Latest news with #Euro3
IOL News
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
The right truck for the job: 2025's best buys for your logistics operation
Fleet operations represent one of the largest line items of any logistics balance sheet. Image: Supplied As South Africa's logistics industry continues to grow under the pressure of rising e-commerce volumes and expanding regional trade, fleet decisions are no longer just operational - they're strategic financial levers. The days of buying the cheapest truck upfront are a thing of the past. Forward-thinking business owners are now focused on the total cost of ownership (TCO), balancing upfront costs, fuel efficiency, maintenance, downtime, driver satisfaction, and eventual resale value. In this guide, we outline three trucks (affordable, mid-tier, and premium) that stand out in 2025. Each serves a distinct operational purpose, whether you're managing short-term distribution or long-haul freight. Efficiency starts with the right fit Fleet operations represent one of the largest line items of any logistics balance sheet. That's why the decision around which trucks to run is increasingly made with the full life cycle in mind. From fuel efficiency and driver satisfaction to maintenance support and long-term residual value, the actual cost of a truck is rarely limited to its sticker price. The affordable all-rounder: JAC N-Series Chinese brands are quickly shaking off their reputation for poor quality, and JAC's N-Series is a strong example of that evolution. With clean, modern design and improved engineering, the N-Series delivers a compelling mix of affordability and practicality. N140 9-tonne truck. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The N140 9-tonne variant, in particular, ticks plenty of boxes for smaller logistics companies, particularly for last-mile deliveries. The N140 is powered by a robust Euro 3 compliant, Cummins-sourced 4.5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 154 kW and 740 N.m of torque, the latter between 1,200 - 1,800 r/min. Ideally suited for fixed route distribution, the JAC is a fine choice, especially in a fleet where vehicles are replaced every three to five years. Maintenance is straightforward, and JAC's growing service footprint in South Africa is building confidence among local logistics players. That said, residual value remains to be seen; however, businesses with shorter fleet turnover cycles or usage-based financing models may find this less of a concern. Drivers will be kept happy by the standard comfort features, including air conditioning, electric windows, and a radio with MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity. Best for: Entry-level fleets, last-mile distribution Price: R607,826 (excl. VAT) Ryan Gaines, CEO of City Logistics - one of South Africa's leading logistics providers - noted that Chinese trucks are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. While they're affordable, they're not the solution to everyone's needs just yet. 'We're seeing a broader range of Chinese electric and diesel trucks entering the market, many of which are becoming more relevant to urban and last-mile distribution.' 'While there's still some uncertainty around residual values at end-of-life, they make sense for operations with defined replacement cycles and structured financing,' continued Gaines. 'It's about aligning the asset to the business model.' Mid-tier workhorse: Isuzu FTR 850 When it comes to durability and dependability, the Isuzu brand has proven its worth in the South African logistics landscape. Isuzu FTR 850. Image: Supplied The FTR 850 is hard to ignore, thanks to its strong parts availability, aforementioned durability, and low running costs. It's a go-to for medium-sized businesses looking to scale their operations efficiently. With a mighty 7.8-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, the FTR 850 makes light work of lugging heavy loads, courtesy of 176 kW and 706 N.m of torque. With a gross combined mass (GCM) of 24,000 kg, the FTR 850 is a versatile truck suitable for a range of tasks, excluding long-distance travel. Isuzu's support network is well entrenched across the country, and the brand has earned a stellar reputation for low running costs. Best for: Regional freight, flexible operationsPrice: From R1,061,478 ( Long-haul leader: Volvo FH16 When it comes to long-haul work, the Volvo FH16 is a standout choice. Built for efficiency and comfort, it features advanced safety tech, air suspension, and innovative fuel-saving systems that make a measurable difference over long distances. Volvo FH16. Image: Supplied A variety of Euro 5-compliant 16-litre engines are on offer, ranging from the base variant with 397 kW and 2,650 N.m of torque, to the range-topping D16G750 derivative that delivers a staggering 551 kW and 3,550 N.m. Euro 3-compliant engines are also available. The FH16 features Volvo's I-Shift transmission, equipped with intelligent fuel-saving software (I-See), which reduces fuel consumption by reading traffic, road curves, and even topography to optimise gear selection and minimise fuel use. It even coasts