Future trucking & Logistics July 2017

July 2017

Vol. 07. No. 07

PARTS & EQUIPMENT New from the 3D printer

TRUCKX 2017

All the action from Kyalami

NEW MODELS Merc’s X-Class unveiled

IMPROVED DRIVING PERFORMANCE Boost fleet efficiency with predictive real-time driving advice that empowers employees to improve driving behaviour.

With petrol costs shooting through the roof, the good news is that companies can improve their fuel consumption with OptiDrive 360 from TomTom Telematics. The next generation of WEBFLEET OptiDrive now includes predictive real-time driving advice. Pre-trip, OptiDrive 360 provides motorists with best practice advice on how to drive more safely and fuel efficiently.

Direct feedback and driving advice is offered in real-time during the trip to actively coach the driver. The system uses vehicle and map data to advise drivers when to take their foot off the accelerator or shift gear and what their optimum speed should be. After the trip a snapshot analysis is available to review the trip statistics. All information is displayed via the driver terminal.

OptiDrive 360 scores drivers based on a total of eight performance indicators - speeding, driving events, idling, fuel consumption, green speed, coasting (where you release the accelerator pedal in gear), gear shifting and constant speed - which can be used as the basis for performance reviews, training and driver benchmarking.

WEBFLEET provides managers with dashboards that allow them to highlight trends in driving behaviour. A series of in-depth reports then enables them to drill deeper for greater analysis and to compare the whole fleet.

BENEFITS OF OPTIDRIVE 360 • Reduced costs Can help to reduce fuel, maintenance and insurance costs, lowering the total vehicle ownership costs.

• Increased sustainability Can contribute towards proving your environmental responsibility by demonstrating your effort to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

• With increased driver safety in mind Real-time feedback and advice on safer driving contributes towards fewer accidents and maintenance downtime.

• More relaxed drivers With a better driving style drivers will arrive at the customer relaxed and ready to work.

HOW OPTIDRIVE 360 WORKS OptiDrive 360 helps drivers adopt a responsible driving style. It provides valuable insights to both the fleet manager and the driver — delivering direct feedback to drivers before, during and after their trip. Responsible driving helps you to lower fuel, maintenance and insurance premiums, thus helping to reduce the total costs of vehicle ownership for your business.

DRIVING PERFORMANCE INSIGHTS OptiDrive 360 actively provides real-time feedback and advice to improve driving performance. Fleet managers and drivers get tailored driving insights on up to eight OptiDrive performance indicators.

SPEEDING Information about what the speed limit is, and if drivers are driving within it.

DRIVING EVENTS Reports on harsh steering and sudden breaking.

IDLING Information on idling time and associated fuel waste.

FUEL Real-time and average fuel consumption.

CONSTANT SPEED Reports on speed fluctuations in driving performance.

COASTING (WHERE YOU RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN GEAR) Drivers can be advised to release the accelerator when approaching a coasting zone.

GREEN SPEED Get an advised speed, based on fuel efficiency and the speed limit.

GEAR SHIFT Advice on how appropriate gear changing can optimise vehicle efficiency.

ABOUT TOMTOM TELEMATICS TomTom Telematics is a Business Unit of TomTom dedicated to fleet management, vehicle telematics and connected car services. WEBFLEET is a Software-as-a-Service solution, used by small to large businesses to improve vehicle performance, save fuel, support drivers and increase overall fleet efficiency.

The company services drivers in more than 60 countries, giving them the industry’s strongest local support network and widest range of sector-specific third party applications and integrations. More than 40 000 customers benefit every day from the high standards of confidentiality, integrity and availability of its ISO 27001:2013 certified service, re-audited in November 2015.

COMPANY: TomTom Telematics TWITTER: @TomTomWEBFLEET VISIT: business.tomtom.com/en_za/

Contents COVER STORY 14

TruckX 2017: Embracing change The fourth annual staging of one of South Africa’s premier automotive events – the TruckX & FleetX Conference and Expo – took place last month at Kyalami, drawing a record number of exhibitors and visitors

TruckX 2017 sets records M

ore than 2 180 business visitors streamed to Kyalami this month to attend the fourth annual staging of the Ctrack and Standard Bank sponsored TruckX Conference and Expo – one of South Africa’s premier events for the transport industry.

TRENDS

20 Logistics – is blockchain the answer?

Kamogelo Mmutlana, CEO of Barloworld Logistics, assesses how the advent of blockchain technology is likely to transform global supply chains and logistics 21 Africa on the rise The market for commercial vehicles in African markets is set to increase, according to a study by automotive analysists Frost & Sullivan

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS 22

Fast to market One month after a concept had been proposed to combat fuel theft from vehicles, Daimler’s FleetBoard Division had a digital solution ready for market tests

ACHIEVEMENTS 24

Delivering the goods Finding an efficient answer to a complex problem makes body builder Serco a hit with a Durbanbased take-away chain

VERSATILITY 26

‘Everything else is a toy’ There is one off-road truck that trumps them all – the all-conquering Unimog, says Reuben van Niekerk

NEW MODELS 28

X-Class unveiled Mercedes-Benz’s new bakkie, the X-Class, appears poised to provide solutions for trade and fleet customers, while satisfying the needs of private buyers who require a leisure vehicle

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

30 Own the open road Advice for truck owner-drivers

PARTS & EQUIPMENT 32

From humble beginnings as a conference-only event which drew about 200 delegates to Sandton’s Maslow Hotel in 2014 – followed in 2015 and 2016 by shows at the Sandton Convention Centre to accommodate expo components – this year’s expanded presentation drew acclaim from exhibitors, visitors and conference delegates alike.

For the first time the event was held over two days and was tailored to include a number of activities which had not been possible at the Sandton venue – among them test drives of trucks and other commercial vehicles and an adrenaline-filled competition designed to highlight the speed and efficiency of service providers in the parcel express sector. Additionally, a FleetX component was added.

Eicher Trucks and Buses – a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors – chose TruckX to introduce to South Africa its Pro Series range of vehicles, unveiling at the show in grand style the first model in the line-up, the 3008.

Other commercial vehicle OEMs represented at the event included MAN, Iveco, Hino, Sinotruck and Tata while, on the fleet side, Toyota, Suzuki, Hyundai and JMC had a selection of light commercials and passenger cars on display.

The aftermarket was represented by a selection of organisations and brands, among them the Retail Motor Industry organisation, Mahle and Timken, while Sasol, Total, Shell and NGV Gas focused their displays to highlight specific aspects of the fuel industry.

Telematics providers, tracking, insurance and finance providers, trailer manufacturers, vehicle body builders, accessory providers, parts manufacturers and vehicle dealerships were among a number of other exhibitors at the show.

On the conference side, a high-powered line-up of experts addressed delegates on a range of topics of relevance to the trucking and fleet sectors. Keynote speakers included Tony Smallwood, executive head of IoT Solutions at Vodacom SA and Brand Pretorius, former CEO of McCarthy Retail.

All aspects of TruckX and FleetX and their associated conferences are covered in detail in this edition of Future Trucking. I trust that you will enjoy the read.

New from the 3D printer An aluminium thermostat cover passes stringent tests for quality and is made available to customers – signalling the start of an expanded range of 3D printed metal parts from Daimler’s truck division

UPDATES 6 News 12 Products 34 People Moving Up Design & Layout Heinz Bawa Publisher Richard Lendrum heinz@thefuture.co.za Editor-in-Chief Wynter Murdoch Advertising Enver Lawangi Production Mabel Ramafoko enver@thefuture.co.za Editor Ryan de Smidt Cell: 083 300 6003 ryan@thefuture.co.za Vinny Reddy Sub-editor Reuben van Niekerk

reuben@thefuture.co.za vinny@thefuture.co.za

Cell: 083 348 8272

Ryan de Smidt Editor Future Trucking & Logistics is published monthly by: Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd 247 Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg P O Box 3355, Rivonia, 2128 011 803 2040

www.futuretrucking.co.za

© Copyright. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to Future Trucking & Logistics. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, proprietors, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions, or any effect arising therefrom.

saving lives with technology

Volvo Trucks has always led in vehicle safety, and now we’re using advanced technology to save more lives. Our Active Safety systems use an understanding of the state of the vehicle to avoid collision, or to minimise the effects if one is unavoidable.

Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Emergency Brake, Lane Keeping Support, Lane Changing Support, and Driver Alert Support are just some of the ways we’re moving towards our goal of zero accidents involving a Volvo Truck.

ACTIVE SAFETY

Trucks. Driving Progress Volvo Volvo Trucks.

