Q2 Sees a Significant Increase in Demand for Mercedes-Benz Electric Vans
On the 27th of July, Mercedes-Benz Group released their second-quarter results for 2022. Within Mercedes-Benz Vans, over 100,000 vehicles were sold worldwide, exceeding prior-year levels by around 1700 vehicles. Due to sustained demand for premium vans, the adjusted return on sales at Mercedes-Benz Vans was 10.1%. The results are particularly remarkable, as 2022 brought with…
The State of the Industry: Delivering continuous value long after the sale
In today’s competitive business landscape, those who achieve success (no matter the industry) are those who are able to reduce their operating costs without compromising on quality and efficiency. The global economic downturn that has shadowed the last decade of economic activity worldwide has triggered a huge shift in the industry, and South Africa is…
Truck makers in South Africa show optimism with new product launches
Domestic and export sales of trucks and buses in South Africa remain stagnant in an environment of tight trading conditions, but several local manufacturers are obviously still optimistic about the future as they announced new models and plans to increase sales volumes at the Futuroad truck and bus expo in Johannesburg last week. Futuroad, the…
Electric trucks – MAN and CNL begin practical testing
Joachim Drees, chairman of the Executive Board of Man Truck & Bus AG, and his board colleague Dr. Ulrich Dilling, responsible for production and logistics, handed over the first electric trucks of the type MAN eTGM at the Steyr production site at nine member companies of the Austrian Council for Sustainable Logistics (CNL). This also…
Autonomous vehicles face major stumbling block
One of the biggest issues facing the development of fully autonomous vehicles comes from perhaps not the most obvious source – the quality of road markings. “Clear visibility of road markings is required by autonomous vehicle sensors to work,” explained Harald Mosböck, executive committee member at the European Union Road Federation (ERF). Mr Mosböck was…
New Black Entrant Logistics Company gets Help from Drones
A new black-owned logistics company servicing the KZN and inland fuel depot route is being aided by some of the newest tech (drones) in logistics, as it goes toe to toe with big transport companies. Using drones to create their niche in the complex business of fuel distribution, Crusade Logistics plans routes and monitors driver safety…
Small series Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck
STUTTGART- This year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is bringing the world´s first all-electric heavy-duty truck to market in a small series. Following the presentation of the Urban eTruck with 25 t perm. GVW and a range of up to 200 km at the International Commercial Vehicle Show in 2016, the first vehicles will be delivered to customers this year. Electric…
RDW approval for camera/monitor system CornerEye
World premiere: Orlaco makes front and kerb mirrors redundant Barneveld, The Netherlands – Truck manufacturers no longer have to equip their trucks with mirrors. Orlaco is the first company to receive an RDW approval to deliver a camera/monitor system that replaces both mirrors for class V and VI (front and kerb view) entirely: CornerEye. With…
Daimler Trucks at the IAA 2016: Networked, Efficient and Safe
HANNOVER – At this year’s IAA International Commercial Vehicle Show, (22 to 29 September 2016) the focus is on the megatrends of the future: digitalisation and e-mobility. The key to the sustainable and efficient logistics of the future is called connectivity. Logistics rely on a network of players, including trucks, manufacturers, customers, hauliers, infrastructure, other vehicles,…
New strategic future initiative adVANce and Vision Van
Mercedes-Benz Vans is presenting the van of the future: Intelligent, Interconnected and Electric STUTTGART – The globally successful van manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Vans has unveiled its strategic future initiative adVANce for the transport industry. This sees the division systematically taking up its customers’ changing requirements. Mercedes-Benz Vans launches future initiative adVANce to expand its growth strategy and…
JAC Motors’ N56 3-tonne truck, best urban logistics solution
JAC Motors started in 1964 as a truck manufacturer and only in the early 2000s diversified into passenger car and light commercial vehicle production. Today, JAC Motors boasts with 57-years of experience manufacturing reliable, high-quality trucks. Over the last decade, JAC Motors has refined the design and engineering of its popular N-Series range of trucks…
FUSO FJ 16-230 The Truck of Choice
FUSO FJ 16-230 The Truck of Choice for Medium to Heavy Applications in Southern Africa. FUSO Trucks, a division of Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa today launched its latest medium to heavy-duty truck, the FUSO FJ 16-230, set to be the truck of choice in the southern African region. Custom-made solutions for varying customers’ requirements…
Adventure Tours Company Switches to Hino Trucks
Nomad Africa Adventure Tours, one of the leading operators providing this service in sub-Saharan Africa, has bought 25 Hino 500-Series 1626 trucks as replacements for 20 trucks in its fleet of 47 vehicles. These are the first Hino trucks bought by Nomad with the decision to switch to the leading Japanese brand resulting from detailed…
More truck for your buck
