From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Transport equipment and engineering solutions provider Babcock International added the latest DAF XF 480, XF 530 and CF 430 truck models to its transport portfolio earlier this month, bringing many improvements compared to older trucks in the portfolio. Marleny Arnoldi visited the company.

Marleny Arnoldi:

The new models bring improvements to older DAF trucks from smoother shifting, higher efficiency rear axles, new instrument panels, better fuel efficiency and new exterior styling.

The new trucks bring with them more uptime for the customer, improved total cost of ownership, improved safety and comfort, and a lower environmental impact.

Babcock International MD Marius Barnard and transport solutions sales director Mark Gavin tells us more about the company’s order pipeline and targets for the rest of the year.

Babcock International MD Marius Barnard:

Babcock International transport solutions sales director Mark Gavin:

Marleny Arnoldi:

Babcock has been supplying DAF trucks for about ten years, and the company has 11 service and repair dealers across South Africa, with a further 12 breakdown support and sales dealers.

Meanwhile, the XF and CF models are up to 10% more fuel efficient than prior models, have new powertrains, new driver support systems and lower repair and maintenance rates. Gavin tells us more about the trucks’ new design.

Babcock International transport solutions sales director Mark Gavin:

Marleny Arnoldi:

Babcock plans on opening a semi-knocked down plant for local assembly of DAF trucks by April next year.

The investment for the plant will be between R30-million and R50-million, and provide employment for between 20 and 30 people. Gavin elaborates.

Babcock International transport solutions sales director Mark Gavin

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.