PRODUCTS UPDATES BUSINESS FEATURES ISSUE 4

TRUCK NEWS
Winter 2015

A REALISTIC
PERSPECTIVE –
CRAIG UREN ON
ISUZU TRUCKS’
LOCAL OPERATIONS

Smooth Sailing Spotlight on

– A look at the the Road
Isuzu Trucks Transport
FVZ 1400 Auto Management
P6 P10 System (RTMS)
 JOIN THE DRIVE
TO COST SAVINGS
WITH AMT

Automated Manual Transmission means that the transmission is manual but the shifting mechanism that
changes the gears is electronically controlled. There is no driver operated clutch, which limits the risk of abuse
on that component.The truck is always in the right gear, at the right time. No more expensive clutch replacements.
With AMT Isuzu Trucks brings to market a range of N- and F-Series models that retain performance, durability
and fuel economy usually associated with a manual transmission.

Customer Care and 24 Hour Roadside Assist call 08600 ISUZU (47898).
For more information or to locate your nearest Dealer, visit www.isuzutrucks.co.za

2 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za

 contents
4 CORPORATE INSIGHT
Craig Uren on the state of Isuzu Trucks’ local operations

6 PRODUCT INSIGHT
The Isuzu Trucks FVZ 1400 Auto

8 PRODUCT INSIGHT
We take a look at the increasingly popular N-Series

10 FLEET INSIGHT
Spotlight on the Road Transport Management System (RTMS)
Craig’s Steering Wheel
12 CSR INSIGHT Beating the odds
Isuzu Trucks remains committed to MEDO project We’re rapidly approaching the end of the
second quarter of 2015, while the country
continues to deal with a number of variables
14 DRIVER INSIGHT affecting growth in the truck sector.
Speed vs. Cost – The implications The major talking point at the moment is the
rolling blackouts that are taking place all over

15 PRE TRIP CHECKLIST

the country. This electricity crisis not only puts
added pressure on fleet operators to maintain
A handy tool for drivers and fleet managers a stringent paper trail, but also affects our
dealers, parts warehousing operations and

16 DEALER NETWORK service outlets.

The medium-truck segment of the market
Isuzu Truck South Africa’s dealer list continues to bustle with activity, and our AMT
and Crew Cab models continue to find favour
amongst small business owners and transport
operators.
In March we sold 160 units in the medium-
truck segment, while a total of 153 units were
moved in the heavy-truck segment.

P12 Naturally we’d like to move more units off

the showroom floor, and to this end we’re
constantly refining the range of trucks available
locally.
In this edition we take a look at the FVZ
1400 Auto, and how it’s aimed at lowering the
overall cost of ownership for transporters by
eliminating the need to replace worn clutches.
We also focus on our sponsorship of MEDO,
a skills transfer project that’s leading the way
in terms of empowering individuals that have
difficulty in accessing educational facilities.
Instinctively we at Isuzu Trucks also believe
in the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s
road infrastructure and to this end we take a
look at how the Road Transport Management
System (RTMS) is assisting large fleets in
reducing their impact on the road and on the
environment.
I trust you will enjoy the read.

P8 Craig Uren
Isuzu Truck South Africa
Chief Operating Officer
For the long run
A quarterly publication on behalf of Isuzu Truck
South Africa, published by Future Publishing.
TRUCK NEWS © Copyright. All copyright for material in this magazine belongs to Isuzu
Truck News, Future Publishing and Isuzu Truck South Africa. No part of this
Editor For Isuzu Trucks Editor-in-Chief Future Publishing
magazine may be reproduced without written consent of the publishers.
Pritesh Ruthun Lisa van Aswegen Wynter Murdoch Future Publishing, The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily
Pritesh@thefuture.co.za Lisa.vanAswegen@isuzutrucksa.co.za wynter@thefuture.co.za 4 Biermann Avenue, those of the publishers.

