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Truck, Trailer, Bus and Bakkie

Digitalisation must be embraced by trucking industry

25th August 2017 Digitalisation will rapidly transform the trucking industry in the near future, as it will force the industry to embrace this concept, or risk being unable to compete. This message was emphasised at this year’s fourth annual TruckX and FleetX conference and expo, which took place at the Kyalami... →

Intelligent truck axle saves 6% in fuel costs

25th August 2017 Global automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has pioneered the production of a lightweight truck axle, designed to aid in reducing the fuel consumption of the Mercedes-Benz Actros, a heavy-duty truck first introduced to the market in 1995. The axle is now available from Mercedes-Benz. →

GRAND TOURISMO The Mercedes-Benz RHD saves fuel consumption by 4.5%

Johannesburg school invests in luxury liner

25th August 2017 Commercial vehicles, off-road trucks and vehicles manufacturer Iveco recently handed over an Iveco Afriway 65-seater bus to Kingsmead College, a leading girls’ school in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The donation comes as part of Kingsmead College’s ‘Bus Project’, launched in 2015, with the objective... →

SPACIOUS TRAVEL Kingsmead College recently invested in a large Iveco bus to better accommodate learners transported for sports and cultural events

Technology to aid fleet management

By: Nica Schreuder 25th August 2017 South Africa-based, international information technology and communications provider T-Systems says technological improvements in sensors, software and management solutions indicate that commercial vehicle owners, such as fleet management and logistics organisations using trucks and bakkies, can... →

DERESHIN PILLAY The influence of technology on fleet management is important for industry growth and consumer satisfaction

Truck manufacturer makes Nada history

25th August 2017 Last month, truck manufacturer Hino made history at the 2017 National Automobile Dealers Association- (Nada-) hosted Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Awards when it won platinum, as well as the top spot in the commercial vehicle category, placing it first overall in South Africa. This is the first... →

Photo by Bloomberg
PLATINUM AWARD Hino improved its dealer satisfaction index score by 1.8%, in line with the company’s vision to become the top truck brand in South Africa

VescoPlastics

By: Zandile Mavuso 25th August 2017 South Africa-based self-lubricated polymer-bushing manufacturer VescoPlastics’ bushings continue to be ordered by a large manufacturer and supplier of trailer axles in the Asia-Pacific and Australia-New Zealand areas. →

Automotive sales figures reflect decline, but there is hope

By: Aarifah Nosarka 18th November 2016 National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) president and Nissan Group of Africa MD Mike Whitfield tells Engineering News that the recent slight decline in light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales is “positive”, contrasting with the bigger decline in passenger vehicle... →

Imported trucks adapted to suit South African environment

18th November 2016 Engineering support services company, Babcock Africa’s Transport Solutions division is giving cutting-edge European engineering a distinctly African twist, with adaptations to suit the local environment, having stocked up on high-quality DAF Trucks vehicles imported directly from the DAF factory... →

Numerous upgrades to recently launched bakkie

By: Aarifah Nosarka 18th November 2016 Owing to ongoing local dealer and customer feedback, General Motors South Africa (GMSA) launched the Isuzu KB 2016 range, consisting of 17 models, in September. GMSA VP sales, service and marketing Brian Olson says the new KBs, which were shipped to dealers across sub-Saharan Africa in September,... →

FACELIFT The upgraded sixth-generation Isuzu KB

Enhanced powertrain improves performance

19th August 2016 Last month Swedish multinational manufacturing company Volvo Trucks announced that its powertrain is now more efficient than before as it incorporates the latest generation of Euro 6 engines and the integrated intelligent Volvo I-Shift transmission. "Combining good driveability with... →

OPTIMAL INTEGRATION ACHIEVED The company can ensures optimal integration and communication between engine and transmission

Electric drives delivered for truck and bus systems

19th August 2016 Germany-based manufacturing company ZF offer all-electric drive solutions for urban vehicles with limited range, and hybrid technologies for long distance transport applications where combustion engines continue to be indispensable in the long term. Its newest development is an all-electric... →

