Construction World November 2020

FUSOWEATHERS THE STORM Construction World spoke to to Ziyad Gaba, the Head of FUSO Southern Africa about the brand, how it is positioning itself and how it views future growth.

How has FUSO managed to weather the storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic? It has been a massive challenge and disruption to our normal business. The hard lockdown meant a freeze in production as well as marketing or business related activities. Returning to business operations was gradual due to the reduced staff capacity and gradual build-up to operate at 100%. However as FUSO we have SXW PHDVXUHV LQ SODFH DFWHG VZLIWO\ WR DOORZ ͥH[LELOLW\ DQG HQVXUH business could continue as close to normalcy as possible. %\ EHLQJ ͥH[LEOH WR WKH FKDQJLQJ HQYLURQPHQW DQG FRQVWDQW communication to our dealer partners and customers, we have managed to resolve many challenges presented to us. I believe we have emerged stronger out of the crisis. COVID-19 has had its challenges but it has also presented an opportunity for businesses to UHLQYHQW DQG ͤQG EHWWHU ZD\V RI RSHUDWLQJ What is your outlook of the commercial vehicle industry given the current economic climate? :H H[SHFW WKH WRWDO WUXFN PDUNHW WR EH VLJQLͤFDQWO\ GRZQ

market shows some signs of resilience until year end. Where are the growth opportunities for FUSO? The growth will come from construction – our FJ26-280C has been well accepted by the market and sales are increasing. Are there any exciting projects planned for FUSO? Several new products are being evaluated, including a solution for short/medium distance HDT market. Our developments in the aftermarket business, including FUSO Value Parts, will give us further opportunities to grow in the coming months. What are your expectations for 2021? We expect business to remain tough as the economy will recover slowly. However, we are cautiously optimistic of moderate growth in 2021 and improved growth between 2022 and 2023. Recovery post- COVID (and all unknown factors as a result of this), will surely bring about its own challenges. But as FUSO we know we have a valued brand and we will continue to provide exceptional service no matter WKH FOLPDWH ZH ͤQG RXUVHOYHV LQ :H DUH QRZ PRUH GHGLFDWHG WKDQ ever to ensure sustainability in our brand and our brand promise of ‘Simply Better Trucks.’ ƒ are ready to work with our customers to aid them in getting their business back to a level that they were before and beyond,” he adds. The only sector that seems out of sync with the rest is the pipeline sector as nearly 200 days of less than usual motor car WUDͦF KDV UHGXFHG WKH QHHG IRU IXHO $W WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH pandemic this sector was also out of sync, as the need for petrol and jet fuel declined and tank storage space had to be found for these products in inland tanks, a factor that is still hampering fuel ͥRZV VRPHZKDW The recovery is in swing The Freight transport sector is making a massive comeback, but it now seems that it will be a two-speed recovery. Air freight will take longer to recover as it relies on passenger ͥLJKWV WR JHW JRLQJ RQ D ODUJH VFDOH DJDLQ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO SDVVHQJHU WUDͦF LQ FRXQWULHV OLNH &KLQD DQG 6RXWK .RUHD ZKR ZHUH RI WKH ͤUVW WR VXIIHU &29,' HIIHFWV LV \HW WR UHWXUQ WR RI SDVVHQJHU capacity. Given the slow recovery in passenger air travel, one should not expect a return to normal for at least another three quarters. Secondly, in South Africa the work from home movement and social distancing will keep petrol consumption lower than before, as it is the fuel that most commuters use on a daily basis. Lastly, Ctrack expecst that the warehousing sector will only boom at a later stage thanks to an increased move towards online shopping. ƒ

CTRACK FREIGHT & TRANSPORT INDEX INDICATES A TWO-SPEED RECOVERY

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