In a constant pursuit of adding value to customers, Mercedes-Benz South Africa has introduced TruckMobility, a product offering that gives operators additional piece of mind for choosing Mercedes-Benz products.

Available to new or demo Mercedes-Benz Actros 6X4 truck tractor customers that have bought into a new CharterWay Service Complete package, TruckMobility guarantees customers that their vehicles will be repaired within two days following the report of a mechanical failure. In the event that the repairs take longer than two days, customers will either receive a replacement vehicle or be reimbursed R2 500 a day for a maximum of five days with a limit of R12 500 per instance.

Introduced in 2010, CharterWay is an offering that combines Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s (MBSA’s) exceptional financial services and fleet management products, delivered through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, with affordable service and/or maintenance contracts. CharterWay can be customised to meet each customer’s business needs.

“A notable benefit of TruckMobility is that it has the FleetBoard telematic tracking system bundled with a CharterWay service and maintenance package. FleetBoard has other benefits that include vehicle management system, a 30 second interval vehicle tracking, driver management, driver training and fleet reporting,” says Clinton Savage, divisional manager at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

It is also worth mentioning that TruckMobility has a driver training component. The professional driver training TruckMobility offers teaches good driving behaviour which not only results in a reduced risk of breakdowns, but also reduced fuel consumption. Good driving behaviour has resulted in 5% and up to 15% fuel consumption reduction, which augurs well with MBSA’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.

TruckMobility has the competitive edge as it enables operators to have a professionally and regularly maintained fleet of vehicles that will retain the highest level of reliability.

Used commercial vehicle specialists

TruckStore, the used commercial vehicle specialist from MBSA, is ready to commence construction of a brand new facility for the Southern African market. The TruckStore team is to begin business in a few weeks at Highway Business Park in Centurion.

TruckStore is a first for MBSA and will become one of the largest used-vehicle dealers for commercial vehicles – vans, trucks, buses and trailers. TruckStore sells vehicles of all brands, body configurations and ages. Conveniently situated off the N1, on 30 000 m² of prime real-estate, the facility will have ample parking for large vehicles and is well-situated in Gauteng, between the two major airports (OR Tambo and Lanseria) for the convenience of its clients.

TruckStore is one of the largest used commercial dealer networks in Europe and has now officially been launched to the Southern African. In the Daimler Group, TruckStore is responsible for the professional, international used truck business, involving trucks of all brands and ages, and with all body types. TruckStore in Europe is growing constantly and already has 30 locations in 14 European countries, and has a rolling stock of around 4 000 vehicles, selling more than 20 000 vehicles annually.

TruckStore is a Daimler initiative, which began operations in 2002. This proven model concept has been adapted to suit the Southern African market. TruckStore also accepts commercial vehicles of any vehicle type or brand in part exchange. The condition of every vehicle is thoroughly checked and assessed on the basis of uniform standards. Vehicles are then subdivided into the product categories gold, silver and bronze. This ensures that every vehicle delivers what is promised.

TruckStore will also have a dedicated reconditioning centre based at Zandfontein, which will also serve as the national return centre for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. The preparation of the used commercial vehicles by dedicated technicians and service staff to bring them up to set standards, will be undertaken at the Zandfontein facility, ensuring that these vehicles meet TruckStore benchmark standards.

As part of the MBSA commercial vehicle value chain, TruckStore customers will benefit from a range of services specifically for used commercial vehicles, such as finance, insurance and warranties.

This TruckStore initiative will ensure significant growth in the used commercial vehicle segments and the close collaboration with the MBSA dealer network will be strengthened.

The TruckStore website at www.truckstore.co.za is live with full details for customers to familiarise themselves with the new and exciting TruckStore concept.  Once the TruckStore facility is officially opened the website will be upgraded to an internet platform that will enable used – commercial vehicles customers to find their ideal vehicle even faster – a vehicle suited to their needs – thanks to easy navigation functions. The new functionality will be user-friendly with its clearly structured sections, simple controls and optimised contact functions. In addition to the new design, users will also benefit from a photographic gallery of the used commercial vehicles together with full specifications.

TruckStore is able to meet increasingly demanding customer requirements and continue to extend its lead at the very forefront of innovation.