Software system assists with maintenance schedules

By: Kimberley Smuts 19th August 2016 With logistics companies having to deal with breakdowns and repairs of buses and trucks, loss of income from fees being docked at major ports because of delays in collections, penalties incurred for late deliveries or their simply not being able to service a given route, asset management... →

OVERCOMING LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES The company notes that the RPM software is not only designed for heavy vehicles but is geared for all types of maintenance

New crane truck launched at open day

By: Kimberley Smuts 19th August 2016 Fleet and specialised equipment provider Lovemore Bros launched its new 80 t/m crane truck at the company’s open day in June, with its second unit to be in production by the end of the year. The new 80 t/m crane truck has a narrow footprint and can fit into tight, restricted spaces with low... →

FLEET CAPACITY INCREASED The company’s fleet consist of crane trucks with hydraulic cranes and abnormal load rigs with extendable trailers

Truck, trailer company increases sales, targets improved output

By: Mia Breytenbach 20th November 2015 Multimillion-rand facility expansions, the improvement of quality and service, and additional orders from new clients are key to the 18% sales growth registered this year by truck and trailer body building company Serco, states MD Clinton Holcroft. This growth took place in local and neighbouring... →

PIONEER DESIGN The fibre-glass construction of the ‘step-decked’ trailers provides for good waterproofing, while the double doors on the sides ensure easy access

R40m investment to boost trailer company’s supply, service offering

By: Mia Breytenbach 20th November 2015 In its drive to become a “one-stop truck and trailer shop”, local commercial trailer manufacturer Paramount Trailers has invested more than R40-million in two new divisions – Paramount Trucks, and a service, repair and refurbishment factory – at its 75 000 m2 Midvaal manufacturing facility in... →

MULTIFUNCTIONAL DEMAND
An increase in the sale of multifunctional trailers can be attributed to shorter transporting contracts and the increasingly varied nature of transported cargo

Photo by Duane Daws
MULTIFUNCTIONAL DEMAND An increase in the sale of multifunctional trailers can be attributed to shorter transporting contracts and the increasingly varied nature of transported cargo

Rise in truck hijackings driving telematics industry growth

By: Mia Breytenbach 20th November 2015 The increasing number of truck hijackings in South Africa has resulted in its telematics market maturing at a rapid pace. Telematics technologies ensure full visibility of fleet vehicles at any time to allow for the early detection of potential theft and are, therefore, one of the biggest... →

EMPOWERED USE
Telematics technologies ensure full visibility of fleet vehicles at any time to allow for the early detection of potential theft or hijacking, thereby enhancing security

Photo by Duane Daws
EMPOWERED USE Telematics technologies ensure full visibility of fleet vehicles at any time to allow for the early detection of potential theft or hijacking, thereby enhancing security

Truck manufacturer improves local volumes, maintains production forecast

By: Mia Breytenbach 20th November 2015 Since opening its truck assembly plant in Coega, in the Eastern Cape, in 2014, vehicle manufacturer FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa (FVMSA) has improved its production volumes by 50%. Therefore, the company’s forecast in May – selling about 1 000 trucks in South Africa this year – remains,... →

SUSTAINED FOCUS FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa has sold more than 800 units locally, while the truck assembly plant has produced more than 950 units since January

Industry body prioritises clean fuels legislation

By: Mia Breytenbach 20th November 2015 Driving the introduction of clean fuels legislation, which will facilitate the use of extra-heavy and heavy commercial vehicles emitting low-carbon emissions, and the localisation of some truck parts and components, are key areas being pursued by the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Division of the... →

PROGRESS IMPEDIMENT
The current lack of clean fuels legislation and clean fuel availability influences the introduction of new, lower carbon emission truck models and technologies

Photo by Duane Daws
PROGRESS IMPEDIMENT The current lack of clean fuels legislation and clean fuel availability influences the introduction of new, lower carbon emission truck models and technologies

