In a powerful display of recognition and commitment to service excellence, Volvo Trucks South Africa recently hosted its annual Top Achiever Awards, celebrating the outstanding efforts of its nationwide dealer network and dedicated staff. Juanita Pienaar spoke with Reshie Balkisson, Volvo Trucks’ Director: Servicemarket & Business Development, to delve deeper into the company’s ongoing drive for quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation.
Celebrating service excellence
Volvo Trucks' Top Achiever Awards are more than just an annual tradition - they're a cornerstone of the company’s service philosophy. This year’s event, which recognised achievements across 20 different categories, was a testament to the brand’s deeply ingrained values of excellence and customer success.
“As part of our promise to provide our customers with the best possible support, it is important that our dedicated dealer teams deliver services and solutions that are of the highest quality, day in and day out,” said Balkisson. “Our annual Top Achiever Awards is an annual measure of customer service standards, dealer standards, and also aims to celebrate the achievements and high levels of quality, expertise, and talent inherent in our dealer network.”
Winners on the day included Volvo Trucks & Buses Cape Town, crowned Large Dealer of the Year, with Harrismith and Beaufort West taking top honours in the Medium and Small Dealer categories, respectively. Individual accolades such as Technician of the Year and Sales Executive of the Year were awarded to team members who exemplify Volvo Trucks' value of Customer Success.
“Our dealers are the backbone of our success,” Balkisson reiterated. “They provide expert guidance, support, and service to our customers throughout their fleet's lifecycle, ensuring optimum uptime throughout this relationship.”
Building a network of trust
With 20 dealerships strategically positioned across South Africa and Eswatini, Volvo Trucks’ expansive network ensures seamless support for fleet operators. Whether it's a breakdown in the middle of a trade corridor or a routine service appointment, the brand’s reliable network stands ready.
“This network ensures service excellence and the same quality service across our dealer network,” explained Balkisson. “It’s all done according to global Volvo Trucks standards, to give our customers the best service and support.”
The consistent application of these standards is monitored through rigorous annual Qualitative Requirement audits, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.
Investing in people and technology
A key pillar of Volvo Trucks’ operational model is the continued investment in technical expertise and future-forward innovation. According to Balkisson, this begins with training.
“With a dedicated local Competence Development Centre, Volvo Trucks offers various innovative learning opportunities to its employees,” he said. “This includes structured training, on-the-job learning, and peer interaction, aiming to develop both technical and soft skills.”
The company goes a step further, investing annually in tooling and equipment that aligns with the latest vehicle technologies. Before the launch of any new product or feature, technicians across the dealer network receive comprehensive training, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
“Our technicians are the ones who keep the wheels turning, day in and day out. The ones who ensure that every Volvo Truck is ready to perform at its best, keeping them safe, reliable, and efficient - essential elements in being the best of the best,” Balkisson stated proudly.
Driving innovation in transport
In 2023, Volvo Trucks introduced its full range of Battery Electric Extra Heavy Trucks in South Africa, a bold step towards greener logistics. Most recently, the FH Euro 6 range was launched locally in April 2025, blending performance, efficiency, and environmental consciousness.
“This new technology offers fleet operators the synergy of sustainability, efficiency, and performance that underscores Volvo Trucks' commitment towards offering cleaner, more sustainable transport solutions,” noted Balkisson.
The Euro 6 range features enhanced engine power and torque, delivering fuel-efficient solutions that also reduce the total cost of ownership, an important factor for fleet operators navigating tight margins.
Staying ahead in a challenging environment
South Africa’s complex logistics landscape demands vehicles that can perform under pressure. According to Balkisson, Volvo Trucks was built for just that.
“Our customers reap the benefits of our trucks' reliability, durability, and sustainability, which collectively contribute to reduced costs and improved operational efficiencies,” he said. “The quality and technology integrated across all Volvo Truck ranges have been rigorously tested to ensure longevity and performance, providing our customers with unparalleled peace of mind.”
A greener tomorrow
Sustainability is not merely a goal at Volvo Trucks - it’s a commitment. Locally, the company has implemented and continues to invest in initiatives such as solar energy generation at its Durban assembly plant, including dealerships, with rainwater harvesting, and waste reduction practices to align with global environmental standards.
“We believe in sustainable transport solutions. And we’re confident that our trucks, services and operations will lead the way there,” said Balkisson. “Our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow.”
Volvo Trucks’ broader environmental ambitions are equally compelling. “Globally, Volvo Trucks’ objective is to make our production process CO2-neutral,” he added. “We opened the world’s first CO2-neutral plant in 2007. This work is expanding globally to cover as many of our factories, transportation methods, and dealerships as possible.”
Supporting the digital shift
With the rise of digitisation and alternative energy vehicles, Volvo Trucks is equipping fleet operators with powerful tools like Volvo Connect - a digital portal that integrates real-time data with key services and support tools.
“To optimise the truck’s performance and capabilities, one can access a world of digital services and support through the Volvo Connect portal,” said Balkisson. “Fleet managers can use innovative ways to increase uptime, manage the fleet and improve fuel efficiency.”
The road ahead
As Volvo Trucks continues its journey in South Africa, the brand remains laser-focused on delivering customer value, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.
“The choices we make today define the world we will live in tomorrow,” Balkisson concluded. “Together, we must transition to sustainable transport solutions and renewable energy sources to mitigate these dire predictions. By making conscious choices, we can collectively create a healthier, more sustainable future.”
Volvo Trucks in South Africa
With over 25 years of presence in South Africa, Volvo Trucks has become a name synonymous with reliability, innovation, and performance. The company operates a robust network of 20 dealerships across South Africa and Eswatini, strategically positioned along key trade corridors.
Each dealership is staffed with expertly trained technicians and service personnel, equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance to complex technical repairs. Through state-of-the-art facilities, ongoing training, and the use of Genuine Volvo Parts, the network supports uptime and efficiency at every turn.
From the introduction of Battery Electric Trucks to the latest FH Euro 6 models, Volvo Trucks continues to push the boundaries of sustainable transport. Complemented by the Volvo Connect platform and a suite of customer-centric digital tools, fleet operators benefit from full visibility and control of their operations.
Volvo Trucks South Africa isn’t just keeping up with the future of transport - it’s helping define it.
Talking point
Reshie Balkisson, Volvo Trucks’ Director: Servicemarket & Business Development:
Our annual Top Achiever Awards is an annual measure of customer service standards, dealer standards, and also aims to celebrate the achievements and high levels of quality, expertise, and talent inherent in our dealer network.
Quick take
With 20 dealerships strategically positioned across South Africa and Eswatini, Volvo Trucks’ expansive network ensures seamless support for fleet operators.
The consistent application of standards is monitored through rigorous annual Qualitative Requirement audits, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.
With the rise of digitisation and alternative energy vehicles, Volvo Trucks is equipping fleet operators with powerful tools like Volvo Connect.
Globally, Volvo Trucks’ objective is to make our production process CO2-neutral.
