Author:focus-on-transport
The Ford Transit and Tourneo Custom twins have been refreshed. Launched in South Africa in early 2013, the new models have received some interior and exterior enhancements to boost their alternative offering to the likes of Volkswagen’s Transporter series and the Mercedes-Benz Vito. From the outside, new trapezoidal grilles (three bars for the Transit and five chrome bars for the Tourneo) and slimmer headlamps define the new look. Signature daytime running lights, along with automatic headlight activation and front fog […]
Vehicle tracking systems are a dime a dozen, but what if there is a need to track other assets such as containers, trailers, skip bins or houseboats? DataDot offers the Oyster, a cellular tracking device that is designed to withstand some pretty harsh conditions… The Oyster tracking device is compact (it weighs just 250 g), rugged, UV stable and immune to extreme weather conditions. It is claimed to operate optimally in temperatures between -20°C and 60°C. Battery life is claimed […]
With the launch last month of Real African Works (RAW), South Africa’s bus rapid transit (BRT) networks in the three major metropolitan municipalities of Gauteng could soon have a new vehicle supplier. The 100-percent black-female-owned original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will partner with engine supplier Cummins, which began working with the OEM in 2016 on the development of its RAW iBus V1D model. “We are fully prepared to offer the aftermarket support that is required. We have invested in training technicians, […]
Refrigerated transport operators in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region face challenges that include rough terrain, long distances and high ambient temperatures. Eqstra Flexi Fleet, a division of Eqstra Fleet Management and Logistics, has set out to ease the journey… It has partnered with Pecsser & Carrier, Ice Cold Bodies, Hino South Africa and GEA to design a rigid refrigerated vehicle with new technology to power the refrigeration units. “In 2017 we launched an articulated vehicle in the form […]
Jasper Hafkamp, executive director of Daimler Trucks and Buses (DTB) Southern Africa, has held the position for two and a half years now with great success – and he’s only just getting started The past two years have seen some significant changes within the DTB stable, many of which have been indicative of the company’s future – which, itself, is now coming into view. For Hafkamp, these are exciting times. “The transportation industry is changing. Our company is changing with […]
Ever driven at night and given thought to how well, or how poorly, you can see what’s going on around you? Welcome to the dark art of engineering visibility Which creature has the best night vision? Current research suggests that frogs and toads have the ability to see colour in almost complete darkness! However, while frogs can see better in darkness than cats, owls and, of course, humans, this means that their ability to see in daylight is slightly compromised. […]
Justin Manson, sales director of TomTom Telematics South Africa, has more than 15 years of experience in the fleet-management and telematics space. FOCUS speaks to him about the future of telematics. In South Africa’s mature telematics sector, staying ahead of the competition isn’t so much about the data, but rather about the software, analysis and packaging of information. This is a major leap from the past, where data was treated as proprietary information not to be shared. According to Manson, […]
Harneet Luther, Executive director of Tata Automobile Corporation SA, is on a mission to guide the company to a renewed, prosperous, market-leading future – and customer satisfaction is at the centre of it all Since arriving in South Africa in 2004, with Tata Motors, Luther has seen the Tata brand grow its product portfolio, expand to include assembly operations and support its customers with increasing vigour. Now, he and his team are laying the foundation for the years to come… […]
It’s good to know that, in an environment where companies are doing all they can to reduce costs, quality is still top of mind. That’s why BPW is taking its customers from OE to PE. For more than 120 years, BPW Bergische Achsen, based in Wiehl, near Cologne, Germany, has been known for the development and manufacture of running-gear systems and trailer axles. Through its strength in innovation, the company has been able to achieve continuous growth and is regarded […]
Mercedes-Benz has upgraded its Vito 111 Tourer Pro. GAVIN MYERS drove it Three and a half years after its launch and this is the third Mercedes-Benz Vito of the current generation that FOCUS has had on test. It’s also the most impressive. That’s not because it’s a top-spec model fitted with all the bells and whistles – in fact, it’s the entry-level model in the people-carrying Tourer range. This Vito impressed because it did something that no Vito I’ve driven […]
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