Hanlie du Preez Production Rosebank , While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice
Design & Layout Hanlie.duPreez@isuzutrucksa.co.za Mabel Ramafoko Saxonwold, and information given to readers, neither the

2132 editor, proprietors, nor the publishers,

Heinz Bawa Publisher mabel@thefuture.co.za
can accept any responsibility for
Heinz@thefuture.co.za Richard Lendrum T 011 280 3000 any errors or omissions, or any
richard@thefuture.co.za effect arising therefrom.

www.isuzutrucks.co.za ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA ISUZU TRUCKS 3

 CORPORATE INSIGHT
ISUZU TRUCK SOUTH AFRICA
PROVIDES A REALISTIC
OUTLOOK FOR 2015
Chief Operating Officer, Craig Uren
The company plans to make
significant investment into
local business in 2015 and
2016 to enhance the Isuzu
Truck SA business model
and this includes developing
local communities
H
aving come out of an extremely
tough 2014, Isuzu Truck South
Africa is geared up to face what
is seemingly a more turbulent
2015. This was the overriding sentiment
at the annual State of the Business update
that was addressed by Chief Operating
Officer, Craig Uren, who provided a holistic
review of the state of play for the industry
4 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za
and a realistic outlook for the year ahead.
Operating against a global and local
backdrop characterised by conflict on
many fronts – economic, political and
religious – Uren stressed the importance of
business being nimble enough to embrace
uncertainty and managing many variables
to remain competitive. The tough economic
conditions that saw the overall truck market
record a nominal annual growth of 2.0%
at the end of December 2014, are set to
continue in 2015. The medium commercial
vehicle (MCV) segment dropped by 4.9%,
while the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV)
segment recorded a decline of 2.1% and
the extra heavy commercial (XHCV)
segment grew by 8.7%.
Isuzu Truck South Africa had a solid
performance at the end of 2014, exceeding
the 4000 units’ sales mark for the second
year in a row. Isuzu Trucks remains the
leader in the cab-over-chassis and medium
commercial vehicle (MCV) segment of the
industry, with a current market share of
12.8% of the total truck market.
N–Series products accounted for 21% of
the MCV market, giving Isuzu Trucks market
leadership of this segment and F-Series
achieved 23.4% of the HCV market. Since
the introduction of the FX-Series, this range
continues to grow and achieved 3.3% of the
EHCV market.
The Japanese manufacturer’s success in
the South African market can be attributed
to their product differentiation, innovation
and customer-centric approach to finding
 solutions that will increase customers’
profitability and productivity.
Productivity at Isuzu Trucks’ Port
Elizabeth-based plant was extremely
healthy in 2014, considering the wide
labour unrest experienced by many
automotive manufacturers that have an
operational footprint in South Africa.
In comparison to similar territories,
South Africa is pretty much on par with
its Isuzu Trucks counterparts in successful
emerging markets.

“Isuzu Trucks remains the

leader in the cab-over-chassis
and medium commercial
vehicle (MCV) segment of
the industry, with a current
market share of 12.8% of the
total truck market. ”

“The fundamental driver of our solid

performance is the AMT Technology, which
Isuzu Trucks brought to the MCV and HCV
market in SA and uses extensively across
our product range. In some cases one will
find that AMT-enhanced models account
for up to 70% of total sales in a specific
range – that in itself is testimony of the
market’s confidence in the Isuzu Trucks
specific technology,” Uren explained.
Painting a picture of what success would
look like for the business in 2015, Uren put
a stake in the ground and said that his team
would work towards achieving further good
growth on the 4046 units sold last year,
continue to drive product innovation and
constantly seek opportunity in adversity.
On the environmental responsibility
front, the company will continue conducting
trials on products that run on green fuel
sources and test hybrid models with
selected customers in the local market.
The company plans to make significant
investment into local business in 2015
and 2016 to enhance the Isuzu Truck
SA business model and this includes
developing local communities and
promoting entrepreneurship on the social
responsibility front, but will only reveal
details of its plans in due course.

www.isuzutrucks.co.za ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA ISUZU TRUCKS 5

