Trucking is keeping South Africa going

On two recent trips down the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg it was clearly evident that there are much more trucks on the roads than a few years ago. The trucking industry is truly carrying South Africa as the rail sector continues to decline into a non-existent state.

The downside is that with fuel prices reaching record highs once again, everything that is transported by truck can be expected to go up in price and that is most things. Unfortunately at the end of the day it is the consumer that pays and that is putting additional pressure on already cash strapped South Africans

An alternative to fossil fuels

Fortunately help is on the way, although in many cases it might still be a year or three before they reach South Africa. In an exclusive interview Business Fleet Africa spoke to Renergen, the local renewable energy gas and helium group. They have uncovered one of the richest helium concentrations recorded globally and Phase 1 of their Virginia Gas Projects, South Africa’s first commercial LNG facility will go live soon, with blue chip customers already signed up.

Major manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have this month again announced new product solutions that leave fossil fuels in the rear view mirror and we investigate a dual fuel solution that could be a great stepping-stone while we wait for alternative fuels to become more readily available.

Light commercial sector buzzing with new products

It is an exciting time in the light commercial sector. Volkswagen recently unveiled their all-new Amarok, which will be built in South Africa and Ford have announced a variety of accessories that will make the new Ranger an attractive choice for commercial and leisure customers when it goes on sale later this year. Renault have brought an interesting solution to market, converting their Triber into a panel van, the result is the most cost effective vehicle of its type available in SA at the moment and one that uses very little fuel.

We would love to hear from you

As we continually refine the offering that is Business Fleet Africa, we would love to hear what you would like to see more, or less of. Please feel free to drop me an email with any comments or suggestions, the details are alongside.