At a very affordable R259 000 (excluding VAT) the FAW 8.140 FL chassis cab provides one the lowest cost-per-ton vehicles on the market today. Cheng Zhang, Marketing & Strategy Manager for FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA, explains the rationale behind FAW’s bold move in the local southern Africa region: “In a business environment where total cost of ownership…
Decline in MCV sales reflects distressed economy
The depressed economy is reflected in the continuing slide in the sale of Medium Commercial Vehicles in South Africa. The depressed economy is reflected in the continuing slide in the sale of Medium Commercial Vehicles in South Africa. The slowdown in business and a general lack of confidence is impacting severely on the operations of…
The Iveco Daily, Supreme flexibility
DNA from Iveco’s heavy trucks, the Iveco Daily ensures robustness and long-lasting performance The Iveco Daily is a versatile commercial vehicle concept that meets all the transport needs of professionals. Structurally it derives its DNA from Iveco’s heavy trucks, which ensures its robustness and long-lasting performance. The Iveco Daily offers good power, safety, technology and…
Special Report on Medium Trucks and Big Panel Vans.
In the special feature we report on the market in this segment. The trend showed that sales of medium commercial vehicles in SA were on a decline in the first two months of 2014 after strong growth a year previously. January-February 2013 had been 8,3% higher than the 1 579 medium trucks The 1 691…
HPE Africa’s robust range of Hyundai construction equipment for municipalities
HPE Africa works closely with municipalities around the country, through the supply and support of construction equipment that offers dependable performance, low maintenance requirements and extended service life. The company’s range of Hyundai equipment – which encompasses wheel loaders, wheeled and tracked excavators, backhoe loaders and skid steer loaders – will be extended soon, with…
Caterpillar press release: New Next Generation Cat® 395 Excavator
The Next Generation Cat® 395 excavator offers contractors up to 10 percent more production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the industry leader it replaces, the 390F. “We increased swing torque and stick force by 10 percent,” said Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Caterpillar large excavators. “These…
New Cat 326 Next Generation Excavator
The new Cat 326 excavator delivers premium performance with integrated simple-to-use technologies boosting efficiencies up to 45 percent over previous models. This 26-ton class model delivers improved fuel savings, lower maintenance costs and improved operator comfort with all-new cab designs. The new excavator offers high reliability at a low cost-per-hour performance. Key to the design of…
SCA manufactures intermodal side tipper bins
Specialised Container Agencies (SCA) – suppliers of niche market container products – has developed an intermodal side tipper bin, that provides efficient bulk handling rail solutions, encouraging greater utilisation of rail wagon container haulage. “SCA’s intermodal tipper bins ensure quick, safe and cost-efficient bulk handling in rail and road applications. What’s notable is this intermodal…
HPE Africa’s Hyundai R220LC-9S excavators for high productivity
HPE Africa’s Hyundai R220LC-9S tracked excavators, which are considered premium machines in the Hyundai range, are designed to cope safely and efficiently in all conditions, including steep and slippery terrain in remote locations. The robust Hyundai R220LC-9S excavator series – with an operating weight of 21,9 Tons, a bucket digging force of 133,4 kN (2…
Barloworld Equipment unveils its unique new head office
Barloworld Equipment officially unveils its unique new head office and flagship Caterpillar Earthmoving Equipment showroom in Isando today – in what is a distinctively designed campus of superb functionality, where form and function fuse throughout. The new development for Barloworld Equipment consists of a head office and a world class showroom, housed in a series…
Wirtgen Autopilot 2.0 Significantly Speeds up Concrete Paving Projects
A concrete contractor from Virginia is one of the first companies in North America to upgrade to Wirtgen’s new AutoPilot 2.0 for stringless concrete paving. Talley & Armstrong, Inc., based in Henrico, Virginia, had already equipped its Wirtgen slipform paver SP 15i with the first version of the Auto Pilot, and relied on the system…
Masemanzi Mining Holdings and HPE Africa team up for success
“As part of Masemanzi Mining team’s commitment to deliver quality work time after time, we have established long-term relationships with customers and suppliers that have helped us prosper in spite of difficult economic conditions. “Challenges we currently face include fluctuations in the exchange rate, the rising cost of diesel, the erratic market value of coal…
Caterpillar Introduces the RM400 Rotary Mixer
Caterpillar Inc. announces the availability of the RM400 Rotary Mixer. The new RM400 replaces the RM300 Rotary Mixer and offers many new features and enhancements including 19% more power, an enhanced operating environment, and better maneuverability. These features help contractors achieve the demanding job specifications in both full-depth reclamation and soil stabilization applications. The machine…
Caterpillar Introduces Updates to the PM310, PM312 and PM313 Cold Planers
