FAW Trucks South Africa is continuing their commitment to ensuring the South African haulage industry has access to the products it needs with the introduction of the new JH6 33.420FT 6×4 truck tractor.

“The reason for our continued growth in South Africa is the fact that we cater to virtually every need,” explains Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks SA. “Our line-up includes freight carriers, truck tractors, tippers and mixers, all assembled to exacting standards to be able to withstand the harsh conditions of the African continent.

“Since first entering the South African market 28 years ago, we have gone from strength to strength, providing local buyers with products of high quality that is not only well suited to local conditions but also boast high levels of safety, convenience and comfort. We have managed to combine this with competitive pricing, low running costs and continuously improving after-sales service.”

All FAW products arrive in South Africa in completely knocked down form and are assembled at the company’s facility in Coega.

The New JH6 33.420FT, sixth-generation product has seen more than 1.5-million units manufactured to date and exported to more than 20 countries.

The Newly designed and engineered JH6 33.420FT has a high-roof forward tilt cab with seating for the driver and a passenger. It includes a double sleeper cab with air-conditioning, a radio with USB and an air suspension seat for the driver- with multi-dimensional adjustment ability. This completely new cab design has a wind resistance factor of 0,54.

The new and improved look of the interior layout includes a multi-function steering wheel and enhanced dashboard features for better driver control along with central locking and power windows.

The 11 040 cc Euro 2 specification six-cylinder inline engine is water-cooled, turbo-charged and has an intercooler, producing 312 kW at 1 900 r/min and 1 900 Nm of torque from 1 200 r/min.

The Bosch brand manual injection pump is specifically made for African application, while the gear shifting booster makes driving feel like a car, removing much of the stress, especially on long-haul journeys – as does the  Superior Engine brake of 190kW.

American brand Con-Met wheel hubs are fitted, allowing 500 000 km of maintenance free driving.

Key dimensions:

• Wheelbase 3 300 mm + 1 350 mm
• Overall length 6 938 mm
• Cab length 2 295 mm
• Overall width 2 500 mm
• Overall height 3 550 mm
• Front overhang 1 495 mm
• Rear overhang 770 mm
• Cab to rear axle 3 850 mm
• Minimum turning radius 7 500 mm
• Minimum turning diameter 13 000 mm
• Ground clearance 295 mm
• Track 2 020 mm front and 1 830 mm rear
• Chassis outer width 800 mm
• Chassis inner width 640 mm

The 12-speed manual syncromesh gearbox is matched to a set of ratios specifically designed to provide optimum performance and fuel efficiency, irrespective of whether it is operating in rural areas or on the open road.

It features a forged steel I-Section beam front axle coupled to a full floating single reduction rear axle with inter-axle, inter-wheel and differential locks. Semi-elliptical leaf springs with double-acting shock absorbers comprise the front suspension, while the rear has semi-elliptical leaf springs with auxiliary springs.

Stopping power comes from the dual circuit, full air brakes with ABS.

Mass data:

• Gross vehicle mass 33 700 kg
• Gross combination mass 62 200 kg
• Permissible gross vehicle mass 25 700 kg
• Permissible gross combination mass 56 000 kg
• Permissible front axle mass 7 700 kg
• Permissible rear axle mass 18 000 kg
• Unladen front axle mass 4 505 kg
• Unladen rear axle mass 4 300 kg
• Unladen mass total 8 805 kg

“All the products we introduce locally are carefully considered with Africa roads and driving in mind,” explains Li.

“This goes hand-in-hand with ensuring those products will provide the best possible total cost of ownership experience for the operator through the entire life cycle of the truck. Couple that with the outstanding commitment to service from all of our dealers and the value package we are offering is unbeatable.”

“At FAW Trucks customer service is, and always will be key. We go the extra mile to look after our customers and to make sure that we offer them the best deals possible,” explains Paul Lastrucci, National Aftersales Manager “When our trucks leave the showroom floor after a sale, clients can expect long-term, dedicated services and 24/7 support, ensuring their investment gives them the returns expected of modern trucks.”