Driving Progress

NEWS >>

Daimler targets Kenya Daimler has launched two new buses to the Kenyan market. Each of the models is built in Nairobi in cooperation with local sales partner DT Dobie Kenya.

Designed to handle challenging road conditions, the compact MercedesBenz 917 city bus is styled for use as an urban, school or shuttle bus and can accommodate up to 37 people. The larger Mercedes-Benz 1730 is intended for long-distance travel and has room for about 60 passengers.

With up to 2 500 new buses sold in Kenya each year, the country is one of the most important markets in Central and East Africa. Daimler has been active in Kenya since the 1950s.

Ulrich Bastert, Head of Marketing, Sales & Customer Services at Daimler Buses, says the new vehicles set benchmarks for safety, comfort and reliability.

He adds that most buses operating in Kenya are based on truck chassis and, due to comparatively hard suspensions and high entrance steps, passenger comfort is low.

By contrast, the two new bus models are built on Daimler’s proven OF 917 (permissible GVW of 10,4 tons) and OF 1730 (permissible GVW of 18 tons) bus chassis sourced from Daimler plants in Chennai, India and São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.

The chassis are assembled locally and equipped with bodies made by certified manufacturers in Kenya in accordance with Daimler standards.

Bastert says in line with growth in the Kenyan economy, demand for commercial vehicles is on an upward path.

IoT set to transform global logistics space The Internet of Things (IoT) was helping to drive growth in the global telematics market and the commercial vehicle sector was benefitting as a result.

Speaking last month at the Ctrack and Standard Bank sponsored TruckX Conference and Expo at Kyalami, Morné Janse van Rensburg, CEO of VSC Solutions, said truck fleets were benefitting substantially thanks to increased efficiencies and solutions brought by technology.

He said with big data offering unprecedented access to real-time information, the potential to reduce vehicle downtime, improve safety and increase productivity would continue to rise.

“The next evolution of IoT logistics will not only see trucks, but the entire supply chain connected. Pallets in warehouses will talk to trailers, containers will talk to trucks and fleets will talk to fleets.

“Today, trucks have already become a mobile node in the Internet of Things, with trucking companies and

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Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

drivers benefitting from IoT logistics data that’s now available to them from mobile devices in the cab.

“Drivers can use linked devices to help them do their jobs faster and safer.

Think mobile apps for task management, training on the go, and trend reporting to business intelligence dashboards,” he said.

The cost of hardware and connectivity had decreased significantly in recent years, while cloud processing had become affordable and accessible to all sizes of businesses. “All of this is driving IoT and opens up the possibility of connecting just about anything,” Janse van Rensburg said.

For more reports on TruckX and FleetX, turn to P14

NEWS >>

First eCanter from Mitsubishi Start of production of the Fuso eCanter at the Tramagal plant, Portugal. From left: Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus; Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic; and Jorge Rosa, Head of the Tramagal plant

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) recently celebrated the start of production of the world’s first all-electric light-duty truck – the Fuso eCanter.

The commemorative event was held at Fuso’s plant in Tramagal, Portugal, where eCanters for the European and US markets will be produced.

The Portuguese government has supported the development of the model since 2010 and the country’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, joined members of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Europe and MFTBC executives at the event.

In a keynote address, Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, said the company was the first to produce an all-electric truck in series.

“From now on we can address the growing demand for emission free delivery trucks in mega-cities.”

According to Llistosella, Mitsubishi had benefitted through close cooperation with Portuguese authorities during the truck’s test stages, prototypes having been trialed in Lisbon since 2014.

He said though the model would be launched officially in New York only in September, a number of commercial customers had already placed orders, including one in the Japanese market – the Seven-Eleven Company Ltd –

which would have 25 eCanters in operation by the end of the year.

Llistosella said those trucks would be produced at Fuso’s plant at Kawasaki, which would cater for the domestic market. He said the first of a series of charging stations for trucks had already been installed in Japan.

“With these milestones, MFTB begins paving the way for large scale series production of 100% electric trucks,” he said. “Experiences of these vehicles in customers’ hands will help us to prepare for the coming year.”

At the Tramagal plant, the eCanter is produced in line with the conventional Canter light-duty trucks, with electric powertrain components installed at specific points along the production line. The first of the vehicles will be handed over to customers in Europe and the US within the next month.

The eCanter has a range of 100km and a load capacity of two to three tons – depending on body and usage.

The vehicle’s electric powertrain draws its energy from six, high-voltage lithium ion battery packs that each delivers 13,8 kWh. The packs are supplied by Daimler subsidiary Accumotive, based in Kamenz, Germany.

Volvo sells Deutz shares The Volvo Group has sold its shareholding in the German-listed engine manufacturer Deutz AG. Divestment proceeds amount to about 196,78-million euros (about R3,03-billion). The sale will result in a capital gain for Volvo of approximately 36,3-million euros (about

R559-million) that will impact operating income in the third quarter of 2017.

The Volvo Group decided recently to sell all of its 30,2-million shares in Deutz, corresponding to about 25% of the total shares in the company, in order to lift its cash flow.

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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NEWS >>

Mercedes-Benz Vans break sales record Mercedes-Benz Vans has recorded a significant increase in sales in the first half of 2017. With deliveries totalling 190 200 units, the Vans Division surpassed the previous record set last year by eight percent.

According to a statement, all model series contributed to the latest sales record and set new highs. Sales of the large Sprinter van increased to about 96 200 units (previous year 95 100, +1%); the mid-size Vito van gained 14% to reach 52 500 units (previous year 46 000); the V-Class multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) recorded an increase

in sales of 24% to about 29 000 units (previous year 23 300); and sales of the small Citan van improved by five percent to 12 500 units (previous year 11,900).

Mercedes-Benz Vans also projects a significant increase in sales for 2017 as a whole. As part of the Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global business unit strategy, the division last year launched the V-Class and the Vito in China, the world’s largest automotive market, and later this year will enter the bakkie segment with the X-Class.

Renault eyes China’s LCV market Groupe Renault and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited (CBA) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at establishing a joint venture to focus on the manufacturing and sale of light commercial vehicles in China.

In terms of the agreement, CBA will acquire a 100% holding in Shenyang Brilliance JinBei Automobile Company (SBJ) – a leader in the Chinese LCV market – after which Groupe Renault will buy from CBA a 49% equity interest.

In a statement, Carlos Ghosn, chairman of Renault, said the Chinese market offered strong potential for sales, accounting for upwards of three million vehicles a year.

“By joining hands with CBA, Groupe Renault aims to become a major LCV player in China. We will bring our

Autumn

Winter

Spring

management expertise and know-how on products and technology.”

Qi Yumin, chairman of Huachen, a major shareholder in CBA, said the joint venture would encompass manufacturing facilities, engineering resources and a distribution and dealer network.

“With the strong support of various government authorities, we see this venture to be fully operational in the near future,” he said.

Wu Xiao An, chairman of CBA, said one of the aims of the joint venture was to increase production of JinBei minibuses while developing growth opportunities for both the JinBei and Renault LCV brands.

The agreement is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.

Summer

Autumn

The new Mercedes-Benz EFB truck battery is guaranteed to last, season a�er season, and probably even longer.

No matter what the season, hour of the day or load you have on board, our new Mercedes-Benz truck Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) offers the latest technological advancements at yesterday’s prices. Which means they start first time, every time, and are built to go the distance. Minimising your downtime, adding to your bottom line.

Get today’s technology at yesterday’s prices. www.mercedes-benz.co.za/battery

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Future Trucking & Logistics / June 2017

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Winter

NEWS >>

Volkswagen Truck & Bus on the up

Global sales of commercial vehicles from Volkswagen Truck & Bus – which incorporates MAN, Scania and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus brands – increased by 8% in the first half of 2017, according to a statement released by the company.

Between them the nameplates sold about 96 000 units, continuing the strong upward trend which marked the first quarter. Sales of vehicles from Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus totalled 11 750 units, 16% higher than in the previous year while Scania’s sales rose by 8% to reach 43 610 trucks and buses.

Andreas Renschler, CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus, said all three brands recorded increases, with sales in China making a significant contribution to each of the totals.

DHL teams up with China Homelife

Global logistics company DHL has teamed up with China Homelife and China Machinex for what is being billed as the biggest China sourcing trade fair in South Africa.

The co-located shows, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from August 31 to September 2, promise to provide buyers with the right tools, knowledge and know how in order to import Chinese products effectively and efficiently.

As the official logistics partner for the 2017 show, DHL will have representation at both China Homelife and China Machinex Fairs, and will host a seminar at the event titled All You Need To Know About Importing.