 PRODUCT INSIGHT
FVZ 1400 Auto
The ‘AUTOMATIC’ choice
Say goodbye to clutch
changes with the new Isuzu
Trucks FVZ 1400 Auto,
which is fitted with a fully
automatic Allison 3500
transmission
6 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za
E
arlier this year Isuzu Truck
South Africa launched its new
FVZ 1400 Auto heavy truck
to the local market, which
is aimed at lowering the overall cost
of ownership for operators that often
find themselves with burnt and abused
clutches in their trucks.
Having already established its
products as the segment leaders, where
automated manual transmissions (AMT)
are concerned, the Japanese truck
specialist has now turned its attention
to the growing demand for automatic
trucks with a GVM of 24 000kg.
According to the company’s Product &
Applications Manager Jayesh ‘Tiny’ Daya,
the new FVZ 1400 Auto combines the
best of Isuzu Trucks’ technologies with
one of the best automatic gearboxes on
the market from Allison Transmissions.
“While we have offered the FVZ with
an automatic transmission in the past,
this new model represents the first time
that we are assembling the truck as an
automatic derivative from the plant in
the Eastern Cape” Daya explained.
“The cost saving in opting to fit the
Allison 3500 automatic transmission
to the truck at the plant instead of
converting new trucks that have already
been built will ensure a more competitive

Isuzu Truck South Africa’s
Jayesh ‘Tiny’ Daya
purchase, price and delivery time.
Allison Transmissions also provides us
with an OEM warranty that will cover the
transmission for a period of two years,
should anything unforeseen happen,” he
added.
Both Isuzu Trucks and Allison
Transmissions share a lengthy
partnership, which has been bolstered by
the truck maker’s decision to incorporate
Allison’s 3500 Auto into the production
line at the company’s Kempston Road
plant in the Eastern Cape.
“We believe in the products that
Allison continue to supply us with, and
thanks to the ongoing development of
its automatic transmissions we are now
happy to offer the FVZ 1400 Auto as one
the latest derivatives to join our new
model line-up,” Daya said.
The Allison 3500 automatic
www.isuzutrucks.co.za ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA ISUZU TRUCKS
transmission fitted to the new FVZ 1400
offers six forward speeds and is mated
to Isuzu Trucks’ 6HK1-TCS engine, which
produces 206kW at 2 400 revs/min and
882Nm at 1 450 revs/min.
This makes it an ideal powertrain
combination for daily use, especially
in the FMCG, construction and urban
courier services sector.
“Many of the customers that have been
asking for an automatic truck understand
the benefits that are associated with
this type of transmission. Driven in the
correct mode, we are confident that the
automatic FVZ 1400 remains as frugal
on diesel as its manual counterparts and
competitors,” Daya expounded.
He also said that the transmission
offers a 480 000km service interval
thanks to the use of full-synthetic oil,
which not only reduces downtime, but
also significantly contributes to lowering
the overall cost of ownership of the
truck.
“In terms of benefits for the driver
I can highlight a few very important
things. By the driver placing both hands
on the steering wheel the truck becomes
instantly more maneuverable in traffic
and confined spaces. Also, the driver
is putting less effort into maintaining
progress by letting the truck take care of
gear changes automatically, especially
handy on roads that kink and curve like
Van Reenen’s pass. These subtle benefits
in the new FVZ 1400 Auto can contribute
to a less fatigued driver, who will remain
alert and more capable when driving,”
Daya said.
Daya explained that the truck
will also start in an ECO mode,
meaning that the transmission
will maintain shift points as early
as possible in the green band of
the rev counter.
To ensure that the driver is given at
least a little control over the truck’s
performance, the Allison 3500 automatic
transmission fitted to the FVZ 1400
sports two driving modes – ECO and
POWER.
Daya explained that the truck will also
start in an ECO mode, meaning that the
transmission will maintain shift points as
early as possible in the green band of
the rev counter.
“Should the drive require a little more
grunt, for instance when going up a
mountain pass, he or she may select
the POWER mode for the transmission,
which will allow the engine to rev out
a little further in the power band in
the lower gears. This mode allows the
driver to maintain a steady pace in more
challenging circumstances, and will
switch back to ECO mode once the truck
is switched off again,” said Daya.
In terms of adaptability the FVZ 1400
Auto is able to accommodate a number
of body configurations and applications.
The Isuzu FVZ 1400 Auto retails for
R1 062 850.00 excluding VAT and more
information on it can be found at Isuzu
Trucks’ Dealerships nationwide.
7
 PRODUCT INSIGHT

