Author:focus-on-transport
When times are tough and margins are slim, it’s not uncommon to hear of operators stretching out the service intervals of their vehicles and opting for cheaper, non-specialised replacements. Engine oil is a case in point and this is something Mercedes-Benz recognises – which is why its developed its Mercedes-Benz genuine oil. Specifically formulated to keep Mercedes-Benz trucks on the road for longer, Mercedes-Benz genuine oil is a cost-effective, yet high-performance formula. It is claimed to flow at ideal viscosity, […]
In addition to its brand-new SMB product, Ctrack Drive, the Ctrack stand, at this year’s Festival of Motoring, will also be home to a futuristic Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC) vehicle. Taking place between September 22 and 30, the SSC is a biennial competition in which teams from across the world design and build solar-powered vehicles and then drive them across South Africa. Seen as a live testing laboratory for new technologies, it will once again showcase highly innovative vehicles that […]
While transport companies are fighting to move forward against a headwind of rising costs and overheads, the average motorist is having to shell out more, too. According to the latest data from WesBank, the average costs of motoring have increased by approximately R940, or 14 percent, in the last year, and 31 percent since 2013. Despite prevailing interest rates remaining at low levels and favourable vehicle price inflation, the rising cost of fuel and an increase in VAT from 14 […]
In this blog piece by PG Glass, it’s clear that today’s simple piece of glass shielding the occupants of a vehicle will soon be so much more… Experts predict that consumer demand for ever-safer vehicles, and up-to-the-minute technologies, will drive their implementation despite barriers to cost. Lisa Dorn, reader in driver behaviour and director of the driving research group at Cranfield University, says that the automotive industry can learn a lot from fighter pilots, who have been using this kind […]
A Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 Double Cab, fittingly painted in the range-topping model’s distinctive and exclusive Pride Orange, is the 500 000th current-generation Ford Ranger to be produced at the Ford Motor Company’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. “The current Ford Ranger has been a remarkable success story for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, and we are delighted to have reached the 500 000 unit mark for this vehicle programme,” says Ockert Berry, VP operations, Ford Middle East and […]
Netstar, a subsidiary of JSE-listed Altron, has concluded a partnership with SqwidNet, the Sigfox operator and network provider in South Africa. The agreement will see Netstar move beyond traditional vehicle tracking by availing new opportunities made possible by Sigfox’s technology. Netstar’s product range will see new, cost-effective telematics devices introduced using this technology. A Sigfox communication module will enhance the existing radio-frequency network to offer new internet communication opportunities to the Netstar solution. “In order to evolve our internet communication […]
In less than a month, Electra Mining Africa 2018 will descend on the Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Between September 10 and 14, leading players in the mining, manufacturing, electrical and power industries will engage with visitors and share information on their latest products, services and solutions. “There will be an exciting line-up of new products and services, live demonstrations and free-to-attend seminars at this year’s Electra Mining Africa,” says Gary Corin, MD of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, organiser of the […]
The heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) segment sits in an interesting space, with more than 120 model variations offered locally. That means a lot of jockeying for market share – in a segment that is currently declining. The HCV segment is characterised by some interesting dynamics – from varying truck sizes, their ability to navigate city streets, and a need for considerable levels of customisation, to the sheer variety of models on offer and the availability of drivers. Elvis Mutseura, product […]
The coal transport industry is not for the faint of heart. To succeed requires grit, determination, astute business acumen and, importantly, a reliable and efficient fleet of trucks. PCC Logistics, with its fleet of UD trucks, is based in South Africa’s coal-mining belt, in the small town of Carolina, Mpumalanga. Initially operating as an independent coal trader, the logistics side of the company was established in 2007. “Leading up to the purchase of our own trucks, we made use of […]
The world is becoming “smarter”, and the mobility of people in cities is a key aspect in this future development, but South Africa seems to be lagging behind. During July I attended the 37th annual Southern African Transport Conference. The main report on this can be found on page 32. While there was certainly much to talk about over the four days, some topics were of particular interest – one that piqued mine was around smart cities and intelligent public […]
focusmagsa