According to John Lucas, Managing Director for DHL Express South Africa, Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are well positioned to capitalise on the continent’s expanding retail sector given their agility and ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

“The key is to get the right goods to the right people, at the right time. Businesses in Africa must ensure that they have suppliers and logistics partners who understand the global economy, as well as the intricacies of doing business in Africa.”

Entrance to the expo is free and prospective visitors can preregister via www.chinahomelife.co.za or www.chinamachinex.co.za.

A Daimler Brand

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

June 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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NEWS >>

Avis backs rhino initiative Avis Van Rental has again partnered with endurance cyclist Wayne Bolton in his efforts to preserve South Africa’s natural heritage.

In 2015 Wayne cycled more than 6 000km in 2½ months, visiting each of the country’s 19 SANParks to raise funds for counter-poaching equipment and the rhino orphanage Care for Wild Africa.

With pressure being placed on rhino poachers in the Kruger Park, the scourge has now spread to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal. For this reason, Wayne is undertaking the One Land Love It (OLLI) Frontier Rhino Ride, a mountain bike expedition that will link 20 game reserves across the two provinces. The ride aims to raise funds for Care for Wild Africa and also highlight the role private reserves play in conserving rhino.

While Wayne cycles approximately 2 000km on his bike, his support team will follow in his wake in a 4x4 double cab sponsored by Avis Van Rental. The vehicle will tow a life-size fibreglass rhino to bring awareness to the expedition and to promote fund-raising efforts.

“OLLI is a great way to capture the publics’ imagination,” says Wayne. “I’ll be supplying the pedal power to get us around the country, and OLLI is my beefier sidekick. He provides the star power!”

“All South Africans have a responsibility to preserve our wildlife,” says Leon Fourie, General Manager at Avis Van Rental. “We’re glad to partner with Wayne to raise awareness of rhino conservation and give people a fun and interactive way to contribute to sustaining our environment.”

For more information visit www.oneland.co.za

Future viability also means a repair shop service that’s aimed at developing a more skilled workforce.

More than just spare parts—we deliver end-to-end solutions in OE quality for increasingly complex systems.

YOUR PARTNER FOR TURBOCHARGERS, COMPLETE WITH ACCESSORIES AND SERVICE.

POWERED BY YOUR NEEDS. www.mahle-aftermarket.com

More quality: We develop and manufacture in original equipment quality. And we have the right accessories to go with it: mounting kits, oil lines, as well as air and oil filters.

More market coverage: Our product range is being systematically extended: the right product, at the right time, at the right location.

More service: Our service for repair shops includes installation training, courses in damage diagnosis, and the latest practical tips.

May 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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PRODUCTS >>

James Hunt remembered To commemorate what would have been the 70th birthday of former world champion racing driver James Hunt, watchmaker Omologato has launched the official James Hunt Chronograph – a limited edition watch dedicated to telling the story of the British sporting legend.

Born on August 29, 1947, Hunt won the F1 championship in 1976 – a season showcased in the 2013 film, Rush. With a reputation as a playboy, he was renowned for delivering plenty of off-track entertainment and close wheel-to-wheel action. He died in 1993.

Crafted in collaboration with the James Hunt Estate, the commemorative watch is available with either a leather strap or a nylon/leather bonded bracelet. Each of the models features a matt black dial; red, blue and yellow stripes across the face – the colours that appeared on Hunt’s race helmet – and his signature. Cases are either stainless steel or IP coated.

In a statement, Omologato says it is dedicated to delivering timepieces globally that give enthusiasts the opportunity to feel a part of motorsport’s success stories.

For information log on to https://omologatowatches.com/.

Workshop testing technology As the largest manufacturer of diesel fuel injection technology, Bosch also provides the necessary workshop testing technology for testing and adjusting the equipment.

• Among the company’s range of test benches are the EPS 815 (15kW). Features include: • Future-proof and flexible design; • Can be upgraded with various special accessories so it can be used to test all modern diesel highpressure products; • Expansion possible with various supplementary equipment and special accessory sets; • Continuous enhancement of optional accessories; • User and environmentally friendly through oil vapour and oil mist reduction.

The bench is said to exhibit excellent smooth running characteristics and speed stability to ensure high repeatability, especially during the injection process.

Direct drive, a high flywheel mass, rotational-speed control with an extremely short governing time and position control make operation easy.

In addition, the unit incorporates a maintenance-free high efficiency drive element and a counterbalanced measuring unit that makes height adjustment less timeconsuming. A fully automatic test procedure can be run in conjunction with KMA 802/822, while an integrated database can be used for saving test specifications and customer data.

For information log on to http://za-ww.boschautomotive.com

12 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

Gates expands aftermarket range Gates Corporation has announced the addition of 414 new part numbers to its line of Original Equipment (OE) quality automotive aftermarket products. Highlights include: Updated DriveAlign Laser Tool for misalignment detection (pictured). The tool is designed to detect misalignment in serpentine drive systems. The twopiece kit contains a laser tool and a target piece, both of which are anodized red for high visibility in dark engine compartments.

Additionally, both pieces feature specially designed magnetic feet to sit perfectly in K-section Micro-V pulleys.

The laser beam itself is a large vertical line, and when coupled with the precisely etched groove in the target piece, can be used to easily identify misaligned pulleys and components.

GC16XD Mini Crimper and Pump, the company’s first portable crimper. The device is said to combine the performance and speed of a powered pump with the convenience of a hand pump. Battery-operated, the pump features a sealed bladder reservoir to prevent contamination.

Heavy-Duty Turbocharger Reducer Hose. Fitting popular Navistar/International applications, the heavy-duty hose features silicone coated meta-aramid fabric with stainless steel pressure retention rings. Metaaramid reinforcement provides flexibility and strength for long life in demanding high temperature applications, while the high quality silicone cover is said to provide superior service life.

“One of our main focuses at Gates is meeting the needs of professional technicians by offering valuable products and tools that make their jobs easier,” says spokesman Lou Rosen. “As vehicle systems become more complex, it’s crucial that these professionals are well-equipped in order to minimise comebacks and ensure customer satisfaction.”

A Daimler Brand

MBSA/4661/OIL

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Mercedes-Benz genuine oil. If you want optimal performance for your business, you’ll want the best possible oil for your trucks – and who better to buy oil from than the experts who built your engine. Because with our specially designed truck oil, you don’t just get more out of your truck, but increase its life span too. There’s also the benefit of less downtime and longer oil change intervals. So for the perfect prescription for your truck, speak to your nearest Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle dealer today.

Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/oil for more information.

TRUCKX >>>> INTERVIEW

Truck 2017

TruckX 2017: Embracing change Conference & Expo

The fourth annual staging of one of South Africa’s premier automotive events – the TruckX & FleetX Conference and Expo – took place last month at Kyalami, drawing a record number of exhibitors and visitors

S

outh African society was rapidly being transformed by digitalisation and, from a business perspective, operators in the automotive sphere who chose to ignore the technology faced the prospect of becoming uncompetitive.

That was one of the key messages delivered at the fourth annual TruckX and FleetX Conference and Expo held last month at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand.

commercial fleet industry, the importance of truck safety compliance, the benefits of clean fuel to the transport industry, and the value of good leadership.

In a keynote address at TruckX, the executive head of IoT Solutions at Vodacom SA, Tony Smallwood, said digitalisation was beginning to affect facets of all industries in South Africa.

More than 2 180 visitors attended the two-day event – sponsored Standard Bank and Ctrack by Inseego – which provided first-class information and networking opportunities for the transport, logistics, materials handling and fleet industries.

“Competitiveness will have a direct correlation to digitalisation, and traditional industries will need to transform to compete in 2020. Data, platforms and innovation will disrupt the norm. The Uber, AirBNB and Kindle of your industry will happen – and you need to be in a position to either be the change agent or be ready to adapt,” he said.

At the conferences, topics discussed by a highpowered line-up of experts included trends in the

According to Smallwood, the IoT would have massive impact on how people managed workforces. Based

14 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

BRAND PRETORIUS Retired Chief Executive McCarthy Limited

CRAIG PARKER

Head of Mobility Frost & Sullivan Africa

MORNÉ JANSE VAN RENSBURG CEO VSC Solutions

on a survey conducted for the materials handling, logistics and supply chain industries, he said executives polled defined emerging supply chains as digital, on-demand and always-on.

About 80% of respondents said they expected digitalisation to become the predominant global model within five years, while 16% indicated that systems had already embraced the technology.

