Truck Competence will be a new focus area at the 2013 Automechanika Johannesburg trade fair for the automotive aftermarket, to be held at Expo Centre, Nasrec, from May 8-11. This new initiative will include a conference to take the form of a breakfast on Friday, May 10, which is supported by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE).

Automechanika launched this new initiative last year as part of the regular offering at its global trade fairs for the automotive aftermarket, providing added value to both exhibitors and visitors alike. The recipe was used for the first time at the Middle East show in Dubai and subsequently at the premier event in Frankfurt last September where it proved a welcome addition to the make-up of these popular events.

The focus with Truck Competence is to highlight the products and services available to operators and service providers involved with maintaining and servicing truck and bus fleets. Among the companies which specialise in commercial vehicles who have already confirmed attendance at the upcoming show are SAC Trucks, Truck & Bus Components, Euro Truck Spares ad Africa Truck Parts.

The displays that feature products and services for the truck, bus and related markets will be identified by special signs and will be listed separately in the catalogue. The catalogue will also have a special article dedicated to Truck Competence and its importance in the aftermarket.
The Truck Competence initiative at Automechanika Johannesburg has already been publicised in a special insert on the Ignition TV programme.

In addition, there will be a conference that looks at the latest technologies for trucks and buses and how these developments affect aftermarket servicing and repairs, as well as other topics affecting running costs.

Andre Cilliers, as chairman of the IRTE, has been nominated to talk on behalf of the organisation, while Gavin Kelly, technical and operations manager of the Road Freight Association (RFA) will make a presentation on future demands on the organised transport industry.

In addition there will be a presentation on the rapidly changing technology being used in the latest trucks and buses and the effect of these developments on the automotive aftermarket.
A fourth presentation, on the subject of leasing and servicing truck and bus tyres to be delivered by Walter Roux, of Max T Solutions.