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Latest News

Latest-technology-offered-to-customers-to-assist-them-in-improving-efficiencies-of-their-operations-1
06/202018

At the forefront of new quality and health and safety standards!

Latest News

In a milestone achievement that asserts an uncompromising stance towards quality and health & safety, Goscor Lift Truck Company (GLTC) has become the first forklift supplier to attain both the ISO 9001: 2015 and OHSAS 18001 accreditations in South Africa.    

Quality and health & safety have always been top priorities at Goscor Lift Truck Company, the sole distributor of leading forklift brands, including Crown, Doosan, Bendi and Hubtex. The recent successful upgrade from ISO 9001: 2008 to ISO 9001: 2015 and the OHSAS 18001 accreditation are testimony to the relentless focus on setting the bar high as far as quality is concerned, with no compromise to health & safety.

GLTC set the ball rolling in 2016 when it successfully achieved the ISO 9001: 2008 accreditation. Early this year, a lot of hard work saw the premium forklift supplier successfully upgrade to ISO 9001: 2015. “We are the only forklift company in South Africa to have both the ISO 9001: 2015 and OHSAS 18001 accreditations,” confirms MD Darryl Shafto.

The attainment of these accreditations were a result of hard work. “The route to accreditation wasn’t a walk in the park,” says GLTC Director Anthony Fouché, adding that this called for a lot of hard work and long hours. “The accreditation process started in 2016 and it was an arduous process, but worth the effort.”

One of the major initiatives towards the achievement of the accreditation was having the right people in right positions first. This saw the subsequent appointment of Heather Morgan as National Health and Safety Officer, and Thando Khumalo as Assistant Health and Safety Officer. After another intensive audit by German based TUV, with two days at each national branch, GLTC successfully met the ISO 9001:2015 and OHSAS 18001 standards in February 2018.

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image001
06/202018

What to do if you’re first on the scene!

Front page news, Latest News

Being in an accident is something we all do our best to prevent, but it is far less easy to take precautions against inadvertently becoming part of one. Bearing witness to or being the first to arrive at an accident scene can be as traumatic as being involved one’s self, as it is not always easy to know how best to help in cases where victims have experienced trauma.

In some cases, our natural instinct to help those in pain is overridden by a fear of doing something wrong or perhaps accidentally making things worse, leaving many accident witnesses feeling helpless or paralysed with fear.

While the majority of us are not able to provide much in the way of medical assistance, there are a few key actions we can all take in the event of an accident to assist those in need.

Here are a few tips to bear in mind should you find yourself in this unenviable situation:

Provide reassurance

If the victim is conscious and responsive, your first step is to provide comfort and reassurance. Assure them that help is on its way and that you are there to assist until the professionals arrive. It is also important that you do your best to keep them immobile, as excess movement can end up worsening their injuries.

Ask for consent

Before providing any type of assistance, it is vital that you acquire consent from the victim. There are three types of consent, namely: informed consent, expressed permission and implied consent. In cases where the victim is lucid and able to speak, they must provide verbal consent for you to assist them, whereas expressed permission is given by signalling in the affirmative (in cases where the person in question is unable to speak). If the victim is unconscious and there are no family members or friends present at the scene, consent is considered implied and you should immediately do your best to assist.

Top up on information

If possible, try your best to get as much medical information from the victim as possible, as this will help paramedics to treat them more swiftly and effectively. It is wise to ask whether the victim has any medical history that could be beneficial for paramedics to know, and ascertain whether there are any allergies or medications they are taking, which could influence treatment. If you are able, try to establish the cause of the accident, and get an idea of the signs and symptoms they might be experiencing.  The more information you can give paramedics upon arrival, the quicker they can begin to administer treatment.

Where possible, try your best to verify information via documents like IDs or drivers’ licenses, as this will also greatly assist paramedics, who will ultimately need proof of identity.

Play detective

When confronted with more challenging scenes in which the victim is unconscious and unaccompanied, your first step should be to try to find some type of identification, in the form of a bag, wallet, medical bracelet or driver’s license. Should this be unsuccessful, try to retrieve the victim’s phone, and call someone on their contact list to acquire the necessary medical information.

Don’t play doctor

While you might have watched hundreds of episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, this does not mean you are qualified to provide treatment to someone in need of serious help. Unless you have undergone first aid training, your best bet is to call emergency services and do your best to keep the victim calm and still until they arrive.

Stay safe

Chances are, you might be confronted with a scene involving an intoxicated victim, in which case you might be putting yourself in peril. Inebriated accident victims can be violent and the situation can become complicated should you try to involve yourself. Remember, while your natural instinct will be to provide help, it is always important to protect yourself first. Should you suspect that the victim in question is under the influence, rather call law enforcement and await their arrival.