“Connection enables ideas – people management, process management and asset management are being transformed. The balance between humanity and technology needs to be demystified,” he said.

In an address which discussed the future of telematics, Morné Janse van Rensburg, CEO of VSC Solutions, said trucks had already become a mobile node in the Internet of Things, with trucking

HEIN JORDT

Managing Director, Ctrack Fleet Management

TONY SMALLWOOD

Executive Head of IoT Solutions Vodacom SA

companies and drivers benefitting from IoT logistics data that was available to them from mobile devices in the cab.

“The cost of hardware and connectivity has dropped significantly in recent years, while cloud processing has become affordable and accessible to all sizes of businesses. All this is driving the IoT and opens up the possibility of connecting just about anything.”

Hein Jordt, MD of Ctrack South Africa, agreed that fast development of technology was increasingly changing the way fleet owners did business. “There are global evolutionary concepts out there that are quickly transforming the logistics and trucking industries.

“The implication of the Internet of Things is that telematics is able to perform at a whole new level.

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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TRUCKX >>

Truck 2017

Conference & Expo

Among this is automating business process for improved quality and lower costs, applying analytics to the entire logistics value chain, and optimising how systems, assets and people integrate to work together.

“Now more than ever, fleet owners should embrace the advancements in telematics technology in order to be fully prepared when the wave of digitalisation fully hits,” he said.

Brand Pretorius, former CEO of McCarthy Retail – who delivered the keynote address at the FleetX Conference – spoke of the real value of good leadership, not only in business, but also in politics.

Basing his address on his experiences of helping to turn around a company from bankruptcy to profitability in three years, Pretorius said he had learnt a lot about faith, himself and leadership within that time.

“Lack of leadership can be equated to darkness, with little engagement. Quality leadership, on the other

16 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

hand, results in the lights suddenly being switched on – where before there was a void, now there’s inspiration and positivity, loyalty and commitment.”

Pretorius stressed the importance of co-responsibility, shared values, a sense of belonging and a unifying vision in the art and science of leading well. “Lessons I leant included the fact that if you want to lead effectively, you have to master the art of leadership of self,” he said.

In his view good leaders displayed a high degree of moral and emotional intelligence, a lot of selfdiscipline and had an ability to manage their egos.

“Leadership is not a right – it’s a privilege. Honour and respect is earned – it cannot be demanded.

“Leadership has not so much to do with power or authority – it’s more about influence and of having the courage to go first, to inspire and to motivate. I learnt to invest more time in leading people – and less time in managing them. The difference between the two is

Fleet

2017

Conference & Expo

that leaders focus on tomorrow, while managers focus on today,” he said.

By Pretorius’s reckoning, ethical behaviour was a prerequisite for effective leadership. “It’s all about character, rather than charisma,” he said. “Ethical behaviour trumps everything – trustworthiness is at the core of good leadership. Leaders need to anchor their principals.”

In the South African political context, he said, promises had the tendency to turn into lies and trust had a habit of evaporating. “A leader who loses his influence can no longer lead,” he warned. “Real leaders must be the light switch, turning weakness into strength, obstacles into stepping stones, despondency into hope…”

Leading was also one of the themes in an address

by Craig Parker, Head of Mobility at Frost & Sullivan Africa. He pointed out that the country’s telematics industry had helped to pioneer the global swing

towards vehicle connectivity and the trend towards big data through the introduction of real time communication between vehicle and infrastructure, not only in the tracking sphere, but also in terms of vehicle prognostics and maintenance scheduling.

He said the automotive industry was now entering a new era with artificial intelligence and computer vision helping to propel the concept of self-driving machines.

He said by 2030 at least a million autonomously driven vehicles were expected to be on the world’s roads, with companies such as Daimler, Volvo, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW at the forefront of transformation.

In delivering his update on AARTO legislation, Ben Theron, Vice Chairman of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), said he believed the much-anticipated new traffic laws were unlikely to be introduced.

Describing them as contradictory, convoluted and cumbersome with little chance of being enforced,

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

17

TRUCKX >>

Theron said his perception was that AARTO was dead – even if its administrators didn’t know it yet. Similarly, he believed that, by March next year, e-tolls would no longer be in operation.

“While there are a lot of legal steps that still need to be taken, OUTA believes that the courts will rule in our favour. We are handling 160 cases – and our view is that SANRAL will not win one of them. Our aim is to stop all litigation by SANRAL, with the first test case due to heard in January or February next year.”

On the fuel front, Sasol’s Senior Technical Advisor, Adrian Velaers, said in the interests of a cleaner environment and improved efficiency the company would put its low-sulphur diesel to stringent test by using it to run its newly acquired fleet of Euro 6 compliant MAN trucks.

Velaers said the company was confident that the distinctive, purple-coloured fuel – sold at the pumps as Turbodiesel ULS – was more than clean enough to power the fleet’s state of the art engines without causing technical problems.

“We guarantee that Turbodiesel ULS’s sulphur content – which is advertised at 10ppm or less – is so low that it can be used to power Euro 6 compliant engines without causing any damage,” he said.

“In combination with Ad Blue – an aqueous urea additive that is injected into the exhaust system – we believe the fuel will make it possible to cut tailpipe emissions to the point where only harmless gases are released into the atmosphere.

“The company’s concern for a cleaner environment

18 Future Trucking & Logistics / June 2017

Truck 2017

Conference & Expo

and increased efficiency has driven the decision. We are so confident of the quality of our fuel that we believe that the gases emitted from the exhaust pipes of our trucks will be cleaner than the air that’s sucked into the engines for combustion purposes,” he said.

According to Velaers, Turbodiesel ULS – a synthetically produced fuel – contains advanced detergent and lubricity additives that help to keep engines and fuel injection systems clean and well protected.

“The fuel allows latest technology vehicles fitted with exhaust after treatment devices to operate freely.

The development is a step forward in moving South Africa closer to cleaner fuel specifications in line with international standards,” he maintained.

Velaers added that the clean-up effect of performance additives contained in the fuel helped to improve economy even in older generation engines.

“We’ve conducted tests which show how, over a period of time, the removal of deposit build-up allows engines to operate at optimum efficiency and sustain optimum fuel consumption,” he said.

Christopher Kabosha, Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Sasol Energy, said the company was excited about putting its new tanker fleet into operation. “It will bring significant advantages to our business and our customers,” he said.

“We’re proud to be at the cutting edge of industryleading technology. Our premium diesel offers significant advantages to our customers through enhanced fleet efficiency and environmental

Fleet

2017

Conference & Expo

sustainability responsibility. It’s a significant milestone.”

oil and brake pressure, fuel consumption and clutch wear.

According to Kabosha, Sasol was the first company locally to operate a fleet of MAN Euro 6-compliant trucks. “It will be one of the most efficient commercial truck fleets in South Africa,” he promised.

According to Surender Singh Rajpurohit, head of VECV, IDIS’s aim is to ensure safe and efficient driving while flagging potential problems that may require preventative maintenance, thus helping to deliver superior uptime. The system also provides detailed data regarding fuel use, including instant and average consumption as well as distance to empty.

On the expo front, VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) – a joint venture between Indian truck manufacturer Eicher Motors and the Swedish Volvo Group – launched in South Africa its new Eicher Pro-Series range, spearheaded by the 3008.

The model is powered by a new generation, fuelinjected, four-cylinder, four-valve Eicher E494 CRS engine which features the Volvo Group’s EMS 3.0 technology – a management system with high processing capability that maintains optimum balance between load demand, fuel efficiency, emission control and low-end torque.

The truck is built on a high-strength, modular, Domex ladder-frame chassis and features a six-speed manual gearbox coupled with a robust Monotron propeller shaft that has been designed for maintenance-free operation. The spacious cabin has been adapted from a Japanese design for comfort, safety and ergonomic efficiency.

Among the vehicle’s highlights is an Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) which provides advanced diagnostic data in real time regarding operational parameters. Fault indicators – which encompass visual signals, messages and alarms to check for probable causes and take corrective action – include those for engine overheating, water in fuel, air filter restriction,

Depending on body configuration, he says the truck is suitable for a variety of cargo-carrying applications, among them fast-moving consumer goods, refrigerated produce, bottled beverages, bread and confectionery, meat and poultry and other agricultural produce.

Following the launch, media representatives were among those able to test drive the vehicle around Kyalami’s 1,1km handling track, which was also used later during the expo by the South African Express Parcel Association (SAPEA), which hosted a Speed in a Suit competition at the facility.