One in five new medium

Isuzu N-Series model
T
he annual market trend for The medium truck market is a fiercely competitive segment where many new competitors
medium trucks during 2013 to try to enter on price. But price alone does not counter the effects of matching the demand
2014 declined by 4.9% but Isuzu for parts, service, innovation and lowest cost of ownership.
N-Series volumes in this segment
grew against the trend by 3.1%. Moreover, the medium truck market (3500kg to 8500kg GVM - gross vehicle mass)
took a knock in the 2008 financial crisis where sales fell dramatically from 2007 figures of
A remarkable product range is at the core 15168 to 7227 in 2009 – a drop of 52.3%. Here is a nine-year trend to 2014:
of Isuzu N-Series success. There are 18
N-Series models to choose from with GVM
ranging from 4200kg to 8500kg including
three crew cab models and four 4x4
models. Seven of the 18 N-Series models
are equipped with automated manual
transmissions (AMT) – a hallmark technical
feature that has been an outstanding
success for Isuzu Trucks.

Isuzu N-Series were the first truck

manufacturer to introduce AMT into the
medium truck segment. While AMT had
been a technical characteristic of the ex-
heavy truck segment over 16.5t GVM
this had stayed within the extra-heavies
only for some years. The benefits of AMT
are so considerable that AMT has started Against this backdrop the medium truck market has increased in the past four years –
to outstrip the demand for N-Series with 2011 to 2014 – by 19.4% while Isuzu N-Series model unit volumes have grown from 1440
standard manual transmissions – 64.4% of in 2011 to 2300 units in 2014, a growth of 59.7%.
N-Series sales are AMT equipped models
and a major technical product reason for The success of the Isuzu N-Series is reflected in this four-year trend of continuous
the growth behind Isuzu N-Series sales. growth – one in five new medium trucks on the road is now an Isuzu N-Series model:

AMT is also reducing the demand for

driver training as drivers now focus on the
road environment around them in heavy
traffic instead of the constant, tiring need
for synchronising clutch-pedal operation
and gear shifts.

Isuzu Trucks’ turbocharged and inter-

cooled common rail diesel engines provide
consistent power at any altitude – combine
this with the seamless benefits of AMT, that
also incorporates an econo-button for those
return-empty trips, and N-Series fleets are
experiencing the benefits of Isuzu Trucks
driveline technology.

8 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za

 trucks sold is an

Many Isuzu N-Series are operating in high annual distance courier applications.
Taking the bold step of increasing N-Series service intervals to 20 000km lowers the AMT is also reducing the
cost of ownership and keeps wheels on the road. Add to this a two-year unlimited
distance warranty and many N-Series models cover as much as 200 000km in the
demand for driver training
warranty period and with only 10 service days off the road. as drivers now focus on
Isuzu’s N-Series trucks operate in heavy distribution traffic without any vehicle
the road environment
safety compromise. Driver skill is minimised in active safety such as ABS braking around them in heavy
systems while passive safety seat belts are provided for all crew – especially in the traffic instead of the
six-crew plus driver N-Series crew cab models.
constant, tiring need for
Isuzu Trucks enjoy a big existing brand population that makes all 35 dealers viable synchronising clutch-pedal
in terms of parts and service. The current success and volumes of new N-Series
is enhancing parts and service success. The final word goes to Isuzu Truck South
operation and gear shifts
Africa’s Chief Operations Officer, Craig Uren – “We are essentially a parts and service
support organisation that also sell Isuzu Trucks!”

www.isuzutrucks.co.za ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA ISUZU TRUCKS 9

 FLEET INSIGHT

Spotlight on the
‘Inadequate enforcement of road traffic regulations, road deterioration and high accident
rates pose a significant threat to the long term sustainability and competitiveness of the
logistics value chain,’ – Kathy Bell, RTMS Steering Committee member

