Mack Trucks announces HVO 100 factory first fill at Wacol QLD facility.

As Volvo Group Australia works toward meeting it’s 2030 emissions reductions target, the group has announced that, from December 2024, all Mack trucks built at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol QLD factory will be filled with Hydro Treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) instead of diesel fuel.

“The recent recognition of HVO100 as a fuel on the Australian market has allowed us to speed up our adoption of this renewable fuel as a part of our manufacturing process,” says Martin Merrick, President and CEO, Volvo Group Australia. “While HVO is not strictly a zero emissions fuel, it is a fossil free alternative that reduces well to wheel emissions by up to 90%, which makes a significant step forward in reducing our environmental impact.”

“We will continue to take steps to cut our emissions and meet our decarbonisation targets by thinking globally whilst acting locally.”

Mack Trucks first adopted the HVO first fill program at its Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) factory in Macungie, Pennsylvania in April 2024, however, this Australian announcement represents the first time a multi-branded Volvo Group manufacturing facility has implemented this approach with fossil free fuels.

HVO100 is a renewable and sustainable synthetic fuel made from vetted waste vegetable oils and animals fats. It has low carbon footprint, zero sulfur, and can be used in Mack vehicles without any modifications. It can be used as a standalone fuel or blended with diesel without impacting service intervals or engine components. HVO100 is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

Volvo Group recently signed a 12-month agreement with Ampol to supply HVO100 to its fleet of trucks built at the Wacol QLD factory.

“A multifaceted approach is critical to reducing emissions,” says Tony O’Connell, Vice President of Mack Trucks Australia. “This is particularly true for Mack Trucks and the diverse applications in which Mack operates” he continues.

“A one-size-fits-all solution won’t get us to where we need to be, which is why we continue to push for greater awareness and availability of alternative fuels. We also continue to optimise vehicle design, enhance our driver development programs and proactively work with like-minded companies, stakeholders, and policymakers to drive meaningful change.”

Volvo Group has adopted science-based emissions targets, as a result the group is targeting net zero value chain emissions by 2040 to allow it to meet net-zero targets by 2050.

“Incorporating HVO100 into our manufacturing process is just one part of our multi-pronged approach to decarbonisation,” says Merrick, “We’ve been very clear that the future of fossil free transport here in Australia will still utilise the internal combustion engine, however the fuel that the engine consumes will no doubt continue to evolve as we move to a fossil free future.”