What can fleet operators expect from some key heavy commercial vehicle manufacturers during 2013? Transport World Africa speaks to UD Trucks, Iveco, MAN and International Trucks to find out.

The future

Iveco’s sales & marketing manager, Christophe Longuet, says: “We are optimistic and foresee a growth in sales, especially within the Southern African countries. Iveco recently signed a joint venture agreement to manufacture the Eurocargo, Stralis and Trakker model range in South Africa. We will be adapting the trucks for the specific application required by the operators.”

MAN’s deputy CEO, Bruce Dickson, adds: “2013 will be a tough year but the South African heavy truck market has proved its mettle in recent recessionary conditions. Direct foreign investment both in South Africa and countries north of our borders, along with government spending on infrastructure development, continues to spur economic growth and a growing need for trucks.

“MAN has the right products, services and people to deliver added value to our customers. By making enhanced customer proximity a strategic direction within the company, MAN has significantly differentiated itself from other heavy-duty truck suppliers in South Africa over the last three years. Next year will see MAN continue this programme of enhanced customer orientation to increase our market share.”

John Barnett, Dealer Operations Manager for International Trucks is also optimistic about the year ahead stating: “The extra heavy commercial vehicle sector should remain buoyant for 2013 and increased volumes could be expected when the government’s proposed infrastructure project is introduced. At International Trucks, there are exciting plans to grow our dealer network in Southern and sub-Saharan Africa.”

Rory Schulz, general manager: corporate planning & marketing at UD Trucks Southern Africa, mentions: “We believe the market will stabilise in the latter half of 2013 but the first six months could be tough. However, we anticipate volumes to be similar to 2012.”

New products

UD Trucks Southern Africa will not be launching new models in 2013, but in early 2014 it will launch a new concept vehicle range for Southern Africa.

At International Trucks, there are continuous product improvements on various models to enhance the suitability of the vehicles for operations in Southern and sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2013, MAN Truck & Bus SA will launch its MAN TGS EfficientLine range of long-haul truck-tractors. The range is based on the proven MAN TGS WW, which has established a solid reputation in the long-haul market for its fuel efficiency, excellent power-to-weight ratio and reliability. The comfort and safety features, along with smart technologies to further reduce fuel consumption, make the TGS EfficientLine the ideal long-haul truck for African operators.

Iveco on the medium range will in January introduce the Daily 55S15W 4×4 in single and crew cab with Euro3 engine technology that is well-suited for the South African market. The Daily 4×4 is equipped with front and rear diff locks as standard that make it capable to take on any road or obstacle.

In the extra heavy commercial market, Iveco will launch the new Stralis Hi-Way that has just been awarded the 2013 International Truck of the year trophy. The Stralis Hi-Way will be introduced in the second semester of 2013 and will be the company’s flagship model, equipped with the Cursor13 Euro3 engine capable of between 480-560Hp. The cab design has been reviewed to improve the aerodynamics and keep a modern and appealing look. The interior has been completely redesigned to ensure maximum driver comfort and ergonomics. The overall safety features, like Adaptive cruise control, DAS (driver attention support), Bi-Xenon headlights and drivetime running lights; ESP and Hill holder, will be standard. Iveco will also introduce a facelift for the Eurocargo.

Carbon footprint

Dickson says: “The deployment of trucks that limit carbon dioxide emissions has become imperative for fleet operators servicing multinational supply chains. While corporations are currently driving ‘green’ compliance among their logistics service providers, it is just a matter of time before carbon taxes become a reality for truck fleet operators in Africa.

“As such, leading fleet operators now consider ‘reduced carbon footprint’ as a key criterion when purchasing a new truck. The route to achieving this is to supply extremely fuel efficient vehicles. Diesel and carbon dioxide have a directly proportional relationship – the less diesel burned by the truck, the lower its carbon footprint.”

Schulz concurs: “Carbon footprint is often confused with emission standards; in reality it relates directly to fuel consumption. For every litre of diesel used, 2 664 kg of carbon is produced. Thus the key remains in lowering fuel consumption and looking towards alternative technology or hybrids to improve the situation. The major focus remains on fuel consumption and it is perhaps too early to mention what will be introduced in 2014 onwards. We are, however, striving to be class leading.”

Longuet concludes: “It is very important for our country to have a greener carbon footprint. We are testing several Euro5 emission trucks with different fleet operators with positive results. We, however, find that only a selected few fleet operators have a greener carbon footprint as a requirement when purchasing trucks. This is mainly because of the condition of our current fuel in the country. We are all moving in the right direction and by 2014 I am optimistic more fleet operators will start changing their fleets in order to ensure they have an improved carbon footprint.”