“T
he Road Transport
Management System
(RTMS) is an industry-led,
voluntary self-regulation
scheme that encourages consignees,
consignors and transport operators
that are engaged in road logistics to
implement a vehicle management system
that preserves road infrastructure,
improves road safety and increases the
productivity of the logistics value chain in
South Africa,” RTMS Steering Committee
member, Kathy Bell said.
Bell explained that as more of South
Africa’s commodities are moved across
the country on tarmac, stakeholders in the
logistics sector are becoming increasingly
aware of the factors that affect output in
their specific sectors (forestry, mining,
agriculture, etc).
She also said that there’s no arguing
that South Africa’s road infrastructure
is rapidly detetrioating, along certain
corridors, due to overloading and poor
maintenance of trucks.
“Inadequate enforcement of road
traffic regulations, road deterioration
and high accident rates pose a significant
threat to the long term sustainability and
competitiveness of the road logistics value
chain,” she added.
Bell said that the large number of
accidents attributed to heavy trucks on
our roads is unacceptable and that all
stakeholders in the logistics sector must
be cogniscent of the impact of trucking on
South Africa’s infrastructure.
The challenges that Bell highlighted,
has prompted users of road haulage, both
consignors and consignees, and providers
of road haulage (hauliers) to jointly
develop strategies aimed at protecting
the road network, as well as improve road
safety and transport productivity for the
benefit of the country’s citizens and the
industry itself.
The CSIR’s (Council of Scientific &
Industrial Research) Dr Paul Nordengen, a
fellow RTMS Steering Committee member,
explained that RTMS does not enforce
laws, but it rather acts as a system that
keeps operators on top of the variables
that affect their business by means of
measurement against RTMS standards, as
outlined in its accreditation framework.
“There’s no members club, or
association type environment within the
RTMS itself. We act as a committee that
serves to provide succinct and precise
information about what’s happening
on the road between transporters that
volunteer to provide information relevant
to our research. For instance we know
that the issue of overloading continues to
affect the road transport sector and we
carefully monitor this area of operation,”
Dr Nordengen said.
He explained that RTMS guidelines
stipulate exactly how loads should be
managed and maintained from point of
depature to point of delivery and that the
transport industry recognises that poor
compliance to transport regulations creates
an unfair competitive environment.

10 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za


RTMS
Both Bell and Dr Nordengen alluded to
the necessity of a self-regulation scheme
in South Africa to create standard rules
for the transport industry, and that these
rules should become the business norm,
supporting principles of good corporate
governance.
Streamlining output
According to RTMS Steering Committee
member Adrian van Tonder, there are a
number of reasons why RTMS has been a
success over the past ten years.
“Considering that we started out by
refining operations in the forestry sector,
we’ve come a long way in covering most of
the sectors that move goods and services
on South Africa’s roads,” van Tonder said.
The number of accredited RTMS
trucks on South Africa’s roads have
been increasing in recent years as more
operators realise the benefits of following
the organisation’s guidelines.
www.isuzutrucks.co.za ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA ISUZU TRUCKS
“One of the major benefits of having more
members is the amount of information we
are able to glean from them. Not only from
the regular reports that they submit to us in
order to maintain a healthy members status,
but also from the telematics information that
they have been able to provide in recent
years,” explained van Tonder.
He said that improvements in truck
technology, both safety and fuel economy,
can only be taken advantage of if the
driver of a truck is content behind the
wheel and his or her fleet manager is fully
aware of the load’s impact on the truck,
the road and the environment.
“Telematics has played a major role in the
improvement of fleet operations, especially
in recent years as satellite coverage and
quality of information has improved from
a number of service providers. We don’t
necessarily insist on fitting a truck with a
telematics suite in order to be a member,
however it certainly improves the quality of
information an operator is able to provide
us with when they submit their reports to
us,” van Tonder added.
It’s never to late to join
Van Tonder explained that the criteria that
needs to be met in order to become an
RTMS member, as a transporter, covers
the folowing basic areas:
Overloading related
requirements
• Fleet inventory
• Assessment of the vehicle mass
• Mass determination method
Safety related requirements
• Maintenance of roadworthy vehicles
• Vehicle and load safety
• Driver wellness
• Training and education
• Tasks and responsibilities
• Records and documentation
• Performance assessment
“Once a transporter has come to us and
agreed to the terms of joining the RTMS,
we begin the process of ensuring his or her
fleet conforms to our standards. Should
the transporter not meet the standards
outlined in our legislation we allow that
transporter a specific period of time to get
the fleet in shape before final assessment.
It’s not a simple matter and it requires a
dedicated approach to record keeping,”
van Tonder explained.
More information on the RTMS can be
found at www.rtms-sa.org
*In the next edition of Isuzu Truck News
we take a look at how the City of Cape
Town is making RTMS work in synergy
with its fleet of Isuzu Trucks.
11
 CSR INSIGHT

