The newly launched Museum Of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) in the central Victorian city of Shepparton has seen the recent arrival of some special new heavyweight visitors, including historic examples of all three Volvo group Australia truck brands.
The museum features a diverse line up, from bicycles and light passenger vehicles to historic heavy commercials displayed in a purpose built 10,000 square metre facility.
“Shepparton is a mecca for transport,” says MOVE CEO, Peter Hill, “One in four commercial vehicles registered in Victoria are based in the Shepparton area, transport is the lifeblood of this region.”
CMV Truck & Bus, Volvo Group Australia’s largest private dealer partner are a major sponsor of MOVE.
“We are incredibly proud to be supporting MOVE and to be a partner in this impressive new museum,” said Miles Crawford, General Manager, CMV Truck & Bus, who also commenced trading in Shepparton in 2021.
“We’re also thrilled to call Shepparton home and to support the transport industry in the Goulbourn Valley region, building on the outstanding legacy of Don and Sharon Dimstas.” (Former owners of D&S Truck Repairs Shepparton).
As a result of CMV’s sponsorship with MOVE, three Volvo Group vehicles have been added to the display.
A 1999 Volvo NH12 460 prime mover, a 1964 Mack B-61 prime mover and a 1973 UD CK40 prime mover make up the CMV/MOVE exhibit. The NH12 is a superb example and was originally purchased from CMV Truck & Bus by CRT Group. The pride of the CRT Group fleet, this prime mover was used to transport Basell polypropylene in CRT’s purpose-built 30’ aluminium containers from Altona to Geelong.
As an iconic model for Mack, the B-61 is widely admired, and this specific vehicle was originally exported to Australia, arriving in the country on 21 December 1964. Exactly 26 years later to the day, CMV Group took delivery of the truck to add to the CMV Historic Vehicle Collection.
UD Trucks Australia has also loaned a fully restored 1973UD CK40 for display at the CMV exhibit. Little is known about the origins of this particular truck; however it was restored by a dedicated team of UD employees many years ago and was originally on display at UD’s former corporate headquarters in Chullora, NSW.
“Trucks like this CK40 laid the foundations of the rugged and ultimate dependability that the UD brand in renown for here in Australia,” says Lauren Downs, Vice President, UD Trucks Australia. “Even now you can find examples of this very truck still operating in the back blocks of rural Australia.”
“We are pleased to be playing a part in supporting both CMV and MOVE,” Downs continues. ”Iconic trucks brands such as those on display at this museum are the backbone of regional Australia and it is fantastic to see our industry recognised for the contribution it makes to keeping the wheels of our economy turning.”
