Volvo FH for Australian of the Year?

With Australia Day's Australian of the Year announcement looming, Volvo Trucks Australia believes it has come up with an eminently worthy contender – the Volvo FH heavy-duty truck.

Neatly sidestepping the prerequisite of being human, Volvo Trucks says its FH, which proudly carries 'Australian Made' certification, has most of the attributes required of any Australian of the Year nomination.

"It ticks every box," quipped Volvo Group Australia President and CEO, Martin Merrick, his tongue planted firmly in cheek.

"It makes a significant contribution to the community; it's an inspirational role model for Australia; and it's an Australian citizen. Why shouldn't it be Australian of the Year?"

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Volvo Trucks Australia's manufacturing facility at Wacol, Brisbane, has been employing local workers on its line for decades, and the company says it's grown into Australia's "largest vehicle manufacturing powerhouse".

The Volvo FH, which is customised to meet Australia's challenging conditions, recently celebrated a major milestone in its Australian production.

"The Volvo FH has been servicing Australia for over a quarter of a century," said Volvo Trucks Australia Vice President of Sales, Tony O’Connell.

"It works hard for Australians day in and day out by not only providing employment opportunities but also delivering everything from food to construction materials."

According to Mr Merrick, the FH's contribution has many years left to run, with some predictions tipping road freight to grow by 50 per cent by 2036.

"We are extremely proud of the Volvo FH's 25-year history and we look forward to continuing our innovative Australian manufacturing story," he said.

All irony aside, Volvo Trucks Australia has also offered its congratulations to every Australian of the Year nominee for their outstanding contribution to building a better Australia.