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Volta’s first prototype to be manufactured in Banbury
Volta Trucks – the Swedish startup behind a new generation of fully electric trucks – has announced Rob Fowler, current general manager of CSR and technical planning at DPD Group UK, as its new chief executive from February 10, 2020.
In his new role, Fowler will lead the development of Volta’s first prototype vehicle, which is now confirmed to be manufactured at Prodrive’s existing facility in Banbury and will be unveiled early in summer 2020, followed by street pilots with selected operators in London and Paris in 2021. He will also be responsible for the onboarding of customers, while further developing the Volta team and its investment proposition.
As reported in October, Prodrive is working with Volta to help engineer its revolutionary 16-tonne electric HGV designed, not only to meet zero-emissions requirements, but also to help keep vulnerable road users safer in crowded urban environments.
Volta Trucks has confirmed its first prototype vehicle will be manufactured in Banbury at Prodrive’s existing facility and will be unveiled early summer 2020 / Picture: Volta Trucks
Volta’s current chief executive, Carl-Magnus Norden, founded the company in May 2019 and during its start-up phase has focused on recruiting a C-level team equipped to execute the company’s roadmap. Norden remains active in the company and on Volta’s board, and will be responsible for its long-term strategy.
Upcoming chief executive, Rob Fowler, said: “It is a very exciting time to be joining Volta Trucks as its new CEO. A widespread environmental awareness amongst consumers and corporations, regulatory changes, and a clear desire from current business leaders to decarbonise transport has put pressure on operators to embrace innovation and deliver change. Volta strives to be at the forefront of this change, and I believe it has the potential to become the international market leader.
“Carl-Magnus and the team have already laid the groundwork for Volta to become an outstanding business and I look forward to helping the company – and its vehicles – achieve full potential. We live in an increasingly urbanised world with the daily lives of people living in major cities affected by city transportation.
“Not only will Volta Trucks deliver commercial value for transport operators, but also environmental and safety benefits improving the quality of life and health of city dwellers. This is a truly worthwhile mission of which I am very excited and proud to be a part.”
Rob Fowler will join Volta Trucks from DPDgroup UK in February 2020 / Picture: Volta Trucks
In January 2020, James McGoldrick will also formally join Volta as chief financial officer and Max Ahlborn has recently joined as chief communication officer.
Current chief executive, Carl-Magnus Norden, added: “We’ve had a busy few months getting Volta started, and with Rob, James and Max now in place to form our C-level team together with my co-founder and CTO Kjell Walöen, we are ready to enter the next phase of development. Our work has already gained a lot of traction from the industry, decision-makers and the public alike, further proving that there is a real need for our trucks to hit the roads as soon as possible.
“We simply don’t have time to work with anyone but the best. Rob has an extraordinary résumé having helped bring sustainability and electrification to the parcel delivery services industry, James brings a fantastic network from his time in investment banking, and has already proven an invaluable team member supporting Volta over recent months, Max brings a crucial, yet rare combination of governmental and commercial communication expertise.
“With our new C-level executives and industry partners on board we now have a world-class team and feel confident that we can deliver on our promise to bring sustainability and safety to cities across Europe and beyond.”