By Nthabiseng Moloi, MiWay Head of Marketing & Brand.

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domnt get left in cold-1
06/202018

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter!

Front page news, Latest News

“Allow us to take care of your doors and PVC strip curtains’ service requirements before winter is here so that you can focus on your core business,” advises Bram Janssen, Managing Director of door and loading dock solutions specialist, Maxiflex.

There are both safety and cost saving arguments around the regular servicing of doors and PVC strip curtains. Even the best quality, most robust and well-engineered doors and strip curtains require regular servicing and maintenance. Irrespective of the industry, a defective door or broken or scratched strip curtain can present unsafe working conditions, lead to reduced productivity and production losses as well as replacement or repair costs. Regular service and maintenance are key to ensuring that doors stay in good safe working order and function optimally and that strip curtains efficiently control the internal climate.

Heavy traffic flow of people, goods and services puts doors under pressure and components have to work literally thousands of times per day. Even the smallest component, if not maintained or replaced in time, can lead to door failure. Incorrecttension on the spring of an overhead sectional door in a dock loading application for example, will affect the counter-balance of the weight of the door blade. In addition to an unsafe situation, failure to open can lead to dispatch delays.

PVC Strip curtains do a great job of separating areas for temperature control and energy savings but they eventually need to be replaced due to natural wear and tear over time. Scratches on the surface can limit visibility or strips that have lost their transparency can pose a safety risk particularly in areas with two-way traffic. Air escapes through cracked or broken strips which has a diverse effect on climate control driving up energy consumption.

Maxiflex offers two replacement options to take care of worn strip curtains: PVC Bulk Rolls or full length PVC rolls, and individual PVC Replacement Strips. PVC Bulk Rolls are the most economical purchase but requires time and effort to cut the strips to length and prepare the mounting holes at the top of the strip. Individual PVC Replacement Strips are sold by the metre. Although less economical, this completely customisable option allows the customer to order the exact number of strips required rather than a complete roll and is recommended where fewer strips are required.

As the sole distributer for ASSA ABLOY Entrance Solutions in the Sub-Sahara African region, Maxiflex offers a variety of flexible service options on their range of doors that range from regular maintenance visits throughout the year, safety, compliance and quality control checks as well as 24/7 priority service delivered by highly-trained, skilled technicians. Maxiflex technicians attend regular training to keep abreast of the latest technology, tooling and service techniques.

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VAT
06/202018

Offsetting the higher VAT rate

Front page news, Latest News

Efficient and innovative fleet management can save businesses the costs of the recent VAT and fuel levy increases.

Executive Head for Standard Bank Fleet Management, Derick de Vries, says the increase in VAT to 15% from 14% is seen as a high cost to bear – but this can be comfortably offset via a comprehensive managed plan which harnesses predictive data.

“Fleet owners are facing a multitude of additional costs and also hidden costs they are not even aware of. The solution lies in harnessing the existing data they possess to dramatically save costs and enhance business efficiencies,” he says.

For instance, Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) research into a fleet company with 50 vehicles, shows that they have saved R14 006 in April as a result of Standard Bank analyzing their existing fuel spend patterns and converting them to one of their suitable fuel alliances where the customer is now saving R0.53 a litre on Diesel.

“By managing the way it consumes diesel through one of Standard Bank’s Alliance partners, the R0.53 saving per litre trumps the R0.52 increase in the fuel and RAF levies during April. The overall saving of R14,006 far outweighs the R62 more someone with 50 vehicles in this example would pay in fees after the VAT increase,” says De Vries.

More impressive savings are possible when a more comprehensive managed plan in switched on. For instance, Standard Bank researched the impact of its managed maintenance offering for a large fleet of over 3,000 vehicles before and after VAT increases and compared this with someone who did not have this solution in place.

“We noted savings of R1.084 million over a three-month period (Jan – Mar) for this client as a result of properly managing their maintenance says De Vries.

Businesses are operating in an increasingly complex environment and need to improve their understanding of the trends shaping the industry to stay a step ahead – or get left behind.

“The currency plays an important role, as 70-80% of vehicle parts get imported. Managing this part of the business is therefore essential. But an over-arching will look at the currency as just one component – it drills down to minutiae like the costs of brake pads and fuel per litre,” says De Vries.

Standard Bank VAF research shows that the saving as a result of utilizing managed maintenance is significantly more than what the customer pays in fees, before and after the VAT increase. It is also significantly more than the increased amount of VAT the customer would have paid for the actual service or repair due to the increase from 14% to 15%.