Using a choice of Hyundai H1 panel vans equipped with telematics systems supplied by Ctrack, representatives of the association attempted to match an ideal time set by a professional driver around the track, using the least possible amount of fuel.

Overall, feedback from visitors and exhibitors at the event indicated that as a transport industry forum, both TruckX and FleetX delivered the goods, with more than 85% of respondents rating the expo and conferences good or excellent.

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

19

LOGISTICS>>

Logistics: Is blockchain the answer?

Kamogelo Mmutlana, CEO of Barloworld Logistics, assesses how the advent of blockchain technology is likely to transform global supply chains and logistics

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s part of its 2017 supply chain foresight study, Barloworld Logistics is actively exploring and identifying key technology trends that are helping to shape global supply chains.

In a statement the company says by understanding major trends – as well as their inherent risks and opportunities – leaders and decision makers within the supply chain sphere can begin to integrate and harness key platforms.

The statement points out that globally, blockchain technology is fast emerging as one of the most significant transformative trends within the logistics industry – one that is likely to redefine and reshape many of the existing systems and processes.

“Though it is a relatively new and somewhat vague concept among South African businesses, blockchain technology is developing fast and is undoubtedly poised to impact key functions within logistics,” says Kamogelo Mmutlana, CEO of Barloworld Logistics.

He says blockchain is essentially a distributed ledger that exists in multiple nodes on a network, rather than in a single, centralised location, which is shared throughout the world by peer-to-peer networks via computers and other devices. The ledger incorporates a consensus mechanism that enables the network to verify transactions between parties.

“This means that the need for a third party – such as a financial institution – to act as an intermediary is no longer required,” explains Mmutlana. “By integrating this technology, the blockchain enables a strong and secure exchange for shared logistics, coordinating a vast array of activities in a highly efficient way.”

According to Mmutlana, activities can include sharing non-utilised space in a shipping container or warehouse to optimising the carrying capacity of truck fleets. Added to this, stakeholders can eliminate supply chain opaqueness by having a record of all logistics transactions in blocks.

20 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

“The system can, for example, provide insights around drivers, routes and on-the-move goods and services.

Furthermore, blockchain technology can yield important benefits with regard to B2B transactions – such as cross border payroll processing and smart contracts,” he says.

Quoting Don and Alex Tapscott, authors of Blockchain Revolution, Mmutlana maintains that the blockchain system represents an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial dealings, but virtually anything of value.

He says a standout example of the technology that is already in use is a platform called Ethereum, a decentralised programme that runs smart contracts steered by applications that “run exactly as programmed, without any possibility of downtime, censorship, fraud or third party interference.”

For logistics stakeholders, he says the Ethereum platform is set to facilitate the negotiation of prices and the monitoring of inventory levels with a view to minimising transaction costs and building more agile supply chains.

“Take the information used during an export or import process, for example. If import terminals receive data from bill of ladings a lot sooner in the process, shipping terminals and freight forwarders can plan and execute more efficiently… without jeopardising sensitive information about the owners and the value of the cargo. Also, costly delays and losses due to missing paperwork will be avoided.”

However, Mmutlana cautions that when it comes to the actual implementation of the technology, stakeholders will need to ensure that the necessary levels of trust and understanding are in place.

“At the outset, trust may very well be low among certain parties, especially those that are accustomed to paper-based solutions,” he says. “Trust would need to be established – especially with operators verifying quantities within a warehouse or on-road fleet management.”

Looking ahead, Mmutlana says a successful solution will have to provide a trustworthy, practical and simple to use alternative to achieve the wholesale buy-in that is required.

“Ultimately, blockchain technology will need to be used in a way that can integrate into all logistics operations – and this integration will need to ensure that the core functionality of the technology can be leveraged by all operational systems for each party – warehouse systems, ERP systems, transport management systems and the like.

“If such integration can be achieved, this technology can be nothing short of massively transformational for local supply chain and logistics stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, a recent study by UK-based Juniper Research found that nearly six in 10 (57%) large corporations in Britain were either actively considering, or were in the process of, deploying blockchain technology.

Almost 400 companies responded to Juniper’s Blockchain Enterprise Survey.

Among companies which had reached Proof of Concept stage, 66% expected blockchain to be integrated into their systems by the end of 2018.

The research claimed that companies which would benefit most from blockchain included those with: • A need for transparency and clarity in transactions; • A current dependence on paper-based legacy storage systems; • A high volume of transmitted information.

Juniper pointed out that while awareness of blockchain and its benefits had increased dramatically in the past 12 to18 months, there was a danger that companies might seek to deploy blockchain without having first considered alternative options.

According to research author Dr Windsor Holden: “In many cases, systemic change, rather than technological, might be a better and cheaper solution than blockchain, which could potentially cause significant internal and external disruption.”

Holden said the research found that some companies in the UK may have underestimated the scale of the blockchain challenge. “For issues such as interoperability, the proportion of survey respondents expressing concerns progressively increased as companies proceeded towards full deployment, while concerns also rose sharply regarding client refusal to embrace blockchain,” he said.

Africa on the rise The market for commercial vehicles in African markets is set to increase, according to a study by automotive analysists Frost & Sullivan

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ising urbanisation is encouraging unprecedented infrastructural developments in Africa –especially across the construction and oil and gas sectors – which in turn is strengthening the regional market for commercial vehicles, such as rigid trucks and flatbed trailers.

That’s the view of automotive analysists Frost & Sullivan following a recent study by the company of trends in African markets.

According to the study, Asian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Dongfeng, Sinotruk, Tata and Ashok Leyland have started to make rapid inroads within the continent and currently account for 73,1% of the total commercial vehicle market.

“As these foreign OEMs offer value trucks built for local conditions and customer preferences, market competition is intensifying,” the study says.

Marshall Martin, Frost & Sullivan’s mobility industry analyst, says there is significant opportunity for OEMs to leverage existing platforms in emerging markets such as China, India and the ASEAN block with a view to building synergies across the regions and Africa for higher operational efficiency and lower costs.

He says regional manufacturers are likely to get a significant boost from the growing emphasis on urban transport, along with government incentives to produce vehicles locally.

Part of Frost & Sullivan’s African Commercial Vehicles Market, Forecast to 2025, the study notes that commercial vehicle sales are expected to grow from 317 533 units in 2016 to 538 774 units in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6,1%.

“South Africa, with 53%, is the largest contributor to the commercial vehicle market in Africa. However, Nigeria, Kenya and Morocco are expected to be the fastest-growing markets and the only ones to increase their share by 2025,” says Martin.

“While the market’s potential is undisputed, it has been growing at a modest pace due to the subdued industry sentiment in Africa as a result of falling oil and commodity prices. Issues related to automotive infrastructure, financing and labour, reign in the commercial vehicles market even as spending on urban infrastructure offsets the negative impact.”

However, Martin says growing demand for cleaner air in cities will create opportunities for greener public transport such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric buses.

“Other commercial vehicle technologies such as advanced telematics are expected to be highly popular in regions around South Africa, encouraging investments and partnerships in the African market.”

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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DIGITAL SOLUTIONS >>

Fast to MARKET One month after a concept had been proposed to combat fuel theft from vehicles, Daimler’s FleetBoard Division had a digital solution ready for market tests

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ne of the greatest challenges faced when devising digital solutions is to bring new products quickly to market and make them available to customers.

To streamline a system of putting new ideas into practice, Daimler’s FleetBoard Division introduced in mid-2016 what it calls an Innovation Funnel – a process in which concepts from employees, partners or customers could be quickly evaluated.

At a media workshop held by the division in May this year – which focused on logistics – a group of international journalists was asked to take on the role of FleetBoard’s Digital Product Team and act as a jury for the first stage in the Innovation Funnel process – the Elevator Pitch.

Presented with three ideas relating to the way FleetBoard’s digital services could add value for customers, the majority of journalists voted for a concept called Truck Guard, paving the way for the idea to advance to the next stage of the process, the Shark Tank.

There, the original concept – which aimed to prevent fuel theft by monitoring vehicles with the help of technical aids such as sensors or cameras – was presented to FleetBoard’s experts by an employee, Steven Quaark.

In turn, he was given four weeks in which to put together a team that could deliver a business plan for the product and build a prototype. In turning the concept into reality the team interviewed 20 customers in five countries to determine exact requirements, as well as consulting with various divisions within Mercedes-Benz Trucks to gauge the feasibility of the concept.

The discussions identified a series of technical hurdles that related to the retrofitting of sensors and cameras and of ensuring an uninterrupted supply of power when the vehicle’s engine was switched off.

