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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
JUNE 2015
34
A
t the recent launch of the new FAW
8-140 FL truck range, Yusheng
Zhang, CEO of FAW Vehicle Man-
ufacturers SA, explained the rationale
behind the introduction of a new, preci-
sion-designed, medium-sized truck range.
“Our decision to introduce a medium weight
truck range was based on customer demand
and market opportunity. Our market analysis
confirmed the need for a vehicle as durable
and rugged as our heavy and extra-heavy
trucks, but with smaller dimensions to handle
a different working environment.
“We’ve had a presence in South Africa since
1994 – so this year marks our ‘rite of pas-
sage’. Throughout this period, we have
demonstrated our commitment to this coun-
try and our loyal customers.
“The latest investment we have made in
acquiring special tooling for this new me-
dium-sized truck range and the specialised
training, which is still on-going, combined
with that of the last four years totals in ex-
cess of ZAR 800 million to date. This includes
our truck body-building facility which opened
in January this year and our manufacturing
plant commissioned in July last year – both
based at Coega, just outside Port Elizabeth.”
FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA took a strate-
gic decision to redesign and re-engineer the
China-version of the truck to be perfectly suit-
ed to local medium truck demands. The FAW
team paid special attention to cost efficiency
combined with the best possible payload and
the best turnaround time, without forgetting
FAW’s quality build standards for durability
and reliability.
“The new FAW 8.140 FL carries all the hall-
marks that FAW trucks are renowned for,
namely strength, reliability, easy operation,
and most importantly, delivering on the prom-
ise of a ‘truck built for Africa, in Africa’.”
Imported from parent plants as SKD kits, the
cab, chassis, axles and other sub-assem-
bly components, together with the imported
Cummins ISF engine and the ZF transmis-
sion, are all neatly assembled in the brand
new Coega-based plant.
Since its opening, the plant has employed
over 100 new employees, all of whom have
been freshly trained and up-skilled for medi-
um truck production.
As demand for the new range and the existing
heavy and extra-heavy FAW trucks increases,
new job opportunities will be created.
The total capacity of the plant is 5 000 units
per annum.
“The introduction of the new FAW 8.140 FL
follows closely on the international introduc-
tion by our China-based parent company. We
decided to do this so that local customers can
also experience FAW’s latest technological
advances built at international quality levels,”
said Zhang.
The FAW 8.140 FL will be available from FAW
dealers in a number of body derivatives – a
drop-side, a taut-liner option, a van body, a tip-
per and a rollback and a dry-freight insulated
body. Customers may choose to buy the chassis
cab and fit their own truck bodies to suit many
other applications, up to a GCM of 14 ton.
The parallel chassis frame and smooth top
flange chassis construction has a distinct
low-weight advantage, especially when
mounting a steel sub-frame cargo body. The
locally built chassis passes through a special
paint station to enhance the chassis’ dust
and dirt endurance and longevity – a unique
South African addition.
The suspension is of the straight ladder-type
with semi-elliptical leaf springs, together with
front double acting shock absorbers and rear
auxiliary springs.
The axles, graded for a permissible 3 ton in
front and 6 ton at the back, provide ample
carrying capacity.
The new FAW cab is a forward 45° tilt, cab-
over engine design. It is based on ergonomic
principles and provides easy servicing ac-
cess. The digital instrumentation panel and
all controls are placed well within reach of the
average-sized South African driver. Materials
used are durable and smooth, yet comfort-
able and sturdy. The 2-m wide cab allows for
a three-person-seat, with a foldable middle
section. Radio and USB connection are stan-
dard fitments.
FAW LAUNCHES
multi-purpose medium truck range