Pricing and timing are crucial to the longevity of a fleet business – and switching to a reliable product that assist in predicting key trends will help companies go the distance – no matter the market conditions.

But De Vries says most businesses are not yet realizing the full potential in the “goldmine” of data they are sitting on.

“Data analytics provides insights into an entire fleet and then granular detail on product prices which can be way too high and need to be managed,” says De Vries.

The move to adopting fleet cards is another way to reduce fraud – a major bugbear for fleet owners. Standard Bank has pioneered advances in the authorization of fleet card transactions and currently services over 50% of the fleet card market.

“We have found that most fraud comes from driver abuse, but properly managing this with fleet cards totally changes the picture. We have, for instance, declined over R440m in transactions during 2017 as potentially fraudulent on our cards, which is a direct saving for companies that were getting ripped off,” says De Vries.

According to De Vries, the vehicle sector is at a critical juncture, raising the bar for companies to understand and manage the trends taking shape.

“Some green shoots for economic growth are sprouting – but it is not enough to drive growth forward in the fleet industry. Fleet companies will have to find other ways to expand. One of the best levers right now is to rescue as many costs as possible. Harnessing the tools and innovations based on big data is the best way to go,” he says.

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Analysing the May 2018 industry sales statistics-1
06/202018

Analysing the May 2018 industry sales statistics

Front page news, Latest News

Commenting on the new vehicle sales statistics for the month of May, 2018 – the NAAMSA said that the latest vehicle sales and export numbers had continued in line with general industry expectations. In the event new vehicle sales at 42984 had shown an improvement of 1022 vehicles or 2,4% from the 41962 vehicles sold in May last year. May, 2018 aggregate export sales at 32731 vehicles reflected an improvement of 3982 units or a gain of 13,9% compared to the 28749 vehicles exported in May last year.

Overall, out of the total reported Industry sales of 42984 vehicles, an estimated 37370 units or 87,0% represented dealer sales, an estimated 7,3% represented sales to the vehicle rental Industry, 3,7% to industry corporate fleets and 2% to government.

The May, 2018 new car market at 26561 units had registered a marginal improvement of 179 cars or a gain of 0,7% compared to the 26382 new cars sold in May last year. Seasonal factors continued to affect the car rental industry contribution which had accounted for about 9,8% of new car sales in May, 2018.

Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses had improved modestly and at 13977 units during May, 2018 had registered a gain of 434 vehicles or 3,2 % compared to the 13543 light commercial vehicles sold during the corresponding month last year.

Sales in the low volume medium and heavy truck segments of the Industry had rebounded strongly and at 694 units and 1752 units, respectively, had recorded an increase of 104 vehicles or a gain of 17,6%, in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and, in the case of heavy trucks and buses, a sharp improvement of 305 vehicles or a gain of 21,1% compared to the corresponding month last year.

The improved truck sales figures suggested the return of positive investment sentiment and business confidence.

NAAMSA’s expectations going forward remained unchanged, namely, new vehicle sales should show a gradual improvement over the medium term due to further recovery in domestic demand supported by continued moderation in new vehicle price inflation, the improvement in South Africa’s political and policy environment, the March, 2018 reduction in interest rates and unchanged international credit ratings. As a result of these developments, supported by improved business and consumer confidence, a modest recovery in economic growth in 2018 and 2019 was anticipated. This in turn would benefit domestic new vehicle sales over the balance of the year and an annual improvement in domestic sales volumes of 3% plus compared to 2017 was possible.

Robust global growth should benefit new vehicle exports going forward. However, the current wave of protectionism could negatively impact on the global economy. Despite this, exports should show further upward momentum in the months ahead.

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Produktionsstart der neuen verbrauchsoptimierten Lkw-Achse im Mercedes-Benz Werk Kassel. 5. von links: Ludwig Pauss, Standortleiter Mercedes-Benz Werk Kassel. 

Start of production of the new axle at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kassel. Fifth from the left: Ludwig Pauss, site manager of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kassel.
06/222017

Fuel savings on the up

Latest News

Production has started in Germany of a lightweight truck axle that has been designed to help to reduce the fuel consumption of the Mercedes-Benz Actros. In addition to weight savings, a New Final Drive (NFD) benefits from actively controlled oil regulation in the heart of the axle.

According to a statement issued by Mercedes-Benz, the technology and type of construction is without parallel – lubricating oil is supplied as needed depending on the speed, torque and temperature of the final drive.