Caterpillar Inc. announces new updates to the PM310, PM312 and PM313 Cold Planers. The PM300 Series is ideal for small-to-medium job sites where compact dimensions, optimum maneuverability and high production capabilities are required. Wheel or track undercarriage designs are available for each model. More Power The Cat® C9.3 engine is now available with 249 kW…
BPW acquires JMR Trailer Parts to extend reach
BPW Axles has acquired a majority stake in the JMR Trailer Parts Group as part of BPW’s global strategy to expand its presence in the aftermarket. BPW distributes its spare parts in southern Africa through a wide network of independent distributors, among which JMR Trailer Parts performs a major role. JMR is a reputable spare…
The best thing since sliced bread?
New truck and trailer combinations recently built by Serco for Pioneer Foods (Sasko Bakeries) are now being used to deliver thousands of loaves of bread across the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Van body trucks, drawbar trailers and step-deck trailers Built at the Serco plant in Cape Town, the vehicles are designed to carry the…
Serco delivers on large order for Vital Distribution Solutions Fleet
Serco has delivered 70 refrigerated trucks to Vital Fleet, part of Vital Distribution Solutions, a large logistics company operating throughout southern Africa. Debi Dabner, Fleet Manager at Vital Fleet, said the new trucks brought to more than 100 the number of units her company had bought from Serco over the past three years, boosting Vital’s…
AFRIT gives savvy advice, a trailer industry leader
AFRIT is one of the most respected and innovative trailer manufacturers in Africa, and is highly regarded by many customers operating in the transport industry. While the company ethos is one of ‘delivering the goods’, the people at AFRIT are not boastful and generally shy away from the limelight. Given the company’s vast experience in…
Serco ‘steps up’ to meet the volume challenge
Serco challenged to meet new design for trailers and accommodate maximum volumetric capacity Serco was recently challenged when they received an order for specially- designed trailers to accommodate maximum volumetric capacity. The client wanted dry freight vehicles which could carry lightweight products cost effectively. The team got down to it and started work on what…
Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa ushers in a new dawn for Africa
Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa (DTBSA) has been the pinnacle of the commercial vehicle industry for over 60 years, offering market-leading transport solutions and services across the region. The recently announced Daimler AG separation into two purely-play independent companies heralds a new dawn for DTBSA, as it prepares to officially transition into a completely…
GIBB’s Future-fit transport network to launch SA economic growth
South Africa’s transport infrastructure has for too long been poorly funded and skewed towards overburdened road networks. Upgrading it for future mobility, and using financial innovation to embrace rail’s full potential will launch the country onto a rapid growth path. This was the message from several speakers at a transport and engineering roundtable event hosted…
MAN Lion’s Coach crowned “Coach of the Year 2020”
International trade journalists from 22 countries have selected the new MAN Lion’s Coach as “Coach of the Year 2020”. The jury were blown away by its coherent concept – combining cost-efficiency, comfort and reliability – as well as its distinctive MAN design. MAN Lion’s Coach beats the global competition to receive a prestigious award Prizegiving…
Local Primary School Receives Transport Boost
The learners from Heatherbank Primary School close to Theesecombe today received a transport boost with the donation of a 60-seater Isuzu bus. The 108 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 7 are transported daily from Walmer Township and surrounds to school. Principal, Ellen Lovemore, said the bus was very much needed as the old bus…
MAN Truck & Bus delivers Bus #1000
The room was floodlight with the branded MAN Bus nr 1000 which represented a culmination of 15 years of unique co-operation between customer and supplier that has successfully ensured a partnership that will endure for a very long time. On Tuesday 8th November 2016 the longstanding business relationship between MAN Trucks and Buses South Africa…
‘People Transport’ remains a critical issue in South Africa
The 2016 Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) conference earlier this year highlighted just how crucial a modern, well-developed public transport infrastructure is to South Africa’s economic development and socio-political transformation. The transport sector has the potential to unleash opportunities for the much needed economic growth the country seeks. Add to this the needs of…
Mercedes-Benz Bus & Coach South Africa offers savvy solutions
The Department of Transport’s strategic goals are to ensure an efficient and integrated infrastructure network that serves as a catalyst for social and economic development; ensure a transport sector that is safe and secure; improve rural access, infrastructure and mobility; improve public transport systems; increase the contribution of the transport sector to job creation; and…
Touring, the first-class way
The Scania Touring remains a hallmark option amongst the various bus and coach brands. The Touring is available in a number of attractive interior designs, and operators can choose between Classic-line and Comfort-line, each with different upholstery and colour options. However, whatever the choice of finishes, passengers will feel they’re travelling ‘first-class’ all the way….
