Author:focus-on-transport
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 […]
Scania South Africa recently hosted a handover ceremony at the PPC Slurry site in Mafikeng, North West Province. This partnership between Scania and PPC Slurry is a clear indicator of the total migration from the use of conventional yellow-metal haulers. PPC Slurry now has a total of seven Scania G410CB8x4EHZ heavy mining tippers in its fleet, operating at the site in Mafiikeng. Andre Niemand, technical advisor for mining at PPC Slurry, notes that Scania’s willingness to tailor-make the trucks to […]
GAVIN MYERS spent a week with the Changan Star 3 Double Cab Lux and found that it is a mini truck with some weight. If you’re currently in the market for a mini truck you have two basic choices: the 1,4-litre turbodiesel Tata Super Ace and the 1,3-litre petrol Changan Star. The impressive one-tonne Tata has long been a FOCUS favourite (its previous rival, the Suzuki Super Carry, has since been discontinued in South Africa). But can the Star 3 […]
JARLATH SWEENEY, from fleet transport, attends the European launch of the new Ford Transit Custom panel van – and comes away impressed with how the brand is forging ahead. Almost 100 years to the day that Henry Ford & Sons introduced its first one-tonne commercial vehicle, Ford Europe revealed the latest evolution of its most popular van – the Transit Custom. Over the century, the design theme has remained the same with a wheel at each corner and a similar […]
Trading in southern Africa offers many challenges for transport companies, especially in politically unstable countries like Zimbabwe. Since the removal of former President Robert Mugabe, some hope that transporting goods to and from Zimbabwe could become less expensive. FOCUS takes a look. Despite the difficult year experienced by many South African companies operating in southern Africa during 2017, as a result of political unrest in many neighbouring countries, 2018 promises to be an exciting year, especially since the removal of […]
Getting serious about the electric commitment Following the unveiling of its Nikola One hydrogen-electric truck in December 2016 and subsequent announcement of the Nikola Two, Nikola Motor Company’s plans for large-scale production have been set in motion. Following 12 months of considering 30 site locations, Phoenix, Arizona, emerged as the ideal location for the planned 92 903 m2 facility set on 2,02 km2 of land. The company is already beginning to transfer its headquarters and research and development facility to […]
Used oil is a common by-product of mechanised processes in all industry sectors, and, because of its harmful properties, it is classified as a hazardous waste. Used lubricants contain harmful compounds and carcinogens that can easily contaminate the environment, especially if thrown down drains, into landfills, or onto the ground. As a hazardous substance, used oil is strictly governed by environmental laws and its storage and disposal has to meet the requirements of the Waste Act. The management of used […]
Following an encouraging 2017, UD Trucks Southern Africa is on the up. MD Gert Swanepoel says: “Although 2017 began as a tough year after a terrible 2016, it ended as such a good year for us. Most importantly, the brand’s sales and customer satisfaction experienced significant growth.” A major contributor to this performance was the launch of the Croner. As 2018 will be the first full year of sales for this model, marketing director Rory Schulz expects it to help […]
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