Author:focus-on-transport
We find out how to take full advantage of internet connectivity in transport. Soon after the commercialisation of vehicle tracking devices, South Africa became a leader in the field, given its success in tracking and recovering stolen vehicles. Since then, however, the country might have fallen behind the rest of the world. Experts speaking at the recent Telematics Innovation Conference say service providers, clients and government officials need to embrace the opportunities provided by this technology. Telematics and traffic flow […]
FOCUS attended Electra Mining Africa 2018 to bring you this year’s highlights At first impression it became clear that, despite the fall in commodities, there is confidence that the mining and construction industries will secure their position among the country’s leading income generators. Anyone who has been to Electra Mining Africa before will know that it is about a lot more than mining and construction. It’s about making new friends, business connections and being amazed, and sometimes amused, at the […]
A locally developed hydraulic-hybrid propulsion system has been launched. It could change the way vehicles are powered in the future – those running internal combustion engines, as well as those powered by electricity. GAVIN MYERS was, naturally, very intrigued by the concept. Imagine having a system fitted to your vehicle – anything from the lightest car to the heaviest truck – that could return verified fuel savings of between 30 and 40 percent and provide infinitely variable braking power, all […]
With new 4×2 derivatives, the Nissan Navara range has been expanded to appeal to more buyers. GAVIN MYERS drives the entry-level SE variant. Originally launched locally in March 2017 with three 4×4 double-cab variants, Nissan South Africa must’ve been waiting with bated breath for its allocation of 4×2 Navaras – which it would only be able to introduce a year later. Happily, the range has now been expanded to the count of four, offering a fair mix of models from […]
The increase in additional supplementary lighting on vehicles in South Africa has brought the legal implications of installing these into the spotlight. The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) provides some guidance. Dewald Ranft, chairman of the MIWA – an affiliate association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) – says vehicle owners and installers are not clear on what is legally acceptable. “There is much debate in the industry around this issue. With the South African landscape being what it […]
What are distributors doing to remain relevant in the highly competitive world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)? Gareth Greathead finds out. FMCGs include everything from food and beverages, to household cleaners and personal-hygiene products. These items are sold at grocery outlets, convenience stores, corner shops and spaza shops around the country. Retailers selling FMCG rely on low prices and high volumes to make a profit. Achieving this objective relies on an efficient distribution model that gets products onto the shelf […]
Scania South Africa and Shoprite might have a fledgling relationship, but it’s already returning excellent results. When a company has 620 drivers transporting 420 loads per day to 550 stores, averaging up to 700 000 km per week, or up to four million per month, ultimate efficiency and uptime are not negotiable. For the Centurion-based Shoprite depot, this begins with partnering with the right vehicle supplier – most recently, with Scania South Africa. Gordon Brown, group technical manager at Shorprite, explains […]
The science of aerodynamics is crucial in ensuring good economy and comfort from a truck. Needless to say, the application of it has evolved somewhat over the years. GAVIN MYERS explores the topic The world has long been in the age of efficiency and environmental friendliness. Fewer and fewer countries tolerate old rust buckets that belch smoke and disturb the peace as they wheeze towards their next breakdown… (Sadly, South Africa is one country that seemingly sees nothing wrong with […]
Often slated for being little more than an opportunity for government to meaninglessly toot its own horn, transport month does, however, stand as a reminder of how much there is to celebrate about our road, air, port and rail transport infrastructure. Gareth Greathead reports. Transport month was launched in 2005 at the Transport Lekgotla. The current theme, “Together we move South Africa forward”, was launched in October 2016 and runs for five years. Government Ishmael Mnisi, spokesperson for the Department […]
The global push for clean, environmentally friendly lifestyles has affected every industry including refrigerated transport. While green alternatives might not be affordable for all operators, some small changes can have a big impact The global refrigerated trailer market is expected to be worth US$ 7,1 billion (R103 billion) by the end of 2021, according to a report by Persistence Market Research. An estimated 315 427 trailers were manufactured in North America in 2017, while in Europe around 250 000 trailers with a gross vehicle weight […]
focusmagsa