“Intelligent oil management minimises the swirl of liquid in the final drive and thus reduces the friction loss from the gears turning in the oil bath. The new axle completes the second generation of the Integrated Powertrain from Daimler Trucks and results in fuel savings of up to 6,5% for the Actros compared with its predecessor,” the statement says.

As part of the Daimler Trucks platform strategy, the new truck axle will be produced at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Kassel and also at the US site in Detroit.

“The second generation of the Integrated Powertrain from Daimler Trucks – consisting of engine, transmission and axle – has already resulted in fuel savings of up to six percent for the Actros and ensures the lowest possible Total Cost of Ownership,” says Dr Frank Reintjes, Head of Global Powertrain and Manufacturing Engineering Trucks.

The start of series production of the fuel-efficient truck axle coincided with the inauguration of an ultra-modern assembly line that was constructed at the site in recent months. The plant boasts cutting-edge production technologies and a high level of automation.

For example, components inside the axle can now be directly welded together with new laser technology instead of being bolted. The resulting smooth mating surfaces reduce unnecessary oil swirl in the final drive and have a positive effect on fuel consumption.

In total, about 30-million euros were invested in the new NFD assembly line in Kassel.

“The new truck axle with active oil regulation is the first axle of this type and offers our customers a clear competitive edge thanks to reduced fuel consumption. We also benefit from this at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Kassel,” says Ludwig Pauss, the plant’s site manager.

“Cutting-edge product technologies and extensive investments in production facilities ensure that the site will remain profitable and competitive in future.”

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Copyright
06/222017

The case for fleet insurance

Latest News

With careful management and attention to detail, fleet insurance can reduce costs and enhance the safety of employees and still benefit the fleet operator with as much coverage as is required. It can also make a significant contribution towards road safety.

That’s the view of Murray Price, managing director of Eqstra Fleet Management, who says that fleet insurance covers a group of cars, commercial vehicles and trucks under one policy that’s designed to distribute risk across the board.

In Price’s words, a fleet operator pays only once for each peril, rather than insuring each vehicle individually, with the premium evaluated on challenges faced by the entire fleet.

“Fleet operators have unique needs,” says Price. “Insurance costs must take into account the complexities associated with business vehicles, such as insuring for multiple drivers and making sure vehicles can be used for as many applications as necessary.”

In price’s view, it is important for fleet operators to consult with the right insurer to ensure the business gets the optimum level of vehicle cover. “The insurer must understand the operational demands of the fleet, particularly if it is operating a number of heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles.”

According to Price there are some basic factors that every insurance company will take into consideration when calculating fleet insurance costs. These include:

  • The number of vehicles to be insured and what vehicle types;
  • The age and condition of vehicles;
  • Estimated mileage;
  • Claims history;
  • Vehicle telematics solutions;
  • Driver behaviour history;
  • Book value of each vehicle covered;
  • Routes, for example urban versus rural.

To qualify for fleet insurance, vehicles must be owned by the same business or person. The insurer usually requires a minimum number of vehicles in order for the insured to qualify for fleet insurance. It remains the duty of the fleet owner to keep the insurance company informed of any changes to the fleet.

Price says the benefits of fleet insurance include:

  • All vehicles owned by the business are covered, with each outlined in the policy. This greatly simplifies claims administration.
  • Drivers who battle to get individual insurance will be covered under a fleet insurance policy, which will help them to obtain individual insurance at a later time if they so wish.
  • Though companies which provide fleet insurance must still take into account the driver’s past history and experience, fleet insurance costs are much less than those of individual insurance.

Price says that since fleet insurance premiums are based specifically on the risk profile of the business, it is essential to investigate the following when choosing a fleet insurance company:

  • The ability of the insurer to administer the claims processes effectively and quickly;
  • Availability of emergency roadside assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
  • Cover for reasonable storage costs or towing to the nearest repairer;
  • Approved repairers with which the insurer deals;
  • Cover for costs incurred for the removal of wreckage as well as costs for   replacing locks, keys, remote controls or the reprogramming of vehicle security systems;
  • Cover if needed outside the borders of South Africa;
  • Cover not only for the vehicles but also for accessories and spare parts;
  • Legal liability insurance cover for damage to property of other parties as a result of a vehicle accident.

“As fleet managers and logistic companies seek for affordable commercial vehicle fleet insurance, road safety is the ultimate beneficiary,” says Price. “Affordable fleet insurance depends on safer driving behaviour and the ability to accurately measure such driving.

“Fleet insurance rewards safer driving which in turn assists in reducing accidents and improving road safety.”

