Author:charleen-clarke
Anger meets optimism February 10, 2023 As a new year dawns, I find myself facing the year ahead with a rather odd concoction of emotions: anger and optimism. Let’s kick off with the anger. Like so many South Africans, I feel immense anger at load shedding. But I’m not even going to go there. It’s all been said and done. Adding my voice to those of millions of others isn’t going to achieve anything. Maybe I won’t achieve anything with […]
Iveco’s sustainability journey unpacked November 30, 2022 Iveco has pledged to offer a full range of sustainable transport solutions for every customer while reaching net zero carbon by 2040. These are lofty goals. And, as CHARLEEN CLARKE discovers during a trip to Turin, the company is adopting a multi-faceted approach to achieve these aspirations. One of the most obvious ways of bolstering sustainability is by launching new “green” products – and Iveco is doing this by the truckload across the […]
We’re on the International Pick-up Award jury! November 25, 2022 We’re ending 2022 on a very high note indeed. We are thrilled to announce that FOCUS will have a seat on the International Pick-up Award jury! This isn’t just a first for FOCUS, it’s a first for South Africa! As regular readers know, FOCUS was appointed to the International Truck of the Year jury and the jury for the Truck Innovation Award a number of years ago. We’re also on […]
More haste, less environmental gain? November 16, 2022 Should the internal combustion engine really be ditched? Or are we seeing a case of politicians being too hasty in their quest to rid the planet of this so-called “evil”? Earlier this year, I attended the IAA Transportation in Hannover – and, as you will have read in FOCUS last month, it was fascinating. One thing, however, was missing from many of the stands: diesel engines. Now I can just imagine what […]
Daimler celebrates 60 years in SA with limited edition Fuso November 16, 2022 Back in 1962, the first L Type Mercedes-Benz truck rolled off the production assembly line in East London. Today, that plant is regarded as one of the cornerstones of Daimler’s Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) production facilities outside of Germany. And a special edition Fuso Canter has been produced to mark the company’s diamond anniversary. Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s (DTSA’s) assembly plant in East London is celebrating 60 years […]
Volksbus Yabantu is born! November 15, 2022 An all-new bus – the Volksbus Yabantu – has been launched in South Africa. CHARLEEN CLARKE reports that this bus is truly unique, because it is the only VW bus in the world that was designed in Germany and is being built in Olifantsfontein. In the world of transport, it’s rare to come across a truly unique product. Sure, some products are highly innovative. Others have impressive new features. But a totally unique […]
Revealed: the future for e-commerce in South Africa November 7, 2022 South Africa’s largest privately-owned logistics provider, City Logistics, has acquired 100% of Fastway Couriers South Africa with private equity fund manager Clearwater Capital. On the back of this, CHARLEEN CLARKE speaks to City Logistics CEO Ryan Gaines about the transaction, as well as the future of e-commerce in South Africa. Let’s kick off with some background to your Fastway Couriers acquisition, starting with City Logistics. We know that it […]
Under fire! September 15, 2022 Our industry, its trucks, and its drivers are under fire. This has massive consequences… Crime in South Africa is something that we’re used to – which is completely and utterly wrong. Much like the frog in the boiling water, it’s become part of our daily lives. We’re not jumping out as the water heats up, because we’re so accustomed to it. Some people even think it’s normal. It is not. Things are quite different in […]
Zero emissions to the fore October 12, 2022 The IAA Transportation 2022, which took place last month, was an all-new iteration of the show, covering the entire transport and logistics spectrum. CHARLEEN CLARKE travelled to Hannover, Germany, to explore the latest transport technology – and discovered an overwhelming obsession with zero emissions. While South Africans fret about load shedding, crime, and unemployment, the global agenda is somewhat different: it’s all about zero emissions. At the IAA – organised by the […]
Iveco wows IAA crowds October 6, 2022 Iveco stunned visitors to the IAA Transportation with a host of new product launches and an order for 2 000 eDaily chassis cabs. CHARLEEN CLARKE attended the company’s press conference and toured the stand, which boasted multiple innovations. From innovative vehicles demonstrating the future of mobility to vehicles harking back to Iveco’s history… there was something for everyone on the Iveco stand. A whopping 17 vehicles were present inside the hall to demonstrate the […]