22 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

However, the team continued to pursue the idea since, from a customer perspective, there had been unanimous demand for a solution that would prevent fuel theft, the discussions having revealed that, as a first step, transport operators would like to have some sort of monitoring system in place that would immediately flag irregularities relating to fuel usage.

Having considered the feedback, the project team reworked its original approach, with focus shifting from the addition of hardware to a purely digital solution that could be quickly implemented.

The initial step involved the development of a Fuel Report – a programme which could analyse data to reveal and highlight anomalies in fuel consumption; for instance, a tank level that was too low when consumption on a trip had also been low.

According to a statement released by FleetBoard: “The customer receives an intelligent comparison of the results, allowing him or her to draw conclusions about fuel losses. The solution obviates the time-consuming task of comparing fuel receipts and telematics data with dates and times in order to identify irregularities, with reports produced on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

“Customers are therefore able to draw conclusions about the places and times where fuel may be being stolen most often and to introduce corresponding countermeasures.”

According to FleetBoard, drivers may, for example, be instructed to ensure that the fuel level of any vehicle parked in vulnerable places or at vulnerable times is only ever low, or even to leave the filler cap unlocked in order to minimise the financial losses and damage.

“The project team has already prepared an initial mock-up of the Fuel Report and will shortly be testing the solution with the first few customers,” the statement said.

FleetBoard is currently developing the solution further in order to quickly identify minor fuel-related discrepancies – even those which occur during vehicle downtime – with a realtime alert sent to the transport company.

“The driver or the police could then be immediately alerted via text message or email to investigate the cause,” the statement said.

The next step would be an alert by the vehicle itself, whereby the truck would switch on its lights or sound its horn in the event of a real-time alert being sent.

The project team will be presenting the completed prototype to the Digital Product Team at the next Shark Tank meeting. It will then be up to the Digital Product Team to decide if the Tank Guard solution should be rolled out. If the majority of members support the idea, work will begin on market implementation.

Road to autonomy Without legal frameworks to govern their use on public roads, autonomous drive trucks remain a distant vision, says Scania’s Christian Levin

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hough there is a large amount of discussion taking place regarding connected vehicles and driverless technology – as evidenced last month at the Ctrack and Standard Bank sponsored TruckX Conference and Expo at Kyalami – fully autonomous commercial vehicles remain a distant vision, according to one of the most senior figures in the truck industry.

Christian Levin, Executive Vice-President and Worldwide Head of Sales and Marketing at Scania, believes that driverless vehicles remain some years away – not because of lack of technological development or know-how, but rather because of the absence of a legal framework to govern the new thinking.

He says where fully autonomous trucks do have a more immediate role to play is in off-road applications. In this respect, Scania has been testing self-driving vehicles for use in mining operations and Levin says an autonomous truck will be deployed in Australia for use by Rio Tinto by the end of the year.

He adds that driverless trucks can also prove useful when used for short, predictable journeys on public highways, pointing out that Scania is engaged in a platooning project in Singapore.

The initiative involves four trucks travelling on public roads, transferring containers between port terminals. The three trucks behind the lead truck are autonomously driven.

“As far as the majority of on-highway trucks are concerned, what is more likely in the short-to-medium term is the introduction of semiautonomous models, with someone still in the cab,” says Levin.

“The role of the driver – if that is still the right term to use – will change.”

In his view, drivers will become more like truck managers. “Their roles will be akin to that of someone who keeps an eye on machinery in a factory; but they will still have to respond quickly if there is an emergency.

“Freeing them from constantly having to keep an eye on the road means they will be able to take on more administrative duties – in effect the cab will become an office.”

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

23

NEWS >>

Delivering the goods Finding an efficient solution to a complex problem makes body builder Serco a hit with a Durban-based take-away chain

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ne of South Africa’s leading body builders, Serco, has developed a reputation for finding solutions to logistical problems customers encounter.

By keeping pace with global trends and innovations, the company continually looks to give its clients a competitive edge.

This was the case recently when a newly-established eatery and take-away chain, Ko-Lay Home of

Chickens, was faced with the problem of getting products from its headquarters in Durban to outlets in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State efficiently and speedily.

Ko-Lay experimented by outsourcing its transport needs but soon found that was not the answer.

Instead, the company decided to invest in its own delivery vehicle. But the truck would have to be out

Hino maintains top-ranked status H

ino South Africa and its 66 dealers have notched up their 10th consecutive quarter as the topranked truck brand in South Africa in terms of the Scott Byers Comparative Customer Satisfaction Monitor.

The brand has not only been top in the combined score for 10 quarters, but has also been top in the Service and Parts categories for a similar period, while ranking second in the Sales category.

24 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

of the top drawer, capable of transporting fresh, frozen and dry goods without compromising the cold chain in any way.

• A scientifically calculated loading configuration for the truck, capable of handling 125 storage bins.

To build the body, Ko-Lay turned to Serco. Sales representative Steve Davenport of the Durban office was called in and he quickly established that the key challenge was to manufacture a truck with multi-temperature compartments which would enable easy access to all divisions when drop-offs were carried out at Ko-Lay’s branches.

With the body fitted to a Hino 300 915, Ko-Lay found the answer to all of its needs and the truck is now carrying out deliveries at branches in Durban, Vryheid, Estcourt, Harrismith and Van Reenen.

Another requirement was to make special provision for bins the take-away chain uses to move its products.

Serco offered Ko-Lay the solution – a three-zone, multi-temperature refrigerated rigid truck body.

The customer liked the concept and gave Serco the green light for production.

Head of Marketing at Ko-Lay, Kreeshan Reddy, said the vehicle was already proving its worth. “Fully loaded, the truck can carry about 2 500 chickens and 3,6 tons of payload – which is really good,” he said.

“We have developed a good business relationship with Serco over the years – the quality of the vehicles and the service we get from the company is brilliant. We’ll definitely be looking to place more orders with them in the future.”

The following features ensured the vehicle met all expectations and coped adequately with the storage bin requirements: • Moveable insulated partitions incorporating thermally rated cores from Serco’s partner Loadlok in Holland; • Load lock rails with shoring bars for load securing; • Side door access to the fresh and frozen goods zones; • Double rear-door access to the dry goods zone;

The latest survey, conducted in the second quarter of 2017, shows that Hino had a combined score of 97,46 for sales, service and parts, compared with an industry average of 92,91 for the 17 brands surveyed by Scott Byers.

The service rating was 97,42 compared with the industry’s average of 92,07 while parts rated 96,46 against an average of 91,57, the brand gaining top scores in all eight comparative aspects surveyed.

In terms of sales, Hino placed second with a score of 98,49 compared with the industry’s average of 91,31.

“We are very proud to have achieved a 10th consecutive quarter as the highest ranked truck brand in South Africa in terms of customer satisfaction, but we are certainly not going to rest

on our laurels,” said Ernie Trautmann, the Vice-President of Hino SA. “We realise that customer satisfaction is a moving target and, in terms of the survey, momentum is upward with regard to overall scores. This means we must continue to try even harder to satisfy the needs of our customers to retain our leading position.”

According to Trautmann, much of the credit for Hino’s ability to improve its scores in recent years is due to the implementation of the international Hino Total Support programme. The programme sets out to build and maintain strong relationships between Hino Japan, Hino South Africa, suppliers and the Hino dealer network.

“The aim is to ensure that our customers have a partner they can trust to deliver,” explained Trautmann.

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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VERSATILITY >>

‘EVERYTHING else is just a toy’ South Africa’s motoring public loves 4x4s and off-road driving – so much so that, even in the most remote areas of the country, you’re likely to find a bundubashing bakkie. But there is one off-road vehicle that trumps all – the MercedesBenz Unimog. Reuben van Niekerk finally got to drive in one

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n 1946 the first Unimog prototype was built, an identifying feature of which was that it had to have a wheel track of 1,27 metres to span two rows of planted potatoes.

I was fortunate enough to finally hitch a ride in a 2017 U4000 model of this legendary vehicle as the Unimog club of South Africa began their 70th anniversary celebrations at Gerotek.

Right from the beginning the Unimog was conceived as a go-anywhere, do-anything agricultural device, a truck, tractor and mobile agricultural machine rolled into one. With four-wheel drive, massive ground clearance and three power-take-off points around the vehicle, the machine was first produced by a company called Boehringer from early 1947.

A feature of the Unimogs go-anywhere status is its massive ground clearance, achieved through a special transmission design using portal axles.

Instead of the ends of the axles entering the centre of the wheels, the shafts enter the top of the wheels and are then geared down, enabling the engine and gearbox to be located far above the centre line.