Warranty and customer service

All FAW Trucks products are covered by a comprehensive warranty at industry standards, ensuring that customers have complete peace of mind in their purchases. The FAW warranty provides customers with the assurance that FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa stands behind its claim of quality manufacturing.

FAW Trucks has a large parts warehouse at its premises in Spartan, from where it supplies the four main regions in Gauteng, Durban, Harrismith and Cape Town. In addition, service dealers are fully equipped, with highly trained technicians on hand for complete servicing and repairs required for not only JH6 33.420FT units, but all other models from the renowned Chinese manufacturer.

In addition, FAW Trucks has a dedicated number, 0860 329 772, which is linked to a trigger number at a dedicated and specialised Emergency Call Centre. Resolution of all incidents and queries is attempted telephonically, but – where required – further assistance such as towing is arranged.

“All models in the current range of FAW Trucks sold in South Africa represent the strength, reliability, affordability and ease of operation that the brand and its products are renowned for. Most importantly, though, the JH6 33.420FT delivers on the promise of a ‘truck built in South Africa for Africa’,” concludes Li.

Zambia’s leading vehicle distributor and dealer, Toyota Zambia Ltd, has rebranded to CFAO Motors Zambia Ltd.
The transformation, which has been approved by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) and the Labour Department, is part of the group’s continued commitment to Zambia’s economic growth.

The move is the latest milestone for the company, which has grown to be a trusted household name in the vehicle market since its establishment in 1963 as a member of the Lonrho group of companies.

The company is the official distributor and dealer for Zambia’s leading automotive brands, including Toyota, Hino and Automark pre-owned vehicles.

Through its branches in Lusaka, Kitwe, Livingstone and Solwezi, as well as authorized service centres in Kabwe, Chipata, Mkushi and Kasama, the group also provides genuine parts and quality aftersales service across Zambia.

CFAO Motors Zambia is a division of the CFAO Group, which is part of Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

“This latest leg of our journey is an exciting opportunity for all of us. We have been known as Toyota Zambia since 1994 (previously Mobile Motors established in 1963). However, increasingly, we have felt the name does not encompass the full breadth of mobility solutions that we offer, over and above the Toyota brand. The rebrand to CFAO Motors Zambia allows us to align with our CFAO Group philosophy that seeks to strengthen our investment in Toyota while at the same time offering additional mobility solutions. More than a name change, this is also a milestone that brings us closer to our ambition of sustainable growth, value chain integration, partnership with strong brands and innovation and consolidating our position as a leading automotive brand.” Said CFAO Motors Zambia Chief Executive Officer Dino Bianchi

As part of its rebrand to CFAO Motors Zambia, the company plans to launch new products and services and more innovative mobility solutions. These new models and products will include connected services, affordable new vehicle financing solutions, and a whole new range of competitively priced automotive products from international manufacturers, tailored for a broader range of consumers.

In tandem with the name change, the company has also adopted a new corporate visual identity.

Mr Bianchi stressed that no jobs losses were expected among the group’s 509 staff as a result of the rebranding, and indeed the new group would provide opportunities for further career progression, efficiencies and business expansion.

About CFAO Zambia Group
CFAO Group in Zambia, is the official distributor and dealer for Zambia’s leading automotive brands, including Toyota, Hino, Ford, Suzuki, Volkswagen, MOTUL lubricants, MAXXIS tyres and Automark pre-owned vehicles.
Through its branches in Lusaka, Kitwe, Livingstone and Solwezi, and authorised service centres in Kabwe, Chipata, Mkushi and Kasama, the group also provides genuine parts and quality aftersales service across Zambia.
Toyota Zambia has been a trusted household name in the vehicle market since its establishment in 1963 as a member of the Lonrho group of companies.