and stops the engine when it sees fit, reducing emissions over long routes. In a 2022 test conducted by Trucker and Verkehrs-Rundschau in Germany, an 18% reduction in diesel and AdBlue use was achieved, with a Volvo FH truck averaging 21.48 L/100 km, compared to a previous test with a 2018 Volvo FH truck that lacked the technology2. Much like Volvo passenger vehicles, Volvo trucks are equipped with a range of comfort and safety features, including the Dynamic Steering system, which reduces strain during low-speed manoeuvres and helps stabilise the vehicle at highway speeds. The cab has more in common with a premium car than a commercial vehicle, with high-quality finishes, climate control, and a feature-rich infotainment system among its features. Best for: Interprovincial and cross-border transport. Price: Unavailable 'When it comes to long-distance routes, driver feedback consistently highlights the importance of comfort and refinement,' added Gaines. Trucks equipped with air suspension and advanced comfort features deliver the driving experience that really matters over thousands of kilometres.' Choosing the right truck is no longer about upfront cost. It's about aligning vehicles with your operational demands, financial plans, and growth ambitions. Whether you're starting with an affordable all-rounder like the JAC N-Series, scaling with the durable Isuzu FTR 850, or investing in the long-haul efficiency of the Volvo FH16, understanding the total cost of ownership and support ecosystem is critical.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Doubts over speed limiter reliability for heavy vehicles
PETALING JAYA: Industry stakeholders have voiced concerns over the reliability of speed limiters currently available in the market, amid the government's drafting of a mandatory speed limiter policy for heavy vehicles. Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali noted that there is no reliable speed limiter currently available on the market. Safety in mind: Mohamad Ashfar (left) and Ng. 'These devices can be manipulated. Some attempts have been made, but they did not function properly,' he said. He said the complexities of implementing speed limiters stem from the fact that buses and lorries in the country operate on three different types of engines. 'There are three types of engines: Euro 2, Euro 3 and Euro 5. Euro 2 engines use mechanical fuel pumps, which can be fitted with speed limiters, but these are not accurate and can be easily manipulated. 'Euro 3 and Euro 5 engines, on the other hand, use electronic fuel pumps and operate on a computer system, allowing manufacturers to programme their in-built speed limiters electronically,' he said, adding that older buses and lorries typically run on Euro 2 engines. Mohamad Ashfar pointed out that the inefficiency of installing speed limiters on Euro 2 buses and lorries, emphasising that 'it is a waste of money because they can be manipulated'. 'These older-engine vehicles will have to rely more on drivers' awareness for speed safety.' However, he reiterated support for initiatives aimed at improving road safety for all users, not just buses. 'We support anything that enhances road safety. Speed limiters already exist in newer buses, but we need more details about the limiters the ministry is proposing to implement. 'As stakeholders, we want to contribute our input,' he said. Mohamad Ashfar also backed the idea of banning heavy vehicles from the outer lanes, as 'roads are narrow, and vehicles are getting larger'. 'Highway authorities should consider the extra space required for safe driving,' he said. Reiterating his call for the government to provide free training for aspiring drivers, particularly within the B40 income group, he said such measures could address the driver shortage. 'There is a dire shortage of drivers – not just in Peninsular Malaysia, but also in Sabah and Sarawak. Many are deterred by the high costs of obtaining an E licence, which range from RM4,000 to RM5,000,' he said. He urged the Human Resources Ministry to provide training support for budding drivers. 'It's a skill that requires long-term investment, and the government should prioritise it to ensure the economy can efficiently transport people and goods,' he said. Malaysia Trucking Federation president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said speed limiters should be widely adopted in heavy vehicles as a vital measure to enhance road safety nationwide. He said speed limiters are calibrated by truck manufacturers to align with preferred speed limits, typically setting the maximum highway speed at 80kph. 'The manufacturer determines the setting, and during each service, they ensure it hasn't been tampered with. Once set, it cannot be easily altered,' he said. Ng noted that, despite earlier proposals for mandatory speed limiters, full implementation has yet to occur. He said over half of their members nationwide have equipped their entire fleets with speed limiters and are encouraging others to do the same. 'It's a relatively inexpensive, one-time installation that serves as a deterrent against excessive speeding,' Ng said.
