Author:focus-on-transport

Maxus EVs set to transform SA urban logistics November 3, 2023 In a strategic move that promises to reshape the landscape of urban logistics in South Africa, Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC), a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, has forged a partnership with a South African distributor and dealer. The result of this alliance is Maxus Electric Vehicles, an entity exclusively dedicated to the burgeoning EV market within South Africa. CLARE MATTHES reports. The primary mission of Maxus […]

The Clark SWX16: manoeuvrable and safe November 7, 2023 Clark has launched a new high-lift truck with lithium-ion (Li-Ion) technology: the SWX16. Thanks to its extraordinary manoeuvrability, this compact high-lift truck is unbeatable when moving goods quickly and safely in confined spaces with a hand-operated device. With its load capacity of 1.6 tonnes, the SWX16 is suitable for transporting goods over short distances in industry, trade, and distribution, whether in the warehouse pre-zone or at the high rack. The pedestrian […]

Navigating cybersecurity challenges in African transport and logistics November 3, 2023 The African transport and logistics sector embraces technologies readily. But these technologies do not necessarily come without risks… The transport and logistics sector in Africa is a rapid adopter of industrial automation, embracing technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and operational technologies (OT) to enhance efficiency. These advancements, however, have been achieved over the course of a well-documented history of cybersecurity vulnerabilities that still demand attention, cautions […]

Ford’s Ranger armada! November 10, 2023 Ford delivered an entire armada of bakkies to Greece for the group test. From the new Tremor to the spectacular Raptor, they were all there. VASSILIS DARAMOUSKAS and CHARLEEN CLARKE took them for a spin. Just observing the Ranger fleet in the hotel parking lot confirmed one thing: Ford takes this segment of the market very seriously indeed! We were particularly excited about two new models: the Tremor and Wildtrak X, which are both […]

TollScience Revolutionises Commercial Transport Sector Toll Management November 10, 2023 Toll booths and electronic toll collection systems dot South Africa’s extensive road network, making accurate toll management a demanding task, but a brand new toll management tool is set to revolutionise this complex undertaking. In the dynamic world of commercial transport, every rand counts. The South African trucking industry is a vital backbone of the nation’s economy, ensuring goods reach their destinations efficiently and on time. One significant financial challenge […]

Think Smart, Think Sinotruk November 10, 2023 For several years, Sinotruk has led the development of intelligent commercial vehicles in China, making great strides in trials for autonomous driving and smart trucks. As the pioneer of autonomous driving in China, Sinotruk launched the first-generation smart truck in September 2016, integrating intelligent features such as rear-end collision prevention, side-turn prevention, lane keeping assist, traction control, and self-adaptive cruise control. The manufacturer’s first 20 smart trucks were put into market operations at […]

Risky business for SME road freight transporters  November 10, 2023 South Africa’s bustling road network is the lifeblood of its economy, connecting businesses, industries, and communities across the nation. However, behind the scenes of this vital lifeline, there’s a critical issue that demands our attention: the safety of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) road freight transporters. These entrepreneurs and their fleets play a pivotal role in our nation’s supply chain. Yet the safety challenges they face pose a significant risk […]

Seeking the world’s best bakkie! November 10, 2023 The group test of the finalists for the 2024/2025 International Pick-up Award took place last month in Greece. Which bakkie will be named the best in the world? VASSILIS DARAMOUSKAS and CHARLEEN CLARKE attended the group test, and they report that it’s a tight race! Finding the world’s best bakkie was never going to be easy. This was highlighted when we arrived in Greece for the group test, which had been expertly […]

Toyota: Hilux GR Sport II premieres in Anavyssos November 13, 2023 Members of the International Pick-up Award jury saw and drove the new Hilux GR Sport II months before anyone else. VASSILIS DARAMOUSKAS and CHARLEEN CLARKE were particularly impressed with its on-road performance. The new Hilux GR Sport II, which the participants saw and drove in Greece many months before anyone else, looks quite different from other models in the Hilux range and it also differs from the first-generation GR […]

Volkswagen: luxury meets performance November 13, 2023 While the Amarok is available in five variants and with four engines, Volkswagen nailed its colours to the V6 mast for the group test. VASSILIS DARAMOUSKAS and CHARLEEN CLARKE really liked the bakkie’s power and refinement. The Amarok range comes with four diesel engines (see the sidebar) and spans five variants: the baseline Amarok, Amarok Life, Amarok Style, Amarok PanAmericana, and Amarok Aventura. But Volkswagen decided to bring only the two top-of-the-range models, […]