Very early Unimogs used a red badge depicting ox horns, an association with its use for ploughing.

Daimler-Benz took over production in 1951, where after Unimogs began to carry the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star. By 1966, no less than 66 different agricultural devices could be attached to the Unimog.

The Unimog does not use a bolted frame, like a usual truck, as the chassis has been designed to twist up to 30 degrees. The engine and the gearbox are also attached in such a way as to not impede this flexibility.

The Unimog has an interesting history in our country.

Many South Africans will remember these massive off-roaders from their stints in the military in the early 1970s, when Unimogs did duty as ambulances and special field vehicles. Later the Unimog chassis was used by the SA Defence Force to produce the famous Buffel. Some 7 000 Unimog chassis and powertrains were imported for military use.

Nowadays Unimogs are used for all sorts of activities in the bush, by farmers, fire fighters and are highly popular as overland travel vehicles for tourists wanting to journey overland through Africa.

26 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

Combine flexibility with extreme wheel articulation of almost 500mm in each direction and the Unimog is sure-footed in that its tyres always touch the ground, no matter the severity of the terrain.

The gearbox is a heavy item, due to its robustness, but it has been mounted as low as possible to improve the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The U4000 has eight forward gears, six reverse, plus an additional eight in each direction when you’re in low.

Swapping cogs is effortless thanks to electropneumatic shifting – you press forward on the gear lever to go up, pull back to go down, and there’s another button below it to engage forward

or reverse. There is also the option of manual or automatic mode, with the clutch pedal folding away when you select auto.

The cabin is mounted to the chassis at three points – which have been designed to retain flexibility, making for a very comfortable ride over the harshest terrain.

The mounting system allows the chassis to move around underneath the cabin without transferring the movement to the passenger compartment.

A quick glance in the rear-view mirror at the load bed while tackling an axle twister, and it becomes evident how the vehicle twists as it works. While cornering on tar the cabin remains level while the chassis leans through the turn.

Under the bonnet is a 4 250cc four-cylinder turbodiesel truck engine that produces 130kW from 2 200rpm and 675Nm from 1 200rpm. The unit boasts a flat torque curve. In the configuration that we tested Gerotek, it is good for a top speed of around 115km/h.

Off-road ability is unrivalled, with numbers as follows.

A 38 degree ramp angle; 45 degree climbing ability; 44 degree approach angle; 51 degree departure angle; 1,2m fording depth and 38 degree tipping angle. These are the kind of numbers that 4x4 designers and enthusiasts dream of.

And Mercedes-Benz was not hesitant to show this off, taking us up and down the 100 percent, 45-degree concrete incline at Gerotek. The thrill of

this experience can be likened to that of a theme park ride, but it is all in a day’s work for the Unimog.

Kalahari sand was also no match, thanks to on demand 4x4, multiple diff locks and an on the fly tyre inflation and deflation system, which is located inside the axles in order to remain free from damage.

The Unimog is a niche product, it is a vehicle that was designed to be a workhorse, but many of South African owners have taken a liking to using this ability as the basis for the ultimate leisure vehicle, whether that means towing and launching their boats on the Skeleton Coast or building what is basically a caravan onto the back and travelling through Africa.

Models currently available in South Africa include the U4000 with a 9,5 ton GVM and a payload of five tons while the U5000 has a 13,8GVM and a payload of between seven and eight tons.

The Unimog has been affectionately likened to a Swiss army knife on wheels, as it is a true multi-role vehicle that knows no competition. No other commercial vehicle in the world can function as a tractor, towing vehicle, truck, fire fighting and exploration vehicle, bus and working machine, like the Unimog can.

The latest iteration of the Unimog sells for around R1,7 million in South Africa where after it will need some work at a bodybuilder to get it ready for the owner’s specific requirements. That might sound like a lot of money, but when a Mercedes Benz G63 costs R2,4 million rand, the Unimog starts to make a lot of sense.

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

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NEW MODELS >>

Merc’s new X-Class UNVEILED Officially unveiled last month in Cape Town, Mercedes-Benz’s new bakkie, the X-Class, appears poised to provide solutions for trade and fleet customers, while also satisfying the needs of private buyers who require a leisure vehicle. Wynter Murdoch reports

M

ercedes-Benz Vans has launched its new X-Class bakkie at a global premiere in Cape Town. The much anticipated model is scheduled to make its debut in Europe in November and will go on sale in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand early next year. Sales in Argentina and Brazil will begin in 2019.

Mercedes-Benz’s CEO, Dieter Zetsche, said in a statement that the model opened the bakkie segment to new customer groups. “Our pick-up convinces as a workhorse just as much as a family and lifestyle vehicle,” he said.

A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz Vans said the high level of interest and anticipation in the lead-up to the official unveiling of the model reflected how ingrained dual cab bakkies had become in motoring culture.

“The fact is we love bakkies and we are showing a desire to incorporate this type of vehicle into our lives in more ways than we did in the past – not just for work, but also increasingly for private use,” she said.

According to a statement released by the company, the X-Class has been designed with a view to

28 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

finding perfect balance between the stylish design expected of a Mercedes-Benz and the uncompromising robustness and functionality demanded of a bakkie.

“As a result, the model effectively provides solutions for trade and fleet customers, while also satisfying the needs of private customers who require a vehicle to support their active lifestyles,” the statement said.

The model will be available initially with two diesel engine options as well as a petrol-fed unit. A topof-the-line V6 diesel-powered plant will be available from mid-2018.

Judging by themes at the premiere, Mercedes is targeting the mid-sized pick-up at wealthy customers who like quad biking and sailing. Taking on a new segment far removed from opulent models like the S-Class sedan shows how far the world’s biggest maker of luxury vehicles is prepared to go to capture new sales.

Though it plans to stay clear of America’s competitive truck market – which is dominated by utilitarian vehicles like the Ford F-150, the world’s

He said the model had been specifically developed for changing requirements in the bakkie market. Demand for mid-sized pickups with typical passenger car characteristics and comfort features had risen steadily over the years while at the same time, the number of bakkies for private use had increased.

“These vehicles are no longer viewed purely as workhorses,” Mornhinweg said.

When the bakkie goes on sale, three design and equipment variants will be on offer, incorporating four- or six-cylinder engines, rearwheel drive or all-wheel drive, six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes.

The bakkie is built on a ladder-type frame with a solid axle at the rear, coil springs all round and independent front suspension. The basic X-Class variant, called Pure, is described as being ideal for rugged, functional use.

“It fulfills all the demands of a workhorse but at the same time its comfort and design make it perfect for visiting customers or suppliers and for private activities,” the statement said.

biggest selling derivative – introduction of the mid-sized X-Class is seen to give the brand an edge over rivals such as BMW and Audi, which do not contest the bakkie market.

The company anticipates that demand for midsized pick-ups will grow by 43% over the next decade to around 3,2 million units. While that proposition might be attractive, observers believe that moving into new segments can be a risk, especially for a brand that trades on its image for elegance and performance.

The X-Class, which cost “a high three-digit million euro sum” to develop, will be produced as part of Daimler’s cooperation with the Renault-Nissan alliance. Vehicles for Europe will be assembled at a Nissan plant in Barcelona, while models for Latin America will be built at a Renault factory in Cordoba, Argentina.

“The X-Class is the first genuine pickup with convincing passenger-car characteristics,” said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, which developed the vehicle. “As a result, the X-class pushes the boundaries of the classic pick-up.”

The Progressive derivative is aimed at people who seek a rugged bakkie with extra styling and comfort features, the vehicle designed to act as an advertisement for their own businesses while also being a comfortable yet prestigious vehicle for private use.

The X-Class Power encompasses the high-end of the specification line. “It is aimed at customers for whom styling, performance and comfort are paramount,” the statement said. “The X-Class Power is a lifestyle vehicle beyond the mainstream – suitable for urban environments as well as for sports and leisure activities off the beaten track. Through its design and high level of equipment it reflects an independent and individualistic lifestyle.”

X-Class Dimensions Length

5 340mm

Width

1 920mm

Height

1 819mm

Wheelbase

3 150mm

Load bed length

1 587mm

Load bed width

1560mm

Load bed height

474mm

Payload

1 042kg

Braked towing capacity

1 650kg – 3 500kg

July 2017 / Future Trucking & Logistics

29

ENTREPRENEURSHIP >>

Own the open road Leading insurance company MiWay offers some advice to truck owner-drivers who may be looking to improve their business’s bottom lines

W

ith a shortage of truck drivers in South Africa, demand for skilled owner-drivers is at an all-time high, offering a prime opportunity for entrepreneurial success. While the road to riches may be a tricky one given high upfront costs and plentiful risks and hazards, it can be well worthwhile for those willing to go the extra mile.

and credit life cover, the supply of tyres and tyre management services and which provide fuel, trailer equipment and infrastructure systems such as mobile phones and tracking devices. These are the kind of benefits that enable the corporate partner to maintain a balance between controlling and supervising ownerdrivers.

