Representing its biggest single order to date, Babcock is in the process of delivering 133 new DAF XF105.460 FTT 6x4 truck tractors to Ngululu Bulk Carriers, a company  involved in the logistics and transporting of raw and beneficiated mining commodities, mostly for export via Maputo, Richards Bay and Durban ports. The order, valued in excess of R180-million, was placed in March 2014 and the trucks are being delivered to NBC’s Steelpoort and Phalaborwa operations in batches to allow sufficient time to fully enrol the entire fleet over a six month period. The final delivery will take place in October this year.

Babcock is the sole importer and distributor of DAF trucks in the southern African market.   Truck sales and support are conducted through an extensive regional network comprising Babcock owned and independent dealerships, service centres and breakdown support points. Babcock also represents PACCAR parts to guarantee first class parts availability and supply for DAF vehicles throughout the region.

“We’re delighted to have entered into a partnership with a fleet of the calibre of NBC,” says Jan Maritz, senior sales executive for DAF. “We attracted this order based on our understanding of NBC’s needs and our ability to match these requirements. We expect our relationship with this company to provide a long term showcase of DAF performance and our team’s back-up capabilities. In addition to the size of this order, it is also significant because it proves that DAF can compete on an equal footing with other European brands in South Africa.”

DAF sales director, Mark Gavin, adds: “Since Babcock was appointed sole importer and distributor of DAF trucks in the southern African market four years ago, sales have seen impressive growth and, with the backing of this FTSE 100-listed UK company and its comprehensive network of local support centres, the DAF brand will soon begin to reflect its market leading performance in Europe.”

Maritz says that the order followed the utilisation of a demo DAF XF105.460 truck in the NBC fleet which effectively demonstrated the vehicle’s excellent full consumption and general all-round performance.  Soon afterwards a comprehensive transport solution was negotiated that includes technical backup, a repair and maintenance contract and a finance option. By year end NBC will have established fully-fledged workshops at Steelpoort and Phalaborwa, where DAF personnel will be permanently deployed to maintain the fleet.  The deal incorporates extensive driver training both at the DAF facility in Gauteng and via on-the-road driver education, as well as a “train-the-trainer” component that will see DAF driver trainers instructing NBC’s driver trainers.

Described as a thoroughbred driving machine, a unique feature of the DAF XF105.460 truck is its impressive space cab, the biggest in its class, designed for exceptional driver comfort and safety, with sizeable double-sleeper bunks and lots of storage space. The vehicle is powered by a Paccar MX 340 six-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled engine that delivers 462 hp and a torque of 2300 Nm for optimum pulling power and a smooth ride. The driveline is carefully balanced to maximise performance under all operating conditions, and to make the most of the engine’s low fuel consumption. Drivers have a choice between a clutchless ZF 12-speed AS-Tronic automatic gearbox and a manual mode gear change, to deliver power to the acclaimed DAF hypoid rear axle. The robust XF-chassis is made of high quality steel, resulting in an extremely strong, but lightweight, chassis for high payloads.