Isuzu Trucks boosts

Isuzu Truck South Africa recently reinforced its commitment to skills development in
the country thanks to a donation of a new FSR800 AMT truck to the Micro Enterprise
Development Organisation (MEDO)

I
suzu Truck South Africa has
partnered with small business and
economic development organisation,
Micro Enterprise Development
Organisation (MEDO), to launch the
‘Treppie’ truck, a mobile entrepreneur
incubator aimed at equipping start-ups
with the right skills and tools to succeed.
MEDO is an independent company,
which also assists large organisations in
obtaining their BBBEE goals by improving
enterprise development which in turn
enables job creation. The organisation
collaborates with the Department of
Trade and Industry in helping companies
achieve their Code 400: Enterprise and
Supplier Development and Code 500:
Socio-Economic Development goals of
the new BBBEE codes. MEDO developed
the Treppie truck concept as one of their
socio-economic initiatives.
“Treppie” – an adaptation of the word
Entrepreneur – is a converted Isuzu Truck
that was donated by the company in 2011.
It is equipped with ten computers and
internet connectivity with a team on hand
to assist entrepreneurs to register with
SARS, CIPC and other business related
services such as business development,
financial management, marketing and
admin skills. All these services are provided
to the community free of charge. The
Treppie embarks on tours where it travels

12 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za

entrepreneurial development
three weeks in each month on a mission
to recruit, develop entrepreneurs and
minimise unemployment in South Africa.
Since the inception of the programme
the truck has toured in countless parts of
the country including Port Elizabeth, where
Isuzu Truck South Africa’s production plant
is situated.
The Treppie truck’s community drives
also promote business idea generation
amongst local residents. Individuals who
www.isuzutrucks.co.za ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA ISUZU TRUCKS
aspire to grow their small businesses are
invited to visit the mobile office to pitch
their business ideas. The qualifying pitches
then have access to further training and
the chance to apply for the range of
MEDO’s entrepreneurial workshops.
Isuzu Truck South Africa recently
provided MEDO with a brand new and
improved FSR800 AMT Isuzu Truck that
is bigger than the original truck donated
back in 2011. The truck allows for ten
computer workstations, internet access
and a small meeting area. The new truck is
equipped with state of the art technology
and connectivity to ensure reliable internet
access.
The custom FSR800 AMT is powered
with solar cells and an invertor, making
it dependent only on solar energy
which enables the Treppie team to set
up anywhere regardless of facilities or
infrastructure.
Isuzu Trucks sees this partnership with
MEDO as an investment that will give the
company an opportunity to improve its
BBBEE scorecard from a level 6 to level 4
contributor.
Each Isuzu Trucks Dealer has the
opportunity to sponsor a Treppie tour in
their local community, thereby investing in
future enterprises which have the potential
to be future markets for Isuzu Trucks and
“Isuzu Truck South Africa
has partnered with small
business and economic
development organisation,
Micro Enterprise Development
Organisation (MEDO), to
launch the ‘Treppie’ truck, a
mobile entrepreneur incubator
aimed at equipping start-ups
with the right skills and tools
to succeed.”
gaining valuable points to improve their
scorecard. In order to achieve maximum
points for Code 500: Socio-Economic
Development, a dealer needs to donate
4% of post-tax profit towards the Treppie
tour.
Chief Operating Officer and Director for
Isuzu Truck South Africa, Craig Uren, said,
“As a company, we remain committed
to stimulating economic activity in the
country. We hope that this partnership will
assist in developing emerging enterprises
and improve the lives of many South
Africans.”
13
 DRIVER INSIGHT
Keep an eye on the
gauges
The relationship between speed and operating cost should remain a priority concern for
transporters
O
n 31 October 2014, Govt
Gazette 38142 Regulation
293 changed to include a
compulsory 80km/h sign on all
vehicles over 9t gross vehicle mass (GVM)
– see Reg 293 (2) (a). This applies to all
Isuzu F and FX-Series models.
Isuzu Trucks’ N-Series – all less than
9t GVM – are restricted to the 120km/h
national top speed limit applicable to
bakkies and passenger vehicles.
Yet all too often drivers push their rigs
on line-haul routes well beyond 80km/h.
And many distribution vehicles – below 9t
GVM – travel well beyond their 120km/h
limit as well, to the detriment of fuel
consumption, tyres and braking systems.
This is due to drivers and distribution
managers being under an illusion that top
speed means maximum productivity.
Optimum results in transport derive
from maintaining high average speeds,
14 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za
not top speed. Managing the torque
characteristics of a diesel engine in
combination with kinetic energy from
the rolling forces of vehicle momentum,
and cutting back on unnecessary engine
idling are key issues in reducing operating
costs.
Best results, for lowest fuel consumption
and reliable longevity, are obtained from
diesel engines that are driven within an
engine r/min band that gives maximum
torque – not at maximum engine speed.
The continuous speed rating of truck
and bus tyres cannot match that of radial
passenger car tyres. Why then do we
find distribution vehicles competing at
130km/h with the fast traffic?
Foundation brakes are other costly
components suffering early speed failure.
For example: a rig operating at 56 tons
gross combination mass has to absorb
2 738 kilowatts (3 418 horsepower) of
energy into the foundation brakes in a
crash stop from 80km/h. This energy
absorption rises dramatically with
increases in speed as the formula
is calculated at velocity squared
(velocity 2).
Drivers who travel too fast also tend
to rely far more on their brakes to
over-compensate for reduced reaction
times due to fatigue behind the steering
wheel. The result is increased costs of
maintenance. Vehicle fleets exceeding
legal speed limits show accident ratios
that confirm this practice.
We are your partners at Isuzu Truck
South Africa in balancing the equation
that makes up cost of ownership. Please
feel free to call us on any aspect where
we can assist in increasing the average
speed and reduce the top speed of truck
fleets.
Compiled by Dave Scott
 PRE-DRIVING CHECKLIST
OK ✔ FAULT ✖
SAFETY CRITICAL
1 Windscreen wiper operation
2 Windscreen washer operation
3 Hooter

