FAW builds solid foundation with the DSD Group

Die Sement Depot (DSD), part of several companies in the Andre Mostert Vervoer (AMV) Group, is an enthusaistic operator of FAW Trucks. Its ready-mix concrete products are distributed through depots in Killarney, Kraaifontein and Faure. It also delivers cement to its customers in the Western Cape as required.

Andre Mostert, group CEO of the AMV Group, says DSD is the fastest-growing ready-mix concrete supplier in Cape Town, and has bought more than 90 trucks in the last five years. He adds that he has plans to expand the company into Durban and Saldanha Bay, where more trucks will be required.

“The FAW trucks have stood the test of time. They are fuel-efficient and durable, and the changes that have been made to the FAW range, particularly the fitment of ZF transmissions, have given me trust in the brand,” he explains.

In total, the DSD Group operates 26 FAW ready-mix trucks and is likely to increase this to 30 in the near future.

The Group initially bought two FAW mixer trucks – a FAW 35.340FC and a FAW 33.330FC – from the FAW Cape Town branch. “We picked up complete trucks to the specs that we required,” says Mostert.

Affordability was also a key factor. “FAW trucks are almost half the price of their premium competitors. Finance was also obtained easily, because FAW looked at our business differently. It took the risk that other truck brands weren’t willing to take. We see FAW as a good business partner.”

He says he appreciates the fact that FAW Cape Town has highly experienced sales staff. “Dealing with Colin Buckley and dealer principal, Vernon Rudman, has been a good experience. They go the extra mile. It takes one call to sort things out when we have issues and we can have trucks on the road in two weeks from the date of order,” he says.

“FAW is the superior truck in my fleet. In fact, we haven’t replaced a single FAW in five years,” he notes.

From a technical and vehicle-specification point of view, knowing what works and what doesn’t in different South African industry-specific construction environments is important to Mostert’s company.

“Certain aspects, (like the design of the air filter) were changed on our FAW trucks in China. FAW was happy to do this at our request, in order to suit our unique operations,” he explains. 

“FAW is a flexible company and its decisions are not set in stone. We see FAW as a fair-value brand and the only truck that is affordable in these tough economic times,” he concludes.