Whether you’re looking to start your own truck business or partner with an existing owner-driver scheme, here are a few tips from MiWay to help you capitalise on the wealth of opportunities available to you.

These schemes are usually accompanied by an intensive process of selection, which includes an assessment of driving and various other skills. Should you tick all the boxes, companies can then arrange finance for you to purchase a truck, enabling you to realise your entrepreneurial dreams.

Starting your own transport business If you’ve invested in a leased or financed truck, have access to funds and are disciplined enough to stick to a tight budget, you have the potential to create a flourishing business. Though the start-up phase can be challenging thanks to the need for significant capital, being cognisant of important issues such as adherence to stringent vehicle maintenance and other quality controls will stand you in good stead as you begin your new venture.

Though acquiring new contracts can be extremely daunting, it will be beneficial to you and your business if you ensure that you’ve tapped into all industry networking opportunities and are registered in all the relevant databases. Find out more through social media groups such as SA Long Distance Truckers; Truck Drivers Without Borders; Highway Heroes; Gran Transit Couriers and others.

Some reputable brands that champion owner-driver partnerships include Cargo Carriers, Famous Brands and SAB. Do due diligence to put you in the know regarding key industry stakeholders and their histories in the owner-driver space. Make sure that you know how to source new opportunities and what the requirements are for joining – for instance, having the right license, experience, entrepreneurial mindset and motivation.

The right owner-driver schemes offer plenty of opportunities, but you need to have a great work ethic and be a good fit to flourish in the industry.

While banks are more likely to finance your truck if you have secured contracts, the opposite is true, too – you are more likely to secure contracts if you have a truck.

Therefore, consider all the positives and negatives and firm up your business objectives before hitting the open road.

Partner with disruptors Innovation and product developments abound in the logistics and trucking industry. Companies such as Uber – which has recently acquired the self-driving US truck startup, Otto – are aiming to reform transportation by establishing themselves as technology partners and fostering partnerships with independent truckers in the US. Their aim is to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption costs by using state-of-the-art navigation, mapping and tracking technology.

Owner-driver schemes There are a number of owner-driver schemes available to the would-be entrepreneur on a budget.

Look to establish a relationship that works to the mutual benefit of the owner-driver and the corporate partner – one which empowers by making provision for online banking facilities, comprehensive insurance

Companies like these are always seeking partnerships with independent owner-drivers, whose truck fleets can help them test their technology. Consider joining forces with similar operators in South Africa – a partnership will help you to maximise the efficiency of your truck, strengthen your business prospects and remain focused on the road ahead.

30 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

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PARTS & EQUIPMENT >>

New from the 3D printer M

ercedes-Benz Trucks has taken 3D printing a stage further: the first printed spare part made of aluminium – a thermostat cover for truck and Unimog models from older model series – has passed all tests in a stringent quality assurance process. The part can now be ordered from Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

“Compared with a conventionally produced die-cast equivalent, the thermostat cover excelled for almost 100% density and greater purity. Apart from its high strength and hardness, as well as high dynamic resistance, production required no cost-intensive development work or procurement of special tools.

“We remain the technological leader in the challenging segment of cutting-edge 3D printing processes,” says Andreas Deuschle, Head of Marketing and Operations for Customer Services and Parts at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “We ensure the same functionality, reliability, durability and costeffectiveness with 3D metal parts as we do with conventionally produced parts.”

“Given these qualities, conceivable areas of use for an expanded range include peripheral engine parts, in-engine parts and also parts for cooling systems, transmissions, axles or chassis.”

The division introduced 3D printing to its parts range about a year ago, initially concentrating on plasticbased items. Since then, Customer Services has worked with researchers at Daimler AG to improve and expand the use of the 3D process.

“3D printing of high-quality plastic components has now successfully established itself as an additional production method, and is particularly suitable for small batches,” says Deuschle. “Metal parts using latest 3D technology open up new possibilities.”

He says since the thermostat cover excels for its high strength and thermal resistance, it paves the way for the process to be used for the production of other mechanically or thermally stressed components required in small numbers.

32 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

He adds that in future, 3D metal printing might allow decentralised and therefore much faster, local production directly in the worldwide Mercedes-Benz production locations.

“This would further improve parts availability: expensive warehousing and the associated, complex transport processes would be unnecessary, with delivery times made shorter for customers,” he says.

In contrast to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) used to print 3D plastic parts, the metallic process uses Selective Laser Melting (SLM). In the case of the thermostat, powdered aluminium/silicon material (ALSi10Mg) was applied in individual layers and melted by a laser.

When one layer had been completed, a new layer of powder was applied automatically and the melting process repeated until the item had been completed.

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APPOINTMENTS >>

People moving up...

Recent appointments made within the global automotive sector...

AVTOVAZ

Avtovaz has announced the appointment of Gaspar Gascon Abellan, executive vice president of engineering at Groupe Renault, to its Board of Directors.

AVTOVAZ

Avtovaz has announced the appointment of Jérôme Olive, executive vice president of manufacturing engineering and supply chain management at the Renault-Nissan Alliance, to its Board of Directors

AVTOVAZ

Avtovaz has announced the appointment of Thierry Pieton, senior vice president of group financial control at Groupe Renault, to its Board of Directors

Subaru Southern Africa has

GUD HOLDINGS

OPEL

announced the appointment of Rui Silva as managing director.

He takes over from Kazunori Suzuki, who returns to Tokyo-based shareholder Toyota Tsusho Corporation to assume a new assignment. Having joined Subaru Southern Africa in 1994, Silva, formerly chief operating officer, has enjoyed a long-standing career with the company.

GUD Holdings has announced the appointment of Chris Haworth as its chief executive. He replaces Red Shuttleworth, who will continue to serve the company as a non-executive director. Haworth joined GUD in 2001. He was formerly the company’s chief operating officer.

HONDA MOTOR SOUTH AFRICA

ALLISON TRANSMISSIONS

FORD OF EUROPE

SUBARU

Honda Motor Southern Africa has announced that Letitia Herold has been appointed as the company’s new public relations and events coordinator. She takes over the role from Joeline Dabrowski, who served the company for many years. Letitia previously worked in South Africa’s publishing and public relations industries.

Allison Transmission Holdings has announced the promotion of G Frederick Bohley, vice president of finance, to the additional role of treasurer, responsible for the company’s relationships with commercial bankers, senior secured credit facility lenders and revolver participants, debt investors and credit rating agencies.

CONTROL COSTS WITH SHELL CARD FOR FLEETS With the economic pressures in South Africa today, fleet managers could use a little help. Look no further than Shellʼs recently launched Shell Card Platform, tailor-made specifically for commercial road transport companies and fleets.

With around-the-clock support, fraud control mechanisms, detailed purchase history across categories and an online invoicing service where customers can securely store, view and download invoices, fleet managers have more control than ever.

Better yet, the Shell Card Online (SCOL) service enables fleet managers to transact online, order and cancel cards as well as set up customised alerts to notify you of any unusual transactions.

The Shell Card provides drivers access to 600 fuel sites nationwide, of which, more than 450 are Shell Card participating sites where you can earn Customer Loyalty Bonuses in the form of savings across the Shell network.

Additional services available to Shell card customers include specialised support from the Customer Service Centre; a fraud analyst who monitors card activity and provides support on fraud-related queries; a pricing specialist, who provides monthly pricing information and support on after-sales pricing queries; and a customer promise specialist, who provides support on card and account-related queries as well as training, if necessary.

There are two types of cards: Single network cards, which can only be used at participating Shell sites; Multi-network cards, which can be used at any service station in South Africa.

34 Future Trucking & Logistics / July 2017

Learn which card is best for your business today at www.shell.co.za.

Opel has announced the appointment of Michael Lohscheller as the company’s chief executive officer. He replaces Karl-Thomas Neumann, who has stepped down.

Lohscheller was formerly Opel’s chief financial officer.

Ford has announced that Amko Leenarts has been appointed design director for Ford of Europe, responsible for exterior and interior design of small cars, crossover utility vehicles and models for global markets. He leads a team of 275 people at Ford Design, Germany, and at the company’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex.

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