Hills Tankers has taken delivery of the 75,000th truck to be built by Volvo Group Australia.

“This is a landmark for Volvo Group Australia. It perfectly demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Australian transport industry, and we’re particularly delighted to be able to deliver this truck to Hills Tankers, who are a long-standing Volvo customer,” said Gary Bone, vice president Volvo Group Australia.

Andrew Hill of Hill’s Tankers, who took delivery of the landmark FH16 700, added: “It’s an incredible honour to take possession of this truck. I learnt to drive in a Volvo F7, and I’ve had a lifelong association with Volvo, so to own the 75,000 one is almost unbelievable.”

Hill’s Tankers have been buying Volvos since Hill’s parents started the business in Maitland in the 1960s, and Hill now has more than 40 Volvos in his fleet.

“You don’t sell this many trucks by accident, and Volvo have consistently had these three values underpinning their design philosophy,” said Bone.

Hill said that the Volvo design philosophy aligns perfectly with that of his own business.

“Volvo’s focus on the environmental aspects of heavy transport have always made them a leader in this area. We’re in the business of transporting fuels and vegetable oils, so we’ve got a clear interest in the development of biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuels.

That’s where the future lies, and we’ll be carrying them in tankers pulled by Volvos,” he said.

Bone added that the 75,000th Volvo is a major milestone for VGA’s manufacturing facility in Wacol, Queensland.

“With this truck, VGA has demonstrated that automotive manufacturing is alive and well in Australia. Our Wacol plant has been operating since 1972, and it’s earned us a place in the Australian Made Campaign – we’re proud to say that every Volvo we build carries the iconic green and-gold ‘Australian Made’ logo.”