Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks have opened a new training facility in Hayward, Calif., dedicated to providing technical vehicle knowledge, dealer operations training, and customers with exclusive access to expert training.
The Hayward location will also support battery-electric vehicle (BEV) training efforts for the Volvo VNR Electric and Mack LR Electric, supplying programs for company employees, technicians, dealer sales staff, and aftermarket personnel as well as owner-operators and fleet customers.
“The new training center in California will improve access and convenience, providing greater support to dealers and customers in the Western U.S. and Canada,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “With the recent launch of the new Volvo VNR Electric and the introduction of a completely new technology to the industry, the in-depth education provided in this facility, in addition to our standard curriculum, will continue to advance the knowledge and capabilities of our employees, dealers, and technicians, offering better service, support, and uptime for our customers.”
During the first week of June, classes will be focused on BEV safety training. Coursework after that week is still being finalized but will include more sessions about BEV operation and repair. Other courses include diesel training such as engine overhaul, transmission design and function, and parts sales and warranty fundamentals.
“We will have the same setup as dealers, so trainees are utilizing the same safety equipment, electrical repair tooling, and electric chargers as they would be at their dealer location,” said Scott Behe, senior manager of training support for the Mack Trucks Academy. “Mack works to make the training process efficient and effective, offering multiple courses at different times to meet the most demand while also simulating a real-world work environment.”
The site is located close to three airports – San Francisco International, Oakland International Airport and Norman Y. Mineta International Airport in San Jose – with the goal of making it easier for attendees to travel to and from instructor-led classes.
“We want to make the training process as efficient and effective as possible,” said Leanne Fitzpatrick, strategic program manager at Volvo Trucks Academy. “By providing the same training tools found at all Volvo Trucks dealerships throughout the U.S. and Canada, we can better simulate real-world work environments for all of our trainees.”
