Despite the tough sales environment, the association still holds fast to the outlook of improved new vehicle exports up to year end.
One key economic indicator providing some basis for optimism was the South African purchasing managers' index, which recorded an impressive rise of 3.2points to a total of 49.5, just below the key benchmark of 50. Other major international purchasing managers' indices also registered welcome improvement.
FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA says it has reason to be quite positive with the recent results as its eight-tonner, the 15.180, breached the 25% growth threshold, with 186 units sold last year compared with 233 units this year - a rise of 25.3%.
Jianyu Hao, CEO of the company, says the leading advantages of the model are its durability and affordability compared with its competitors in the 8-tonne segment and the fact that at 24-tonne gross combination mass it provides one of the best vehicle combination masses on the market.
"The FAW 15.180 allows for the application of a large variety of body configurations, which are suited to a wider range of operations, from refrigerated units to general day-to-day transportation to intra-urban distribution. There are a multitude of options on this particular model," says Hao.
"Our 15.180 customers continue to assure us of this model's highly durable chassis frame, tough axles and solid drivetrain. Many of the fleet owners are also reporting low cost of ownership because their drivers produce good fuel consumption, are lightfooted on the brakes and clutch and manual transmission... the drivers say they're attentive and comfortable as a result of the airconditioning, telescopic steering wheel and three-way adjustable suspension seat.
"FAW SA is satisfied that our 15.180 is proving to be so popular among such a large variety of operations and applications. This not only is increasing our visibility as an 8-tonne contender to be taken seriouslyt, but the vehicle's good performance, low fuel consumption and lower maintenance cost figures are working in our favour among customers through word of mouth."
Source: Business Day
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