PLANT HIRE
expanding its parts and support ecosystem to improve uptime and manage costs,” says Kalil-Zackey. This includes a diversified parts strategy. “Alongside OEM original components, MAN now offers remanufactured parts, locally sourced Line 360 components, and even certified used parts from dismantled trucks,” he explains. This helps operators “absorb currency volatility and supply chain disruptions.” The reality of electrification As global momentum builds around electric mobility, South Africa’s HCV sector is taking a pragmatic approach to adoption. “At MAN, electric propulsion will grow, but uptake will differ by application,” says Kalil-Zackey. Diesel, he notes, remains essential. “In the short to medium term, diesel will remain dominant, especially for long-haul operations, where charging networks and vehicle range are still limiting factors.” However, certain segments show promise. “Urban buses and local distribution fleets present strong near- term opportunities,” he says. “These vehicles typically return to a single depot, making charging infrastructure affordable.” South Africa’s energy profile could even offer advantages. “The country’s abundant daytime solar potential makes depot charging both viable and cost efficient.” From Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s perspective, electrification is inevitable but dependent on collaboration. “Battery- electric vehicles will play an important and growing role in the future commercial vehicle landscape,” says Petersen. Yet, he cautions against oversimplification. “Electric trucks are not a single, universal solution for every application.” Their success depends on broader system readiness. “The successful introduction of electric heavy vehicles depends heavily on the development of suitable charging infrastructure, energy availability, and grid stability.” Crucially, this is not an isolated effort. “It requires coordinated effort across OEMs, policymakers, energy providers, fleet operators, and industry associations,” Petersen adds. Hino shares a similarly measured outlook. “It is realistic in some applications, but not yet across the board,” says Segage. Electric trucks are currently best suited to “urban, depot-
It is realistic in some applications, but not yet across the board. Electric trucks are currently best suited to urban, depot-based and predictable route operations.
Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino Sales.
The most critical development needed is faster policy progression, especially around fuel standards and new emissions regulations.
Philip Kalil-Zackey, Head of Truck Sales & Product at MAN Truck & Bus South Africa.
The main trends in the commercial vehicle market always all ladder back to reducing Total Cost of Ownership and driving long-term sustainability.
Olaf Petersen, Vice President: Sales & Marketing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa.
Advanced safety systems are becoming a key differentiator within extra heavy vehicles such as the Hino 700. “On the vehicle side, advanced driver assistance systems are becoming more important,” he notes. “Features such as a pre-collision safety system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning show where the market is heading.” Rethinking value in fleet investment With margins under pressure, operators are becoming more discerning in how they evaluate new vehicle investments. The focus is shifting from upfront price to long- term value. Segage emphasises the importance of aligning vehicles to operational needs. “The first question is always fitness for purpose. The truck must match the load,
route, body application, and duty cycle,” he says. From there, total cost of ownership becomes central. “Fuel consumption, service intervals, parts pricing, warranty, uptime support, and resale value all matter,” he explains. Safety technology is increasingly important. “Telematics has become a serious investment factor because it helps operators manage utilisation, maintenance, and fuel more effectively.” Support infrastructure can ultimately determine a fleet’s success. “In South Africa, dealer support and parts availability are critical,” Segage adds. “A cheaper truck is not a better truck if it stands still.” MAN is responding with a broadened aftersales approach. “MAN is continually
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