Capital Equipment News August 2019

about 20% of our sales,” says Steenkamp. David Barclay, Durban/KZN GM, says the market is also predominantly driven by long haul in his region. “About 99% of our sales have gone to long haul. Construction here is close to zero. We have also never been successful in distribution in the region,” he says. Customer feedback Judging from customer feedback thus far, fuel efficiency and driver comfort are the two major appealing factors, among other features. In an environment where fuel prices continue to soar, the new truck range has been designed for greater fuel efficiency through improved powertrains and better aerodynamics. This has resulted in up to 5% better fuel efficiency compared with the previous range. However, Schoeman says some transport operators are reporting better fuel efficiency figures than OEM projections. “Some of our customers are double and triple checking their fuel consumption figures because their results are over the projections we promised,” he says. According to Rouquette, the G- and R-are driving the early volumes in Gauteng. He makes special mention of the R560 model, which has accounted for the majority of sales in the long haul range. Why these models? The R-Cab is sturdier yet sharper than ever with an athletic body that redefines premium in the long haulage space. It has an engine range of 410 to 560 hp. The new G-series trucks are highly adaptable with outstanding driveability and visibility. The mid-size cab is suitable for a wide range of applications. It has an engine range from 360 to 460 hp. According to Barclay, the Scania old generation G460 was actually the number one seller in the market for Scania. Like its predecessor, the upgrade version of that model, the R460, is finding huge favour in the market. The same view is shared by Steenkamp, who says the 460 is selling well, both in G and R cab versions. The interest is reflecting in the order book, with the traditional fleet customer being the major recipient. Driver comfort Drivers are also giving great feedback on the new truck. In the NTG, Scania has placed greater focus on driver comfort. “The cab has been totally redesigned, including the cab suspension systems, reducing vibration and maximising comfort. The new work station has been improved with more adjustment possibilities and ergonomic features for

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Long haul has been a major driver of the early sales, with the G- and R-series being Scania’s bread and butter at the moment

Scania South Africa reports major interest in its NTG across all sales regions, including export markets

5% FUEL EFFICIENCY

XT SELLING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

Despite the tough nature of the construction market, the new Scania XT range is selling beyond expectations in some regions

A key selling point of the new range is the up to 5% fuel efficiency, and some customers are reporting savings way above OEM projections

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Long haul currently accounts for the majority of the new sales’ range.

of our sales of the new range. The balance is made up of construction and other sectors. There has also been considerable demand from the distribution segment,” says Dale Rouquette, GM Gauteng North Region at Scania South Africa. The pattern is the same in the Central Region, where Morne Botha, GM Central Region at Scania South Africa, says long haul sales currently surpass all other sectors. Unlike in Gauteng, construction in the region is at rock bottom. As a result, Botha says long haul has accounted for about 95% of the initial sales volumes thus far. The story is the same in Namibia as well,

where Clifford Marchbank, GM Namibia at Scania South Africa, indicates that long haul has accounted for the majority of early sales, with almost 80% of the vehicles sold thus far going into the sector. “Construction and mining are in the doldrums here,” he says. Marius Steenkamp, GM Cape Town at Scania South Africa, says focus has also been largely placed on long haul in the region. “We have taken a decision that long haul will be our major focus area for this year, and the sector currently constitutes between 60 and 70% of our total sales of the new vehicle. However, we have also done well in distribution, which constitutes

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS AUGUST 2019 21