LIGHTS & MIRRORS

1 Headlamps bright/dim and parking
2 Fog lamps (where fitted)
3 Turn indicators and hazard warning
4 Stop/braking lamps
5 All mirrors adjusted, clean and mirror mounting brackets OK

BRAKES
1 Drain air tanks (where applicable) vehicle & trailer
2 Listen and check for air leaks - vehicle and trailer
3 Rate of air pressure build up after engine start
4 ABS warning lights do not remain on (where applicable)
5 Check for loose sensor cables/pipes under vehicle/ trailers
6 Suzie hoses to trailers in good condition: no leaks/no kinks
7 Suzie hoses to trailers correctly coupled - colours match
8 Brake fluid level correct - air & vacuum/hydraulic systems
9 No brake fluid leaks

WHEELS & TYRES

1 All wheel studs and nuts present and not damaged
2 No loose wheel nuts
3 No wheel hub oil leaks
4 No tyre damage: sidewall cuts/tread failure
5 All valve caps secure on tyre valves
6 Tyres at correct pressure
7 Spare wheel tightly secured and correctly inflated

CRITICAL FLUIDS
1 Engine oil level OK - not overfull
2 Coolant header tank level OK - not overfull
3 Clutch hydraulic fluid level OK
4 Windscreen washer tank full for long trips and weather
5 Diesel fuel level OK - not overfull
6 Diesel fuel filter and water trap clear of water
7 No diesel tank or fuel line leaks
8 Fuel tank cap secure and not leaking
9 No engine, gearbox or differential oil leaks

GENERAL
1 Clean tail lamps
2 Clean reflector tape and chevron
3 Clean windscreen – inside and outside
4 Windscreen chips and cracks noted
5 No steering wheel play
6 Engine V-belts OK
7 Engine oil pressure build-up OK
8 Engine temperature normal
9 No unusual vibrations and rattles
10 Emergency triangles and tool kit OK
11 Truck Tractor 5th wheel lockjaw handle seated in and secure

NOTES

Signatures:

Driver:

