News | TruckX

07/032017

TruckX 2017 – A One Stop Shop for the Trucking sector

Demonstrations, débuts, displays, dynamic driving, double-digit discounts and more – South Africa’s premier trucking event has something for everyone in trucking and fleet management.

TruckX and FleetX takes place on July 12 and 13 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

Eicher makes its debut in South Africa

Trucking OEM Eicher Trucks will launch its medium duty truck, the Pro3008, at TruckX – giving people a full track experience: “We are scheduling ‘Rides and Drives’ around the dynamic handling track,” explains Mark Diab, director of sales and marketing for Eicher. “We will also stage shows on our stand every hour to introduce our truck to the market.”

According to Diab, the Eicher Pro3008 has been put through rigorous testing both locally and internationally, covering more than 500 000km. “In South Africa the truck has been through an endurance and performance test of 200 000km on routes including highways and dirt roads, travelling non-stop,” he says.

“Some days the vehicles did over 1 400km and this, we are pleased to say, without any failures. Feedback from the drivers and potential customers has been extremely positive!”

Added value discount deals

Halfway Toyota Fourways is offering discounts to TruckX visitors on two products in its fleet vehicles line-up. “Show participants will save up to R50 000 on all Hilux double cabs,” explains marketing assistant Vicky van den Heever. “Visitors who purchase any new Hilux double cab will get R50 000 off the price to structure the deal to suit their pockets.

“Discounts can be used for accessories, or to customise the Hilux to suit fleet requirements.” Toyota is also offering discounts of R21 000 on selected Corolla models.

CNG vehicles

Dedicated equipment supply and service organisation for the compressed natural gas (CNG) industry, CNG Holdings will have its latest CNG vehicles on display. “Compressed natural gas is the fuel of the future,” says Stephen Rothman, CEO of CNG. “We are at TruckX to provide valuable information to the trucking and fleet management industries on how to convert and start saving on fuel and maintenance costs.

“Some of our customers have reported a monthly saving of over 20% after converting their forklifts from LPG to CNG,” says Rothman.

Prioritise safety

Road Eye Systems will introduce its MobilEye 630 collision avoidance device and its Shield+ system for large vehicles. “These vital devices are life-saving, proactive tools, alerting drivers to potential dangers, allowing them to avoid accidents,” explains Eytan Nevo, a partner at Road-Eye Systems.

“What’s really exciting is that we will be announcing at TruckX details of the first insurance company to offer a 15% premium discount for anyone installing a MobilEye in their vehicles. Visitors will also be able to test drive our vehicles, and experience first-hand the advantages of MobilEye.”

Make your brand grand

Xtreme inkworX, in association with Avery Dennison, will be unwrapping its new RentaWrap at TruckX 2017. “RentaWrap is launching at a time when this country’s economy is under pressure and companies are rather cash-strapped,” explains owner Jeffrey Hausberger.

“We understand that it is even more important for companies to increase brand awareness at this time. With RentaWrap, companies pay a deposit and then can decide to pay off the balance of the wrap over 12 or 24 months”.

Clean up your driving act

Fuel giant Sasol will focus on the benefits of clean fuel at the TruckX Conference. “Clean fuel has a massive impact on the South African trucking industry,” explains Dean Somerset, Manager of Marketing, Sponsorship and Social Investment at Sasol Energy. “New trucking technology requires certain fuel properties.”

The conference topic will cover:

Technology in fuel-sensitive trucks;
Synthetic and clean fuel production capacity in South Africa;
Diesel exhaust catalyst technology;
The effect of additives on cleaning injectors.
Sasol’s team of fuel and lubricants engineers and scientists will be on-hand at the expo to give expert advice and guidance on matters related to Sasol’s product offering and solutions for the trucking industry.

Dare to Drive

Hyundai will supply two express courier vehicles for the SA Express Parcel Association’s (SAEPA) Speed in a Suit competition – an event designed for leaders in the express parcel industry to track the quickest delivery using the least amount of fuel.

“With Ctrack technology we’ll get a real-time report from the 1,1km handling track and illustrate who is most fuel and speed-efficient,” explains SAEPA CEO Garry Marshall. “Ctrack will install the telematics and monitor the results.”

TruckX Conference, July 12

Industry experts from Vodacom, Sasol, Master Drive, VSC Solutions and the Road Transport Management System will discuss a variety topics of importance to transport and logistics operators, among them the impact of the Internet of Things; truck safety and compliance; clean fuels; training and telematics.

FleetX Conference, July 13

Topics will include trends in mobility, data management, leadership and an update on ramifications associated with e-tolls and the introduction of South Africa’s AARTO system.

