Author:focus-on-transport

Having garnered legions of loyal fans over 40 years and six generations, the Isuzu bakkie has undergone some revisions and updates – the most significant of which may well be the simplest… That would be a change of name, from KB to D-Max; as the model is known in international markets. According to Isusu, the name D-Max originated in Thailand, with the “D” originally referring to the 2000 model year Isuzu bakkie that boasted the flush “Dragon Eyes” headlamp design, […]

This week, One Logix and subsidiary United Bulk, together with MAN Automotive and tanker-trailer manufacturer CA Muller, unveiled the first-ever chemical-interlink tractor-trailer designed according to performance-based standards (PBS). Ian Lowrance, CEO of One Logix, says: “It is only through changing the way we do things that value is created. The ‘can-do’ attitude of all parties involved has enabled us to seize an opportunity passed up by others.” Pierre Scharneck, operations director of United Bulk, says that the new PBS tanker […]

This month, 22 charities will receive a total of 26 vehicles with a combined retail value of over R12 million – making it the largest-ever vehicle donation by Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA). The fleet comprises 15 Ford Transit vans, seven Tourneo Custom minibuses, the all-new Fiesta and three locally built Rangers. The vehicles will be delivered to ten registered charities over the next two weeks. Among these are Save the Children and SOS Children’s Villages South Africa; Action […]

Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) has added a special edition Amarok – the Dark Label – to its range of double-cab bakkies. The R674 600 Dark Label enters the market as the competition is increasing from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, and “black-themed” bakkies seem to be the flavour of the month. In creating its black bakkie VWSA has sourced local parts, including a MAXE matte black styling bar with “Amarok” lettering. Other visual enhancements include door handles and exterior […]

There can be no denying the rapid rise in the development of electric vehicles and the pace with which established vehicle manufacturers and green start-ups are clamouring to get onto the bandwagon. Revealed this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show (it started on November 30 and runs to December 9), was the Rivian R1T – an all-electric pickup (or bakkie, whichever you prefer) that is scheduled for market introduction in 2020. In addition to those headline figures, Rivian says […]

The manufacturing landscape of the South African automotive sector is well and truly moving forward with the finalisation of the SA Automotive Masterplan process and the announcement of the policy that will be used to achieve the objectives of the sector by 2035. The SA Automotive Masterplan has set out several objectives, including having a localisation rate of 60 percent and doubling employment in the whole sector by 2035. The National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam) is […]

Not all trucks spend all of their operational time on road. Certain industries, such as construction, waste management, mining, forestry and agriculture, require transporters to visit remote locations. To avoid getting stuck, these trucks need tyres with sufficient grip and puncture resistance to go off road. At the same time, the tyres will cover most of their mileage on road, making performance and longevity non-negotiable. It is the juggling of these two requirements that has prompted Goodyear to launch its […]

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has given its X-Class double-cab bakkie an upgraded driveline which includes a V6 engine, seven-speed gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive. Dubbed the X 350 d 4Matic, it is currently the most powerful bakkie on sale in South Africa, as well as the most expensive… This 190 kW “premium” bakkie retails at R904 188 for the Progressive-spec model, and R973 188 for the Power model. So what does close to a million rand of bakkie get you? The reason de’etre […]

The Hollard Highway Heroes competition recognises truck drivers for the important role they play in society, and rewards the best driver entrants with cash and prizes. The competition was initiated in 2015 and established to encourage better driving through training. Wayne Rautenbach, head of Hollard Trucking, says: “This translates to better financial outcomes for employers, thanks to lower running and maintenance costs, fewer accidents and claims, as well as better premiums. “Ultimately, we all enjoy safer roads because thousands of […]