Successful year for Volvo electric bus service in Sweden
on Route 55 in Gothenburg, Sweden, it is clear that the expectations have been surpassed. The aim is to run a three-year project to test and evaluate how electric public transport can contribute to a better and more sustainable urban environment, and to examine how the technical solutions function in real life. After one year…
Voith stop-start technology proven
Already a common feature in modern passenger cars, stop-start technologies also provide an efficient solution for the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions in city buses. City buses spend up to 40% of their time in idling mode The Voith DIWA.6 automatic transmission is perfectly engineered to deliver stop-start functionality during idling mode, thus reducing…
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Experience Luxury through Peace of Mind this December
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter epitomises spaciousness, comfort and safety. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this vehicle has taken the South African tourism industry by storm. “When being transported to your holiday destination, everyone wants a first-class shuttle experience; everyone wants a Mercedes-Benz Vans experience.” Nadia Trimmel, the president of Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, says. “From the very…
Isuzu Maintains BBBEE level 1
Gqeberha – Isuzu Motors South Africa has maintained an automotive industry leading level one in their Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) audit for a second consecutive year. Billy Tom, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company says “With Isuzu Motors South Africa being just three years old we are extremely proud of this…
The Spin behind NGVs
NGVs: The growth in popularity Running a vehicle on Compressed Natural Gas is a novice concept for many South Africans. Although Natural Gas filling stations have been active since 2014, there is an inherent love affair amongst South African’s for Petrol and Diesel powered vehicles. In contrast globally, Natural Gas Vehicles or NGVs, are popular…
Opel Moves People & Goods, Easily!
Rüsselsheim. Attractive, flexible and practical vans are named Zafira. The success story continues with the fourth generation Opel model! Newly developed fourth-generation model Twenty years after the success of the first generation in 1999, the story continues with a newly developed fourth-generation model. The Opel Zafira Life is a fun-to-drive, versatile and comfortable multi-purpose vehicle…
Volkswagen launches Caddy 1.0 TSI
The second best-selling model in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range, the Caddy 1.0 TSI combines space efficiency with sleek Volkswagen design and affordable running costs. Currently in its fourth generation, the Caddy has become the preferred choice for private buyers and fleet operators since introduction in South Africa in 2015. The 1.0 TSI Trendline joins the…
New era for enhanced Isuzu bakkie range in South Africa
Isuzu Motors South Africa (Isuzu) has refreshed its bakkie range, giving it a new name along with higher levels of specification, quality and efficiency to make its popular light commercial vehicle (LCV) more appealing than ever. Over the past 40 years of local production spanning six generations, the Isuzu bakkie has been a key player…
Cummins ISF Engine Range is Ideal for Light Vehicles
ISF engines, 2.8 and 3.8 litre four-cylinder, are the latest additions to Cummins’ extensive range of dependable engines, and are ideal for use in light commercial vehicles. Customers stand to benefit from exceptional performance and low operating costs, with the reliability and durability expected from Cummins, Sales and Business Development Manager Bo Fu (Bob) states, adding…
The new Volkswagen Crafter
With a maximum permitted weight of 5.0 metric tonnes, a larger maximum cargo volume of 17.5 m³ and an excellent variety of drive types and derivatives, the new Crafter offers highly functional solutions for everyday use that will meet customer expectations for individual transport tasks in all areas. In contrast to its predecessor, the new…
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa fits Hilux Black Edition
Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (PTY) LTD (SRSA) is proud to be selected as the sole tyre supplier for the latest Toyota Hilux Black Edition and Toyota Fortuner 18 inch derivatives. This means that Sumitomo Rubber is the only tyre manufacture that successfully meets Toyota’s stringent performance characteristics for this size 265/60R18 110H Grandtrek AT25. Sumitomo…
The New Nissan Navara,The Freedom To Be Yourself
