Queensland Fire Department (QFD) is preparing for a major boost to its firefighting capability, following the announcement of a landmark agreement with Volvo Group Australia and Fraser Engineering Group. The deal will see 80 state-of-the-art Volvo fire trucks delivered across the state, representing QFD’s largest-ever acquisition of firefighting vehicles.
The investment marks a turning point in how emergency services fleets are designed, procured, and supported.
Enhancing safety and capability
The new fleet will be built on Volvo’s latest FL 4×4 Crew Cab chassis, fitted with Fraser Engineering’s advanced fire and rescue bodies. The Type 2 appliances are designed with a focus on firefighter safety, combining modern active and passive technologies to improve protection and performance.
For QFD, the decision to prioritise regional communities is central to the rollout. The strategy will ensure that both metro and remote brigades benefit from the latest emergency response capability.
Cameron Bettany, Vice President of Group Governmental Sales at Volvo Group Australia, said the project was about setting a new industry standard.
“Volvo Group Australia and Fraser Engineering Group are incredibly proud to lead the way in fire appliance design. We understand the critical needs of firefighters and are dedicated to providing Queensland’s frontline responders with top-tier vehicles that ensure community safety. This partnership sets a new industry standard for fire vehicles and delivers greater preparedness for Queensland communities.”
Cleaner and more sustainable
The trucks will also comply with Euro 6 emissions standards, reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) compared to older diesel models. This step not only improves environmental performance but also enhances the working environment for firefighters.
Martin Merrick, President and CEO of Volvo Group Australia, highlighted the broader significance of the project.
“Queensland Fire Department is leading the way in modern emergency response. From last year’s acquisition of Volvo electric vehicles to today’s delivery of 80 state-of-the-art fire trucks, QFD continues to set new benchmarks in safety, sustainability, and innovation. Volvo Group Australia is proud to be their partner on this journey.”
Supporting local industry
While Fraser Engineering is headquartered in New Zealand, the partnership will see elements of assembly and fit-out undertaken in Queensland, providing support for local industry and supply chains.
Martin Simpson, CEO of Fraser Engineering Group, said the collaboration reflects the strength of regional manufacturing across Australasia.
“This partnership demonstrates the strength of regional manufacturing across Australasia. By combining Fraser Engineering’s New Zealand expertise with Volvo Group Australia’s leadership, we’re delivering world-class fire trucks designed for local conditions—proving that regional innovation can set new standards in protecting our communities.”
Raising the bar for emergency services
The deal is more than a fleet replacement program. It reflects a coordinated effort between government, industry, and emergency services to ensure firefighters have access to modern, fit-for-purpose vehicles designed to handle the unique challenges of Queensland’s terrain and climate.
By prioritising safety, emissions compliance, and regional equity, the QFD fleet upgrade positions Queensland as a leader in modern emergency response capability.
With the delivery of the first vehicles expected soon, this project sets a new benchmark for how emergency services fleets are delivered—not only in Queensland, but across Australia.
- New connected technology in the RAV4 marks a turning point for Toyota
The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 introduces something far more significant than a new infotainment system or upgraded driver assistance features. It marks the beginning of Toyota’s transition into software-defined vehicles — a shift that will shape how vehicles are developed, maintained and managed for the next decade. Toyota is making a big deal about the new Arene software - New Hybrid J8 Signals Jaecoo’s Push into the Big SUV MarketJaecoo has confirmed it will expand its SUV line-up in Australia with a new seven-seat version of the J8, powered by the brand’s Super Hybrid System (SHS), with local arrivals scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The announcement signals a clear move into the growing large-SUV segment, where demand for electrified family vehicles continues
- New RAV4 design sharpens its stance while keeping the practical DNA fleets rely onThe sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 introduces a more assertive exterior design that reflects changing buyer expectations in the medium SUV segment. While the previous generation established the RAV4 as a dependable fleet workhorse, the new model aims to balance rugged capability with a more modern, technology-focused appearance. The result is not a radical departure, but a deliberate evolution.
- New RAV4 delivers more — but road noise remains a questionThe sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 arrives with meaningful engineering updates to its chassis and hybrid system, and after several days behind the wheel across highways, gravel roads and winding mountain routes, the improvements in ride and handling are clear. But one issue makes me question the update.. Road noise from the cargo area — first noticed when driving
- Chery Adds More Affordable Tiggo 9Chery has expanded its large SUV offering in Australia with the introduction of a new front-wheel drive (FWD) version of the flagship Tiggo 9, lowering the entry price to $52,990 MSRP and broadening its appeal to families and fleet buyers looking for space, efficiency, and value. Positioned as a more accessible entry point into the
