dance in near-perfect unison. Founded in 2005, AustCham Lao is the longest-standing foreign chamber of commerce in the country and has long been recognised as one of the most active. The Chamber represents a broad membership base of Australian, Lao and international businesses operating in Laos or trading with Australia. AustCham Lao works closely with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and maintains strong ties with the Government of Laos. The Chamber also champions responsible business conduct and regularly supports charitable causes, including Vientiane Rescue and the Lao Friends Hospital for Children. Looking to the future, AustCham Lao aims to continue its work for another 20 years and beyond, promoting collaboration, trade and community support across both nations. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo secures Australia's ‘largest electric truck order' from Linfox
Volvo Trucks say it has secured Australia's 'largest order' for battery-electric trucks, with Linfox placing an order for 30 heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs). This development coincides with the commencement of electric truck production at Volvo's Wacol facility in Brisbane, set for 2026. The facility will be the fifth Volvo plant globally to manufacture electric trucks. Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm said: 'We are very proud to continue our close partnership with Linfox. The order for 30 Volvo electric trucks is proof of their trust in our company and in zero-emissions transport as a viable solution here and now. "Our commitment to start building electric trucks in Australia demonstrates our confidence in this technology and means we can offer an industry-leading range of purpose-built electric trucks all around the world.' Linfox's order includes 29 Volvo FH Electric and one FM Electric, adding to its existing fleet of four electric Volvo trucks. Additionally, Linfox has ordered 195 Volvo FH and FM trucks with conventional drivelines. Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox AM added: 'Linfox is excited to partner with Volvo in driving the future and leading sustainable logistics in Australia. Further electrifying our fleet sets the standard for us and our customers and the entire industry.' Volvo Trucks has sold over 5,000 electric trucks across 50 countries. Its range includes eight models designed for various transport needs, such as city and regional distribution, construction, and refuse handling. In 2024, Volvo held a 47% segment share in the European electric heavy truck market and a leading share in North America. Also, in April, Volvo Group reported a 7% decline in net sales to Skr121.8bn ($12.65bn) in Q1 2025, ending 31 March, compared to Skr131.2bn in the same period last year. Sales decreased across all regions and segments, except for buses. "Volvo secures Australia's 'largest electric truck order' from Linfox" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
7NEWS
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Sweden's Volvo to make heavy EVs in Queensland as Brisbane shifts to electric truck production
Nearly a decade after the final Australian-made car rolled off the production line, the nation's vehicle manufacturing industry is sparking back to life — this time, powered by electricity. Swedish truck giant Volvo has announced it will begin building electric heavy vehicles at its Wacol facility in Brisbane next year, marking a major turning point for Queensland 's industrial future. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Volvo bring truck production back to Brisbane. The move comes after a landmark deal with logistics giant Linfox, which has ordered 30 electric trucks for tens of millions of dollars. It's the biggest order of its kind in Australia and is set to power the company's supermarket deliveries. 'We have an endeavour to get to a place where we have vehicles that are completely zero emission and this is the start of it,' Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox said. While the trucks are currently imported from Sweden, the company behind the seat belts we wear today will soon be shifting production locally — a significant win for Queensland's economy and Australia's push towards greener transport. Volvo says the Wacol site, which has produced over 3000 trucks a year since 1972, is ready for the transition to start production next year. 'We can learn from Sweden and implement that here in Wacol next year,' President and CEO of Volvo Group Australia, Martin Merrick, said. Drivers are already backing the shift. 'The drivers absolutely love them. They're fighting over who gets the access to driving the electric vehicles,' Fox said. With a range of up to 250 kilometres per charge, these quiet haulers are set to cut emissions, but challenges remain. There are only a few hundred electric heavy vehicles in the country, compared to over 160,000 electric cars. The Australian Trucking Association is urging governments to step up. 'We do know we're one of the larger emitters probably in the top three so we to do what we can do,' said CEO Mathew Munro. 'We need more infrastructure in convenient locations.' The push includes better charging access and financial incentives to help businesses switch gears faster. 'It's fantastic; it's Australian-made and green and yellow,' said Fox, referencing the Australian Made logo, symbolising local manufacturing and the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.
AU Financial Review
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- AU Financial Review
Volvo boss ready to take on Chinese electric truck rivals
The chief executive of $90 billion trucks and buses maker Volvo Group says he can still compete with Chinese rivals with well-targeted investment, while acknowledging that global trade uncertainty had caused some customers to delay decisions. Martin Lundstedt, in Australia to oversee the delivery of 10 electric trucks to logistics and transport giant Linfox, owned by the Rich Lister family headed by Lindsay Fox, said electric trucks were still well behind electric cars in widespread adoption.
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Record electric truck haul aims to drive down emissions
Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions. Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions. Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions. Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions.