About CFAO
The CFAO Group, Corporation For Africa & Overseas, contributes to growth and industrialization in Africa while catering to the continent’s emerging middle class.
With a revenue of over €5.8 billion, access to 46 of the 54 countries on the continent, and nearly 21,000 employees, CFAO is a key player in mobility, healthcare, consumer goods, infrastructure and energy.
The Group partners with leading international brands and covers the entire value chain – imports, production, distribution – in line with the highest quality standards, drawing on 170 years of hands-on knowledge and local expertise.
CFAO pursues a twofold strategy, focusing on manufacturing to promote local production, and distribution through its distribution network, Africa’s largest, to offer tailored, affordable products and services to people across the continent.
With Africa For Africa
www.cfaogroup.com

This acquisition strengthens DP World’s position in Africa as an end-to-end logistics provider, by adding J&J’s significant presence along these key corridors in Africa. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World

Imperial, owned by DP World, announced that all the requirements relating to its 100% acquisition of the J&J Group have now been fulfilled. The transaction relating to the acquisition of the first tranche of shares (51%) of the J&J Group, which was announced on 29 July 2021, was closed on 18 July 2022. This will be followed by the acquisitions of the second and third tranches of 46.5% and 2.5%, respectively.

J&J Group offers end-to-end logistics solutions along the Beira and North-South corridors in South-East Africa, specialising in the transport of break-bulk, containerised, project, fuel and out-of-gauge cargo between Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“This acquisition strengthens DP World’s position in Africa as an end-to-end logistics provider, by adding J&J’s significant presence along these key corridors in Africa – a market where trade is expected to grow at more than twice GDP driven by population growth, accelerated urbanisation and rising middle classes.” Said, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World

Mohammed Akoojee, Chief Operating Officer of DP World Logistics, Group CEO at Imperial, added: “This acquisition complements our ‘Gateway to Africa’ focus as it optimises and expands our reach in Africa by providing scale in end-to-end cross-border transportation services in key countries and new industries. This is possible through well-established routes, port capabilities, a well-developed asset base, including a fleet and warehousing space, as well as an entrenched customer portfolio.”

Through the acquisition of the J&J Group, Imperial will be positioned for quicker go-to-market outside of South Africa and end-to-end access to certain key countries and corridors (port to customer) in Africa.

“We are excited for J&J to partner with Imperial and believe that the operations of these two businesses are very complementary. This combination offers existing and potential J&J clients a true gateway to Africa,” explained Carlyle and Ethos Private Equity, currently the controlling shareholder of the J&J Group.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose trading started last year, is grounded in the understanding that intra-continental trade is one of the crucial tools that can integrate economies, accelerate growth of countries, improve competitiveness, and improve economic development of economies.

To fully unlock the opportunities in the AfCFTA, the interconnectedness of African countries and movement of goods and persons comes to play.

Cargo movement and movement of persons is critical for trade between countries as it ensure that business parties send and receives goods timeously, as well as businesspeople engage.

This is where countries like Zimbabwe stands to benefit a lot.

First Zimbabwe is not a landlocked, but a land-linked country, and this gives its businesses an advantage to supply competitively priced products without much hinderance in Southern Africa, riding on proximity to lucrative markets in the region.

For example, the road distance between Harare and Lusaka by road is around 500km.

If competitors from Johannesburg, South Africa want to access the same market, they must meet the cost of additional 1,230km as the distance to Lusaka is around 1,730.

So, when looking at how logistics is an important factor in export business, the location of Zimbabwe at the heart of Southern Africa places the country at a competitive advantage for local companies to increase exports to the region.

For local businesses, however, the issue is not only the position of the country but accessibility to those markets as supportive infrastructure is key.

In that regard, it is encouraging to note that President Mnangagwa’s Second republic is placing priority on improving the transport sector, starting with road and railway rehabilitation.

Considering the strategic importance of the road network in enhancing accessibility as well as promoting domestic and regional trade as a key transport corridor, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) identifies the urgent need to rehabilitate national road networks, particularly those that link the country to the rest of the region.

“In this regard, the NDS1 will target to increase the number of kilometres of road network converted to meet Southern Africa Transport and Communications Commission (SATCC) standards from five percent to 10 percent by 2025 and to increase the number of kilometres of road network in good condition from 14 702km to 24 500km by 2025.”

