FUSO FJ26-280C HYP gets thumbs up!

August 19, 2021

Métier Mixed Concrete – the first company in South Africa to test the FUSO FJ26-280C HYP – has given the truck the thumbs up, declaring that it’s ideal to carry a 6-cubic metre load. Based on this, it’s ordered six of these trucks, which will form an integral part of its 100% Daimler fleet.

Métier Mixed Concrete – a 100% subsidiary of Sephaku Holdings – launched in 2007 with one plant in Durban and, despite the relatively volatile operating environment over the years, it’s opened six additional plants in Gauteng. A long-standing valued customer of Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa for the past 13 years, it has traditionally operated Mercedes-Benz Axor and Arocs models.

In April, FUSO officially launched the FJ26-280C HYP to the market, and Metier Mixed Concrete took delivery of the first unit for testing. Doug Thring, the company’s national operations manager, was delighted to be the first to test the truck. “It was a privilege for us. We are delighted that FUSO Trucks values constructive feedback from its customers. This says a lot about the brand and what it stands for. We are impressed with the truck’s overall performance and strongly believe that it is the best product for our current and future business growth and a perfect solution for the industry,” he tells FOCUS.

After obtaining the weighbridge results, Thring confirmed that the FUSO is suitable for the 6-cubic metre application. “I can safely say that it is an impressive truck that can operate under the toughest conditions and is suitable for the South African market,” he says.

“After intensive testing, the fuel economy achieved met our expectations. We are pleased with its consumption and the better turnaround time; this will contribute significantly to fuel efficiency and reduce the total cost of ownership. With the new models that we have purchased, we look forward to further savings, which will become tangible profits in the long run.”

Speaking from a driver’s perspective, he says the FOCUS is a robust truck suitable for South African terrain. “The vehicle drives well; it offers smooth gear changing and outstanding handling. There were no issues even when driving it on wet sites. It went everywhere and showed no signs of being stuck. I can confidently say that it drives very well in most conditions.”

Thring says he’s optimistic about the future for Métier Mixed Concrete and the South African construction industry in general: “For some time now (even prior to the pandemic), operating conditions were tough. It got tougher after the first hard national lockdown. With this said, while we are cautious, we remain optimistic, as the industry is starting to build its way back to positive growth. We are seeing an increase in tender activity and decent infrastructure projects. These developments have also given us the courage to further expand our business in Cape Town. As we grow our business, we look forward to further invest in the FUSO brand when the business need arises.”