Standard Bank and Ctrack by Inseego have proven their commitment to TruckX by taking on sponsorship for the fourth time in 2017.

For more information on the TruckX exhibition, contact Sarah on sarah.h@satp.co.za. For conference enquiries visit www.truckx.co.za or call Faith Matura on 011 803 2040.

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

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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.”

06/222017

The case for fleet insurance

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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.”

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

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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.

Eicher Pro 3008 Brocher (South Africa) 15.5.17 -page-004

06/072017

TruckX 2017 promises action and adrenalin with a high octane line-up on and off the circuit…

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Action packed and adrenalin filled, TruckX 2017 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit promises fast delivery of a wealth of information, insights and excitement for transport operators, fleet managers, logistics providers and anyone with an interest in efficient mobility.

Incorporating FleetX and IMHX, the two-day event – to be held on July 12 and 13 – offers tons of fun in the form driving skills challenges, virtual reality experiences and even tests that will tickle your taste buds!

Sponsored for the fourth successive year by Standard Bank and Ctrack by Inseego, TruckX promises to be Africa’s premier event for the transport, logistics, materials handling and fleet industries. Make sure you don’t miss it!

Test Yourself Against The Pro

Fleet management specialist Ctrack by Inseego has teamed up with Eicher Trucks by VECV – a Volvo Group and Eicher Motors joint venture – to offer you a driving challenge with a difference.

Behind the steering wheel of an Eicher truck you’ll pit your skills against the brand’s top driver in a race to see who achieves maximum efficiency – and you’ll be filmed while competing.

Ctrack will equip the trucks with cameras and telematics systems that will monitor all aspects of each driver’s skill and, using a live feed, screen the footage at the Eicher and Ctrack displays for all to see.

While Eicher trucks are known for world class fuel efficiency across the globe, the challenge will be to beat the company’s expert by using less fuel than he does!

Speed In A Suit

The SA Express Parcel Association (SAEPA) will host a Speed in a Suit competition – an event especially designed for execs. Slide into the cockpit of an express courier vehicle and you’re all set to dazzle, the aim being to achieve the quickest time using the least amount of fuel!

To take part, be at the Kyalami Dynamic Handling Track on Thursday, July 13 from 12h00 to 14h00. Two express courier vehicles will be provided for “courageous executives” to take on the challenge.

“By using Ctrack technology we will see who negotiates the twisty 1,2km track in the fastest time – using the least possible amount of fuel – the two key criteria in our industry,” explains SAEPA CEO Garry Marshall. “Ctrack will install the telematics and monitor the results”.

What’s Up With The Chocolate?

Fuel and lubricants supplier Sebokeng Fuels aims to give TruckX visitors an interactive experience to remember! Visitors to the company’s stand will be taken through a virtual reality, 3D experience of a fuel molecule passing through an engine.

The team will also be running real-time demonstrations on “why diesel is not just diesel.” Special chocolate tasting sessions will sensitise visitors to how a truck’s engine feels when it is fed sub-standard fuel. Visitors also stand a chance to win a Weber Patio Braai.

Sebokeng Fuels is one of the largest fuel suppliers in Gauteng and Limpopo and also supplies fuels and lubricants to the North West.

Truck Bars From Maxe

At TruckX, premium automotive accessories brand Maxe will launch its latest truck bars for Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz Actros and UD Quester. “We are excited about our latest truck bars and accessories. They expand our growing range of quality products in the market,” says Maxe’s Clayton Wait. A new range of bars for Volvo and UD Quon will also be on show.

Cutting Edge Speaker Line-Up

The latest speaker line-up features industry heavyweights talking on pressing industry issues, including:

Day One

“The Internet of Things” by Tony Smallwood – Executive Head of IoT Solutions: Vodacom South Africa;
“The Importance of Truck Safety Compliance” by Adrian van Tonder – Chairman: Road Transport Management System;
“The Benefits of Clean Fuel to enable Modern Truck Technology” by Adrian Velaers – Senior Technical Advisor, Sasol;
“Telematics” by Eugene van Niekerk – Ctrack by Inseego.

Day Two

“The Real Value of Good Leadership” by Brand Pretorius – Business Guru.
“AARTO/Freeway Update” by Ben Theron – Chief Operators Officer: OUTA;
“Digital Transformation – Trends in the Mobility Industry” by Craig Parker – Programme Manager for Mobility: Frost & Sullivan;
“Current Trends in the Fleet Industry” by Simphiwe Nghona – Head of Group Vehicle Asset Finance: Standard Bank.

05/302017

IoT in the spotlight at TruckX 2017

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Tony Smallwood, executive head of Vodacom IoT, will deliver one of the keynote addresses at this year’s TruckX Conference and Expo to be held on July 12 and 13 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit near Johannesburg.