ROSSLYN, South Africa (November 14, 2017) American rock ‘n roll legend and lead singer of the Doors, Jim Morrison, once said: “A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself,” and what better friend could you ask for than the all-new Nissan Navara, which gives you the ultimate freedom to go wherever…
Criterion Equipment’s TCM forklift trucks ensure safe and dependable operation
Criterion Equipment – exclusive distributors of TCM forklift trucks in southern Africa works closely with companies in almost every sector, including specialists in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) business. “FMCG companies – which operate in a highly-competitive environment, in terms of constant price, quality and delivery pressures – demand the assurance of dependable materials handling…
Introducing the innovative Counterbalance Electric Mitsubishi Forklift truck range
Masslift Africa (the sole distributor of Mitsubishi forklifts in Southern Africa) today announced the launch and arrival of the new Counterbalance Electric (FBCB) forklift truck series in August 2020. The new series will encompass the Mitsubishi forklift features that users have come to know and love over the years along with new technology to drive…
Shamrock Handling Concepts – Moffett truck-mounted forklift
The Shamrock Handling Concepts team is committed to assisting customers to cope efficiently with load handling and delivery solutions in the face of unprecedented challenges during the COVID crisis. “As companies try to streamline business activities at this difficult time, it is even more important to take extra care to maintain pristine hygiene standards throughout…
Mitsubishi Masslift Ready to Lift SA Businesses
South Africans are eagerly anticipating May 1st 2020 when lockdown will be lowered from Risk Level 5 to Level 4 allowing numerous sectors to be back in business. Since lockdown was first implemented, Marco Caverni, CEO of Masslift Africa, says that the country has seen a major shift in logistics and supply chain management. “As…
Combilift C-series multi-directional forklifts for safe space saving and productive handling of long and bulky loads
The Combilift C-series multi-directional forklifts – available from Shamrock Handling Concepts – have been well-received by the local market, particularly for handling long and bulky loads. “Combilift multi-directional forklifts, which have been designed for safe, space-saving and productive handling, improve workflow efficiencies and maximise storage space,” says Marius Schutte, managing director, Shamrock Handling Concepts, exclusive…
Doosan BR16JW forklifts from Goscor rebuild for HELUKABEL
HELUKABEL SA recently took delivery of two rebuilt Doosan BR16JW forklifts from Goscor Lift Truck Company. The units made economic sense for the German cable importer and distributor, considering its warehousing and storage application doesn’t necessarily warrant buying new machinery. As the costs of doing business keep rising, especially in constrained economic conditions, the…
Forklift safety awareness , Getting the better of common lift truck incidents
Given the regularity of forklift injuries and fatalities recorded every year across the industry, forklift safety awareness is of critical significance. An injury to an employee upsets staff morale and ultimately productivity, while damages to equipment translate into unwanted downtime, thus negatively affecting the company’s bottom line. According to the Global Industrial Truck Association,…
New Crown ESR 1000 Series – driving Logistics 4.0 and IoT
Latest from Goscor Lift Truck Company is Crown’s new ESR 1000 Series reach trucks. The range’s future-proof Gena operating system optimises performance and makes vital information easy to see, understand and use, while the full connectivity makes it ideally suited for challenges of Logistics 4.0 and the Internet of Things. Recent developments in forklift technology…
BLT WORLD’s Novatech wind power transport systems
Durban-based material handling specialists, BLT WORLD, supplies and supports an extensive range of handling equipment, including transportation equipment, designed especially for the wind turbine industry. Novatech’s specialist equipment for the safe and efficient transportation of wind turbine components encompasses wing transportation, tower and Nacelle brackets. BLT WORLD’s Novatech self-contained tower lifters are used for safely…
Taylor TXLS log stackers from BLTWORLD
The Taylor range of materials handling equipment, distributed exclusively in South Africa by BLTWORLD, encompasses the TXLS series log stackers, designed to efficiently handle a full log load, from truck or rail, in a single pass. “These robust log stackers, which are used for loading, stacking, transporting and unloading heavy loads of logs, offer improved…