Increasing demand for used commercial vehicles

By: Kimberley Smuts 21st August 2015 Obtaining well looked after and high-quality, second-hand commercial vehicles is the greatest challenge currently facing the commercial used-vehicles division of automotive manufacturer Hyundai Automotive South Africa, says commercial vehicle marketing director Stanley Anderson, who adds that... →

Proposal for goods vehicles regulations ongoing

By: Kimberley Smuts 21st August 2015 The Department of Transport (DoT) in April put forward a proposal to ban trucks exceeding 9 t from public roads during peak hours and hopes to implement the proposed regulations by the end of 2015. This elicited strong reaction from local businesses, says industry body the Johannesburg Chamber of... →

Photo by Duane Daws
BANNING HEAVY TRUCKS The Department of Transport hopes to implement its newly proposed regulations by the end of 2015

Trailer tracking solution eliminates the risk of theft

By: Kimberley Smuts 21st August 2015 Asset management solutions provider QCIC’s Qic-T12 trailer tracking solution eliminates the risk of theft and effectively optimises trailer use and performance, says QCIC director Brian McKenzie. "The Qic-T12 device is a rechargeable trailer tracking solution designed for management and stolen... →

TRAILER TRACKING SOLUTION The Qic-T12 device can be fitted to trailers, compressors, power generators and lighting plants, among other applications

Reinforced concrete preferred for construction of Ekurhuleni bus lanes

By: Kimberley Smuts 21st August 2015 As concrete is the preferred material for the new concrete bus lanes for the Ekurhuleni integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) currently under construction on Gauteng’s East Rand, cement and concrete industry body The Concrete Institute (TCI) has played an advisory role on site for... →

Commercial vehicle assembly plant opens in SA

By: Jonathan Rodin 21st November 2014 Hyundai Automotive South Africa (SA) opened a semi-knocked-down (SKD) assembly plant in Apex, Benoni, in September, as part of a multimillion-rand investment in its commercial vehicle division in the local automotive market. The rationale behind the SKD commercial vehicle assembly plant was... →

On-board software increases peace of mind

By: Jonathan Rodin 21st November 2014 Entry-level fleet owners can enjoy increased peace of mind regarding the safety of their large, cross-border vehicle fleets, owing to the cost-effective QIC-SUR global postioning system (GPS) tracking unit. Asset management solutions provider QCIC director Brian McKenzie explains that QIC-SUR is... →

Transport network project on track

21st November 2014 The multi-million rand construction programme for the Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) network has made significant headway this year, and continues to create jobs for the local communities, despite a few challenges, says RRT design and construction manager Amogelang Kgoathe. She adds that, “it... →

Certification shows fleet safety and efficiency

21st November 2014 Driver training is one of the single biggest interventions that can salvage the tarnished reputation of the transport sector, which is currently seen as a high-risk industry owing to the number of buses and trucks causing carnage on South African roads, says financial services group Standard Bank... →

Positive responses to product received, growth expected

By: Jonathan Rodin 21st November 2014 Energy and petrochemicals company Shell has received positive responses from original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for its range of transmission-component protection oil, Shell Spirax, which was launched in April. Shell commercial technical manager Raymond Abraham explains that products, such... →

Private-sector employment crucial for strong economy

By: Jonathan Rodin 21st November 2014 The current pessimism in the private sector can be attributed to the state of the South African economy which, in turn, has led to a lack of employment in the sector, says Imperial Fleet Management, part of the Imperial industrial services and retail group, CEO Nicholas de Canha. He adds that by... →

Company announces in-house financing

By: Jonathan Rodin 21st November 2014 Engineering support services company Babcock Africa, sole importer and distributor of DAF trucks to the Southern African market, announced in October that it had established a dedicated finance company, Babcock Financial Services (BFS). “This development will give Babcock the competitive... →