 

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Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 15/2 RHD, Exterieur, viperngrün metallic, OM 470 Euro VI mit 290 kW (395 PS), 10,7 L Hubraum, 8-Gang Mercedes PowerShift, Länge/Breite/Höhe: 12.295/2.550/3.680 mm, Bestuhlung: 1/51 //  Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 17/3 RHD, Exterieur, platinum-silber metallic, OM 470 Euro VI mit 315 kW (428 PS), 10,7 L Hubraum, 8-Gang Mercedes PowerShift, Länge/Breite/Höhe: 13.935/2.550/3.680 mm, Bestuhlung: 1/57 

Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 15/2 RHD, Exterior, viper green metallic, OM 470 Euro VI rated at 290 kW/395 hp, displacement 10.7 l, 8-speed Mercedes PowerShift transmission, length/width/height: 12295/2550/3680 mm, seating: 1/51.  //  Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 17/3 RHD, Exterior, platinum silver metallic, OM 470 Euro VI rated at 315 kW/428 hp, displacement 10.7 l, 8-speed Mercedes PowerShift transmission, length/width/height: 13935/2550/3680 mm, seating: 1/57.
06/222017

New touring bus from Mercedes

Latest News

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new version of its popular touring bus, the Tourismo. The high-decker touring coach, manufactured in both left- and right-hand-drive form, is said to set new standards for fuel efficiency, comfort and safety in the inter-city bus market.

The preceding model, which sold about 26 000 units in its 20-year history, held a market share of around 20% in Europe. Prospects for the new model are described by spokesmen for Mercedes-Benz as “more than promising.”

Four variants of the bus, which was developed at a cost of 400-million euros, will be available. “The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo is the most successful European touring coach of all time, and a key driver for the success of Daimler Buses,” says Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses.

He describes the bus as a genuine all-rounder designed for a variety of purposes. “Whether used as a shuttle-bus, charter or long-distance bus, it offers our customers an even wider range of applications than before.”

Like its predecessor, the new Tourismo will be manufactured at Mercedes-Benz’s plant at Hoşdere, near Istanbul in Turkey. Powered by a choice of engines from the OM470 range, fuel efficiency is said to have been improved by up to 4,5% compared with that of the predecessor, increasing to about 7,0% when optional equipment such as Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) or Eco Driver Feedback (EDF) are included.

Optimised aerodynamics and a body that’s lighter than that of the predecessor’s also contribute to fuel saving, while optimised service schedules help to ensure maximum cost-effectiveness for operators.

Mercedes-Benz claims the Tourismo is the safest vehicle in its class, featuring emergency brake assist, stop assist for stop-and-go traffic and attention assist among its high-tech features.

“Customers are able to configure the extensive safety features to suit the intended application,” says Schick.

For the first time, all models are available in both left- and right-hand drive forms. Operators are also able to choose between two cockpit variants – standard and luxury versions. Each is equipped with a multifunction steering wheel and new instrument cluster with a TFT colour screen.

The passenger compartment features a bright and airy interior with a range of different patterns for flooring, fabric options for seat covers, walls, curtains, the underside of the luggage carrier shelves and the central ceiling panel.

A galley and a revised air-conditioning system additionally enhance travelling comfort, while a media router for on-board WiFi is optional.

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Newsletter 1705 trenta2
05/152017

Sava tyres expands LDV range

Latest News

Sava, a leading brand within Goodyear’s product portfolio, has launched the Trenta 2 to bolster its LDV tyre range.

The tyre is said to offer improved mileage and fuel efficiency, promoting lower costs and increased reliability over a longer lifespan. The design incorporates a multi-radius tyre contour, which generates a long and wide footprint with even pressure distribution between the tyre and road, resulting in high mileage capabilities.

Moreover, the solid outside blocks are straight and robust, with strong, reinforced edges, delivering better force-transfer capabilities when compared with the predecessor, translating into confident handling and braking capabilities even when vehicles are heavily loaded.

In addition, circumferential grooves have been positioned optimally to disperse water out of the tread quickly, resulting in excellent contact on wet roads.

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Newsletter 1705 hino
05/152017

Rear wheel axle options from Hino

Latest News

Hino South Africa is offering the choice of single or double rear wheels on popular 500-Series 1322 4×4 models. The option follows requests from transport operators in the forestry, farming, mining, telecommunications and construction sectors and is aimed at meeting demands for a variety of off-road applications.

The model also gets the benefit of a Euro 3 compliant engine – which features a new common rail fuel injection system – instead of the previous Euro 2 power unit. The upgrade facilitates the installation of an obligatory speed limiter, which is required by law in South Africa.

According to a statement released by the company, the option of a single wheel rear axle is aimed at improving the truck’s operational efficiency in sandy conditions, also adding benefits in terms of improved fuel consumption.

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