Author:charleen-clarke
MAN’s testing programme tackles TCO January 8, 2025 MAN Automotive South Africa has launched its most ambitious truck testing programme to date. Philip Kalil-Zackey, vice president of truck sales and product at MAN Automotive South Africa, tells CHARLEEN CLARKE that the programme is solidifying the company’s commitment to delivering premium products tailored to the unique demands of the South African market. The extensive testing initiative, conducted on the notoriously challenging N3 route between Johannesburg and Durban, underscores the company’s focus […]
Reinventing the wheel: Tech drives tyre innovation January 14, 2025 The race to create high-performance, eco-friendly tyres has never been more intense. As the automotive industry moves towards sustainability, premium tyre manufacturers are leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve durability and efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), advanced materials science, and 3D metal printing, manufacturers are redefining how tyres are designed, produced, and ultimately disposed of. These innovations are not only improving road performance but also ensuring […]
Volvo 9600: a real winner January 30, 2025 For over a decade, Unitrans Passenger has relied on Volvo buses and coaches to keep its operations running smoothly, and the Volvo 9400 has proven to be a real asset. Now, with the launch of the Volvo 9600, Unitrans Passenger’s divisional head of the technical department, Sean van den Heever, shares his insights into the 9400 and his thoughts on Volvo’s latest offering with CHARLEEN CLARKE. Unitrans Passenger purchased its first Volvo […]
An all-new electric van range is revealed January 29, 2025 It’s not every day that we get to see an all-new (yes, really all-new) electric van range being revealed. But that’s exactly what transpired at the end of January 2025, when we jetted to Paris for the unveiling of a three-model range by Flexis. This new entrant into the commercial vehicle (CV) market is focusing on urban logistics and, for the moment, its attention is firmly on Europe. New era […]
IFOY Award nominees announced January 22, 2025 A total of 17 products and solutions from 11 companies and six countries have reached the final round of the IFOY Award 2025. In addition, four companies are competing for the IFOY Start-up of the Year Award. The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award (IFOY Award) organisation has officially announced the nominations for the 2025 IFOY Award. From a total of 49 submitted products, 21 devices and solutions from 15 […]
It’s time to break the silence November 19, 2024 Truck drivers in South Africa belong to a profession defined by long hours, relentless pressure, and immense responsibility. Yet, one of the most pressing issues plaguing the industry remains shrouded in silence: the mental health of these drivers. As society becomes increasingly aware of mental health issues, truck drivers remain underserved, under-supported, and often left alone to grapple with the profound challenges of their profession. A recent survey in the UK […]
75 years of DAF Trucks in a single day November 15, 2024 It is exactly 75 years since DAF Trucks built its first truck! ARJAN VELTHOVEN celebrates the anniversary by driving one of the company’s trucks from “back then” and one from “today”. DAF’s history is well known, but let’s recap briefly. The foundation of the company was laid in 1928 and in its early years, Eindhoven knew the company as “Van Doorne’s Machinefabriek” (Van Doorne’s Machine Factory). When brothers […]
A Tesla Cybertruck for Cops? Only in SA’s dreams! October 23, 2024 The end of the year is nigh! So, I’ve decided to have a bit of fun with my editor’s column this month. I am going to tell you about the goings on in the city of Irvine, California, where they have done something rather remarkable – and I must admit, a little enviable. They’ve just deployed the first-ever Tesla Cybertruck as a fully outfitted police vehicle. Yes, you […]
Is the South African used truck market in crisis? November 13, 2024 Rumours have circulated within South Africa’s commercial vehicle industry for months, suggesting a massive oversupply of used trucks. But is this really the case? CHARLEEN CLARKE asked industry insiders to shed light on whether the market is truly in a crisis – and what is driving current trends. “It’s a bloodbath out there. I cannot remember when last we had this number of used trucks in stock.” That […]
Dancing with death September 30, 2024 Let’s face it: truck drivers in South Africa often get a raw deal. They’re the backbone of our transport and logistics industries, responsible for moving goods across the country. Yet time and time again, their health, safety, and basic dignity are thrown under the bus – or in this case, under the truck. According to research by the Department of Transport (DoT), truck drivers in South Africa face numerous challenges, from excessive hours to […]
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