HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
valve,” Naipal explains. “But when refuelling, the diesel nozzle presses the ball down, and the tank fills as normal”. Cameras, data, and accident prevention One of the more visible technology developments is the introduction of advanced camera systems, designed not only for incident investigation but also for proactive safety. These systems monitor driver behaviour, including eye movement and distraction. “It measures the driver’s eye,” says Naipal. “A phone against the ear – it can detect that. The algorithms identify when the driver is distracted or using a phone. The system detects fatigue or inattention, enabling fleet managers to intervene before an incident occurs. In the event of an accident, the benefits are equally clear. “Otherwise, it just becomes a case of ‘you said, she said,” Naipal remarks. With heavy vehicles often blamed by default, camera footage provides objective evidence that can be crucial for insurance and liability assessments. Designing trucks as living spaces Long-haul transport in Southern Africa often involves extended periods away from home, with drivers spending days at border posts or on the road. UD Trucks’ high-roof cabs are designed with this
Sometimes getting a better quality of vehicle at a slightly higher initial cost, and the recovery you achieve over the five years that you own it, will far outweigh the immediate savings of your initial outlay.
to run per day? What’s my expected gross profit? And if it stands, what am I losing?” From UD Trucks’ perspective, a slightly higher upfront investment in a quality vehicle, backed by strong aftermarket support, can deliver a significantly better return over a typical five-year ownership cycle. “Sometimes getting a better quality of vehicle at a slightly higher initial cost, and the recovery you achieve over the five years that you own it, will far outweigh the immediate savings of your initial outlay,” Naipal says. Technology shaped by regional realities Southern Africa presents a unique operating environment, particularly regarding vehicle security. UD Trucks offers a comprehensive telematics platform developed in Japan that monitors vehicle location, driving behaviour, and route adherence. Noticing that customers were still investing in separate recovery systems, UD Trucks partnered with a local provider to integrate recovery functionality under its own brand. “The customer doesn’t have to pay two subscriptions,” Naipal explains. “Everything is included with the purchase of the vehicle.” On heavy-duty trucks, five years of UD Connected Services (telematics) are included, giving operators time to learn the system and evaluate its benefits. Fuel theft, a common problem, is mitigated through a simple but effective mechanical solution: a floating ball valve inside the fuel tank. This prevents siphoning while still allowing normal refuelling. “You’re can’t siphon past that ball
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