Company launches new facilities

By: Jonathan Rodin 21st November 2014 Logistics services provider DHL launched two new facilities, in Plumbago Business Park, east of Johannesburg, for its Supply Chain and Global Forwarding divisions last month. →

Increasing US truck product holding a strong focus – SKF

By: David Oliveira 22nd August 2014 Technology company SKF South Africa, which is celebrating its centenary this year, is improving its commercial vehicle product range, particularly US truck products, explains SKF automotive division manager Gary Czapski. “South Africa’s truck fleets predominantly comprise trucks from the US and... →

PRODUCT OFFERING
SKF engineers and manufactures commercial-vehicle OEM-approved wheel bearings, heavy-duty tensioners and universal joints

Photo by Laverick Media Communications
PRODUCT OFFERING SKF engineers and manufactures commercial-vehicle OEM-approved wheel bearings, heavy-duty tensioners and universal joints

Truck conversion company to open second service centre in Gauteng

By: David Oliveira 22nd August 2014 Richards Bay-based US car import and sales company US Trucks aims to establish its second service centre in Gauteng, which is a market that represents nearly 80% of the company’s sales, US Trucks partner Thinus de Beer tells Engineering News. The new service centre will be located in Silver... →

DASHBOARD CONVERSION
Part of the dashboard is manufactured in South Africa, but the bulk of the dashboard is original, which is cut and reassembled

Photo by US Trucks
DASHBOARD CONVERSION Part of the dashboard is manufactured in South Africa, but the bulk of the dashboard is original, which is cut and reassembled

Future of trailer technology lies in load management

By: David Oliveira 22nd August 2014 JSE- and NYSE-listed fleet and mobile asset management solutions provider MiX Telematics plans to move into load management, assisting with the safe transportation of goods being moved by trailer. MiX Telematics Africa sales director Steven Sutherland explains that, in cases where companies are... →

Photo by Orange Ink
STEVEN SUTHERLAND From a risk perspective, it is important to be cognisant of the valuable goods on trailers

Brand awareness needed to increase product offering

By: David Oliveira 22nd August 2014 Automotive manufacturer Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s commercial vehicles division’s greatest challenge is creating brand awareness, says Hyundai Automotive South Africa commercial vehicles GM Danie de Beer, who adds that the problem is compounded by the lack of right-hand-drive trucks being... →

Photo by Hyundai
HYUNDAI HD TRUCKS Hyundai has only two right-hand-drive models in South Africa; the 3 t HD 65 and the 4 t HD 72

Nameplate Centre

22nd August 2014 Nameplate Centre services a large segment of the mining, construction, government, metropolitan, municipal and sub-Saharan African region with visibility signage, safety equipment and branding. Established in May this year, the company specialises in creating road or traffic signs, including... →

Public transport improving across the country

By: Jonathan Rodin 13th December 2013 With a number of bus rapid transit (BRT) projects already in operation, engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV) is involved in various capacities and various phases - from planning and design to implementation - of projects in Rustenburg, Polokwane, Tshwane, Johannesburg, Mbombela,... →

Photo by Duane Daws
"WE ARE GOING" The Rea Vaya BRT system transports more passengers than the Gautrain at a tenth of the infrastructure cost

Construction for transport project under way

By: Jonathan Rodin 13th December 2013 The first phase of the Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) system will be operational by 2015/16, following a R3.5-billion investment for the construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the integrated public transport system. →

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT The ITS components are being designed to include a host of features

Design enhances Cape Town’s BRT system

By: Jonathan Rodin 13th December 2013 Geotextiles and geosynthetic solutions provider Kaytech has provided a design solution using its bidim drainage technology for the drainage system of the new new bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Cape Town. →

LIKE CLOCKWORK The MyCiti BRT system was designed to be rolled out in phases and, once completed, would cover the entire city and its surrounding suburbs

Developed countries’ EV uptake strategies may be unsuitable for SA, owing to ‘significant’ wealth disparity, warns Frost & Sullivan

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