Transport News
Isuzu retains top truck selling position for tenth year, looks to expand diesel alternatives Isuzu Trucks revenue generation senior VP Craig Uren gives insight into the company’s future plans. Video and editing: Shadwyn Dickinson.
Commercial lorry manufacturer Isuzu Truck, which is celebrating a tenth consecutive year as the truck market leader, is advancing with plans to present more recent and more environment-friendly truck drivetrain choices. According to the most recent report by naamsa|The Automotive Business Council, Isuzu Truck taped sales of 30 153 systems of business lorries (consisting of buses and vans) in 2022– a boost of 11.4% year-on-year, with Isuzu’s development at 4.7%.
Grindrod looks to expand commodity portfolio in the hunt for growth
Logistics specialist Grindrod aims to “deconcentrate” its portfolio of commodities, says CEO Xolani Mbambo. Unveiling the company’s financial results for the year ended December 31 on Thursday, he noted that Grindrod had been doing exceptionally well in handling large volumes of chrome, ferrochrome, magnetite, coal and iron-ore through its various ports, terminals and other logistical channels.
St Helena welcomes news that Airlink will resume extra summer flights later this year
St Helena Tourism, a main firm of the South Atlantic island’s federal government, on Thursday welcomed the news that South African local airline company Airlink was going to increase the number of its flights from Johannesburg to the territory, throughout the 2023/2024 Southern summertime season. Currently, the provider operated one flight to the island a week; for the next summertime season, it would increase this to two a week. “We are thrilled to use tourists to our gorgeous island more versatility and more alternatives to tailor their journey to St Helena,” enthused St Helena Government Head of Tourism Matthew Joshua. “We have actually seen a fantastic boost in interest from the South African market to take a trip to St Helena, and this extra mid-weekly flight will permit us to capitalise on that demand.”
First wire rope hoist ordered
Mining facilities systems supplier Becker Mining South Africa has actually sold its very first Kito RX wire rope raise to a processing plant in Rustenburg, in the North West, after introducing the variety in sub-Saharan Africa in September in 2015. The response to the new range of Kito RX wire rope raises, provided by Becker Mining South Africa, has been favorable, with numerous queries got given that the launch, states Becker Mining South Africa lifting sales supervisor George McMaster.
JRA appoints new board members
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), at its annual general meeting on March 1, appointed new board members, with Charles Cilliers as chairperson. He will be supported by nonexecutive members Alvarno Francis, Dr Ravendran Govender, Nkosana Thambo, Victoria Mamogobo, Sharon Kleinbooi, Siphosethu Mtamzeli, Cleopatra Lourens, Alice Puka, Daniel Nyamazane and Zenzokuhle Xaba.
Tesla’s decision to move away from rare earth permanent magnets unlikely to have much impact …
At Tesla’s 2023 Investor Day on March 1, the company exposed that its next-generation long-term magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) traction motors would not use rare earth long-term magnets. “As the world transitions to clean energy, need for rare earths is truly increasing considerably and not only is it going to be a little difficult to satisfy that need but mining that uncommon earth, it has environmental and health threats,” Tesla powertrain engineering VP Colin Campbell said.
Setting a new standard for crane cable guides
Vereeniging-based crane producer Stahl Cranes & & Hoists is shifting its Jib crane cable television management systems from festoons and sheaves to snag-free and dependable energy chain systems from expert supplier igus. Manufactured from crafted polymers, the energy chains are mechanical device elements that direct and safeguard information and power cables required to run the crane. Instead of the cable televisions being exposed and hanging from the festoon system, the energy chains secure the cable televisions in the chain and supply the required motion without harming the cables.
Gautrain Management Agency starts process to appoint new concessionaire
The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) is ready to go to market with the tender for the reconcessioning of the 80-km rapid-rail system, says CEO William Dachs. The GMA, an agency of the Gauteng provincial government, signed the agreement with current operator, the Bombela Consortium, in 2006, which means the 20-year concession comes to an end in March 2026.
Bespoke crane to facilitate helicopter crew training
Local crane producer Condra’s Germiston workshop will soon take on the challenge of making a bespoke 5 t double-girder electrical overhead travelling crane for the purpose of training helicopter team and emergency personnel at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), in Gauteng, as part of a short learning program in air travel rescue. Condra alongside global engineering company MH Automation secured the contract with UJ in December in 2015 and anticipates to fulfil delivery in June, states Condra director Kyle Kleiner, who describes the project as a “very first for the African continent”.
Junior miner allocations won’t impact existing manganese slots – TFR
State-owned rail operator Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) states its opening of rail capacity allocations to junior miners will not affect existing ensured manganese miner export allowances. As part of what it says is an expansion of rail capacity allowance and efforts to develop a more inclusive and competitive environment, Transnet granted 6 brand-new entrants with capacity on rail and at marine ports under the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation III programme.