Currently, the Government is implementing the Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2) that is targeting to repair roads that were damaged by heavy rains received during the rainy season.

The Government is also prioritising rail networks, which are crucial if the country is to reduce the cost of landing products in export markets.

Under NDS1, plans are to improve secure investment towards railway infrastructure development as well as increasing freight cargo moved from 2.6 million tonnes per annum in 2020 to 6.7 million tonnes per annum by 2025.

Zimbabwe being land-linked, its location in Southern Africa makes it a key transit point in the regional transport system, thereby making it even more important for the country to invest in maintaining and upgrading a reliable transport network and to integrate its transport network with neighbouring countries.

The extent to which countries may tap into regional and other African markets is a function of how well it is connected to other countries.

Whilst the infrastructure development projects are underway, local companies also need to position themselves so that they tap into transport corridors that are currently in place to access all markets across the continent.

North-South Corridor

Zimbabwe is central to the North-South Corridor and the Second Republic is already implementing several developments in this corridor.

The North-South Corridor runs between the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to the Copperbelt of Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo and down through Zimbabwe and Botswana to the ports in southern Africa, taking in ‘spur’ connections through Malawi and Mozambique in the east.

The North-South Corridor also links the DRC through Zambia with the Port of Durban by road and rail with an option to pass through Zimbabwe.

This makes Zimbabwe a key and integral part of trade into these countries being linked by North-South Corridor.

The North-South Corridor is the busiest in the region in terms of values and volumes of freight and the Government of Zimbabwe has been making efforts to upgrade the corridor beginning by upgrading the Beitbridge Border post, of which a first phase section for cargo has been opened to traffic.

The Second Republic is also working on the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge road, of which over 313km have been opened to the motoring public.

Beira Corridor

Zimbabwe is also part of the Beira Corridor which serves road transport along the Beira–Mutare–Harare–Chirundu–Lusaka Route, which overlaps with the Harare–Chirundu–Lusaka section of the North–South Corridor, and the Beira–Tete–Blantyre Route, the so-called Tete Route, and the Beira–Nhamilabue–Nsanje–Blantyre Route, the so-called Sena Route, as the shortest route to the sea for inland countries including Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Beira Corridor is one of the main routes into Zimbabwe, while also serving some Zambian traffic.

Trans-Kalahari Corridor

Zimbabwean Traders have also an option either to use the Trans-Kalahari Corridor or Trans-Caprivi Corridoras the trade corridor links West-Africa, as well as Europe, the Americas, and West Africa.

The Trans-Kalahari route is also a much faster route for road transportation, as it saves about five to seven days, compared to other ports in the region for cargo from European and America.

Maximum utilisation of Walvis Bay Dry Port

As the country does not have direct access to the ocean, local companies must take full advantage of the Zimbabwe’s dry port facility at Walvis Bay in Namibia.

The dry port, inaugurated by President Mnangagwa in 2019, improves the export competitiveness of Zimbabwean companies by reducing the export and import costs of cargo.

This is achieved through reducing turnaround time and discounted handling charges.

Currently, Zimbabwean businesses largely uses Mozambican and South Africa trade routes, and the South African route is heavily congested.

Therefore, the Walvis Bay route provides a safe, faster, cheaper alternative for Zimbabwean importers of raw materials and exporters of finished products.

Through this facility, Zimbabwean companies are also able to easily access markets in Central, West, and North Africa.

Collaboration is key for distant markets

Time bound studies conducted have shown that costs induced by time have additional implications for international trade.

Various studies have demonstrated that higher logistical costs and longer transport times have negative effects on trade volumes and on firms’ ability to export.

For local companies to sustainably supply international markets, there is need improve on lead time, and leverage on existing corridors.

For products to land cost-effective in countries which may be far away there is also a need for companies to start collaborating in exports markets through consolidation rather than competing.

This year ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion organisation, has conducted market surveys in Ghana, Kenya, and United Kingdom and sentiments have been that since the markets are bit far away there is need for companies to collaborate and share some costs to penetrate these markets.