Supervisor:
www.isuzutrucks.co.za ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA ISUZU TRUCKS 15
ISUZU TRUCKS
DEALER LISTINGS
GAUTENG
Barloworld Isuzu Trucks Johannesburg 1 Impex Ave, Corner Heidelberg Road, City Deep 011 296 5000
Barloworld Isuzu Trucks Zambezi 260 Veronica Street, Corner Zambezi Drive, Montana 012 523 2300
Eagle Canyon Auto Cnr Christiaan De Wet and Blueberry Streets, Rooseveldt Park 011 794 1023
Imperial Truck Centre Isando 9 Brabazon Road, Isando 011 974 3001
Isuzu Truck Centre Midrand 488 16th Road, Glen Austin, Midrand 011 207 0900
Isuzu Truck Centre Pretoria 23 Visagie Street, Pretoria West 012 328 6580
Isuzu Truck World Cnr Great North Road and Deodar Streets, Pomona, Kempton Park 011 552 5500
Tommy Martin Cnr CR Swart & Ontdekkers Road, Roodepoort 011 279 5600

LIMPOPO
Westvaal Polokwane 86 Landdros Mare Street, Polokwane 015 297 1149

NORTH WEST
Westvaal Klerksdorp Goue Weg 2, Townlands, Klerksdorp 018 462 6209
Westvaal Rustenburg 110 Beyers Naudè Drive, Rustenburg 014 592 1337

MPUMALANGA
Rothman Motors 10 Kerk Straat, Ermelo 017 811 1827
Solly’s Cnr Cowan Ntuli and Boncker Streets, Middelburg 013 283 6200
Westvaal Nelspruit 1A Emnotweni Avenue, Riverside Park Ext 6, Nelspruit 013 757 5000

KWA-ZULU NATAL
Bates Port Shepstone 1 Ryder Street, Port Shepstone 039 682 0007
Key Trucks Durban 1051 South Coast Road, Mobeni 031 462 5215
Key Trucks New Germany 6 Goshawk Road, New Germany 031 713 3111
Key Trucks Pietermaritzburg 2 Peter Kerchoff Street, Pietermaritzburg 033 345 2542
NTT Isuzu Trucks Ladysmith 60 Murchison Street, Ladysmith 036 637 2204
NTT Isuzu Trucks Newcastle 24 Kirkland Street, Newcastle 034 312 1110
Provincial Motors 23/25 Alumina Allee, Alton, Richards Bay 035 797 5101

WESTERN CAPE
Isuzu Truck Centre 1 Agric Road, Western Province Business Park, Epping 021 507 6900
Kempston Motor Group 5 CJ Langenhoven Street, George 044 801 7411
Perdeberg Motors 24 Bokomo Street, Malmesbury 022 482 1158
Thorp Paarl 170 Main Road, Paarl 021 872 2101

FREE STATE
Imperial Truck Centre Bloemfontein 26 Kruger Street, Estoire, Bloemfontein 051 433 4123

EASTERN CAPE
Isuzu Truck Centre Port Elizabeth Archid Close, Young Park, Port Elizabeth 041 405 8600
Jacksons Trucks 2 Sprigg Street, Queenstown 045 838 1023
Kenrich Motors 18A African Street, Grahamstown 046 622 7312
Meyers Motors East London 75 Cambridge Street, East London 043 701 6600

SOUTHERN AFRICA
Action Auto Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia 00260 211 22076
Auas Motors Cnr Hochland/Voigt Streets, Windhoek 00264 613 89100
Autoworld Bulawayo Cnr 12th & Jason Moyo Avenue, Buluwayo, Zimbabwe 00263 712 609 466
Autoworld Harare 24 Silwood Close, Chisipite Circle, Harare, Zimbabwe 00263 772 777 700
Entreposto Av Do Trabalho, Nr 2106, Maputo, Mozambique 00258 214 00459
Mbabane Motors Cnr Sheffield and Distributor Road, Industrial Site, Mbabane, Swaziland 00268 404 3501
Mike Appel & Gatto Churchill Road, Limbe, Malawi 00265 184 0101
Motor Holdings Gaborone Plot 1284, Old Labotse Road, Gaborone, Botswana 00267 3626800

HEAD OFFICE
Woodmead North Office Park, 54 Maxwell Drive, Jukskei View Ext 7, Sandton Tel: 011 563 4000
16 ISUZU TRUCKS ISSUE 4 SOUTH AFRICA www.isuzutrucks.co.za