Owner/Driver #339

combustion engine would be on offer, VP of
sales, strategy and support, Paul Illmer, said
that hydrogen fuel cell technology is the only
hydrogen tech Volvo is interested in at this time.
Also juggling the role of acting vice-president of
Mack Trucks, Merrick announced that the Anthem
and Trident models will feature predictive
radar-based cruise control, a proprietary Mack
technology that is part of VGA’s hope for zero
collisions in the future.
“It learns the topography of routes and stores
the information to automatically adjust the
speed, torque and gearing to deliver the best fuel
performance on saved routes.”
When it comes to safety in the updated Mack
range, in particular the lack of driver-side airbag
in the Anthem, Merrick announced a package to
improve safety of the Mack range.
“Mack trucks international has committed
to invest in around A$100 million in the Mack
product range over the next three years. Of course
I will say the airbag will come but we are on that
journey,” Merrick says, adding: “We take what we
have from the US and then build what we need
here in Australia, so watch this space.”
With Tony O’Connell’s departure to fill the MD
role at Volvo Malaysia and the sideways move
of Gary Bone from Mack to Volvo, Merrick will
“We are on
a journey
toward
fossil-free
transport
solutions
by 2040.”
Right: VGA President and CEO
Martin Merrick
ownerdriver.com.au
APRIL 2021 77