TruckX, sponsored by Ctrack by Inseego and Standard Bank, has moved to the Kyalami venue to accommodate an expanded exhibition and conference programme that includes FleetX and IMHX – co-located expos aimed at South Africa’s fleet and materials handling industries.

Smallwood will deliver his address at the opening TruckX conference on July 12, while Brand Pretorius, a former managing director of Toyota SA marketing and a former CEO of McCarthy Retail, will address delegates at the FleetX conference the following day.

Tickets to the conferences can be booked on line at www.truckx.co.za. They cost R995 each, with a discount available for those who attend both of the events. Entrance to the expo is free.

Smallwood is one of South Africa’s best known experts on the Internet of Things, having been in the ICT industry for more than 20 years – predominantly in customer facing roles. He has experience in fixed line, mobile and cloud computing disciplines.

In his current role at Vodacom he heads up a team that aims to deliver IoT solutions beyond just connectivity, ranging from hardware through to application integration services. He says developments in the IoT arena are growing at a steady pace, with the ecosystem evolving rapidly to meet expectations of billions of devices that will soon be connected.

This trend – and other emerging aspects – will be among the points he will address in his presentation.

Brand Pretorius, who will speak at the FleetX conference on July 13, will discuss the Value of Good Leadership. The businessman, who says he is looking forward to his presentation, has received numerous national marketing, motor industry and leadership awards in a career that spans more than four decades.

His address will cover a variety of aspects, from the real value of good leadership to the current reality; from key lessons he learnt while climbing the corporate ladder to challenges faced.

05/232017

Brand Pretorius for TruckX

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Brand Pretorius will deliver one of the keynote addresses at this year’s TruckX Expo and Conference to be held on July 12 and 13 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit near Johannesburg.

The business leader – who is a former managing director of Toyota SA Marketing, CEO of McCarthy Retail Limited and an executive director of Bidvest – will address the topic: The Value of Good Leadership.

TruckX, sponsored by Ctrack by Inseego and Standard Bank, moves to the Kyalami venue to accommodate an expanded exhibition and conference programme that includes FleetX and IMHX – co-located expos aimed at South Africa’s fleet and materials handling industries.

“I’m looking forward to delivering my presentation,” said Brand, who has received numerous national marketing, motor industry and leadership awards in a career that spans more than four decades.

His address will cover a variety of aspects, from the real value of good leadership to the current reality; from key lessons he learnt while climbing the corporate ladder to challenges faced.

As one of the South African motor industry’s most respected representatives, Brand is well-qualified to speak on leadership. He holds honorary professorships at the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State and an honorary doctorate in marketing from the Durban University of Technology.

He is a Fellow in Leadership at the Gordon Institute of Business Science and the chairman of the Italtile Foundation. He also serves on the boards of the READ Educational Trust and the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa, and he is a non-executive director of Agrinet, Tongaat-Hulett, Reunert, Italtile and Tata Africa Holdings.

Further, he serves as non-executive chairman of Metair Investments and is a member of the advisory boards of the business incubator, InvoTech, and the international consultancy firm, Alexander Proudfoot.

His book, In the Driving Seat – Lessons in Leadership, was published in 2013 and has become one of the most popular business biographies in South Africa. It has been reprinted six times.

05/152017

Sava tyres expands LDV range

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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.

05/152017

Rear wheel axle options from Hino

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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.

05/152017

FAW SA recognised for major achievements

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Successes at FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA have been recognised by the FAW Group, which has acknowledged the business unit as the most determined and unified within the FAW Group worldwide.

The announcement was made recently at the company’s annual Global Sales and Marketing Conference in Chengdu, China, where FAW SA was awarded the group’s Best Distributor Award for 2016.

Wang Zhijian, President of the FAW Import and Export Corporation, said the award represented the united spirit FAW employees and their dealer partners employed to jointly tackle regional and global challenges.

“The award is presented in recognition of singular collaboration between all teams and all individuals working for the company or dealers in sales, service and support; parts and maintenance, finance and insurance, and the aftermarket,” he said. “It acknowledges the teams that have worked according to a co-ordinated strategy with a single unified vision.”

A growing number of truck dealers in Africa – who traditionally placed orders with FAW China – have moved their orders to South Africa owing to shorter lead times for delivery, high levels of quality from the local plant, and the reduced cost of sourcing vehicles on the same continent.

“What is most gratifying is that many of the units being bought by sub-Saharan customers are now second and, soon to be delivered, third generation repurchases,” said Jianyu Hao, CEO of FAW SA. “This affirms our commitment for service and support into the African regions.”