Author:focus-on-transport

A general force to be reckoned with, Team De Rooy Iveco once again proved its might in the toughest rally races on the planet. Created to fill the gap left by the original African Dakar Rally, the Africa Eco Race has cultivated an enthusiastic following by amateur and professional competitors and spectators alike. With 2018 being its tenth edition, competitors set off on January 2 from Nador, Morocco, and ended on January 14 at Lake Rose near Dakar, Senegal – […]

A London-based enterprise is turning coffee grinds into fuel to power up London buses. WILLIAM GEORGE looks at this initiative, other alternatives and the need for new fuel solutions. The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the leading reason for the search for new and better methods of producing fuel. Furthermore, this will help to provide alternatives as the price of fuel continues to increase. Bio-Bean, a start-up company based in London, in the United Kingdom (UK), aims to […]

Covering the basics is always the most important aspect of approaching any big task, and hauling dangerous petrochemicals across a country or continent is no exception. FOCUS looks what companies should consider when transporting petrochemicals. The petrochemical industry in South Africa is estimated to make around R365 billion a year in sales. It is a large, profitable industry that is vital to the country. Just as important – and possibly just as profitable – is the transport of petrochemicals, which […]

The maintenance of a vehicle will differ depending on its application, age and condition. However, there are some basics that apply to all vehicles. FOCUS talks to some industry experts about a few ways to reduce down time. Nothing can dampen the spirit of a new year quite like a vehicle breakdown just when business is picking up. As the transport industry gets back into high gear, it is the optimal time to ensure that the vehicles in a fleet […]

WILLIAM GEORGE explores how the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) protects buyers of used vehicles and what they should look out for when purchasing a “voetstoets” used vehicle. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is aimed at regulating sales agreements and protecting consumers. The CPA further promotes fair business practices, in essence ensuring consumers are satisfied with the goods they purchase. The CPA states: “Every consumer has a right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for the purposes for which they […]

The new and used vehicle market experienced various fluctuations in sales figures in 2017. Nkosini Ngwenya investigates how these may have impacted the trailer and bodies market and what to expect in 2018. The trailer and bodies market in South Africa is closely related to the vehicle sales market, as an increase in the vehicle market has a positive ripple effect on the trailer and bodies market. As such, the fluctuations in the vehicle market in 2017 had a major […]

Filters are often replaced with cheaper alternatives. However, when it comes to your vehicle’s filters – cheaper definitely doesn’t equal cheerful. Just how many filtration systems does the average vehicle have? Well, besides the usual air, fuel and oil filters required to keep the engine in peak operating condition, there may also be numerous others depending on the complexity and operating conditions of the vehicle. It may have filters for the crankcase ventilation system, the transmission system, the hydraulic systems, […]

UD Trucks Southern Africa has invested R30 million in upgrades to its assembly plant in Rosslyn. FOCUS had the opportunity to get an inside look. The UD Trucks Southern Africa assembly plant is bustling as employees on three assembly lines aim to complete a vehicle every 40 minutes. According to Johan Swart, manufacturing engineer at UD Trucks, the plant produces around 14 vehicles a day and 260 vehicles a month. He believes the three assembly lines are key. “The assembly […]