The South African truck industry is enjoying a strong return to improved sales in 2011, which will ensure a positive atmosphere at the Johannesburg Truck and Bus Expo that forms an integral component of the Johannesburg International Motor Show to be staged at Expo Centre, Nasrec, from October 6-16.
The truck and bus exhibit will be housed in Hall 5 at Expo Centre, which measures more than 7 000m2. In addition several truck and bus displays will be located outdoors and trailers will be situated on Terrace 1.
The overall truck and bus market has seen growth of 22% in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period a year ago. This is setting the scene for what promises to be a far more buoyant mood among exhibitors and show visitors than was the case when this show was staged in 2008, at a time the global economic meltdown was at its worst.
The biggest gain in sales volume has come in the extra-heavy segment of the truck market, with year-to-date growth of 49%. This is the sector that will be very much in the spotlight at the Truck and Bus Expo, with the introduction of many improved models or new additions to this premium end of the market.
The other two segments of the truck market – medium and heavy – are also showing growth, but nothing near the rate of increase currently being enjoyed by the extra-heavies.
Medium commercial vehicle sales were up by 15% at the end of June, while the heavy segment had moved upwards by 16,5%. Here too there are some significant new model announcements expected, as well as the arrival of some newcomers to what is already a highly competitive market.
The bus market, which did not enjoy the expected level of sales from the Football World Cup last year, is finding itself in the doldrums this year. Sales have slumped by 45% and the immediate future is not looking bright.
However, this depressing sales environment is not expected to make too much of an impact on the bus builders and distributors at Expo Centre in October. They are sure to put on a brave front as they all look to a possible upturn in sales the future as well as showcasing the latest models and technologies.
“The response from the truck manufacturers and distributors has been most heartening,” said the Executive Director of NAAMSA, Nico Vermeulen. “There is strong support from the industry and this year’s truck and bus hall will be the best yet at South Africa’s bi-annual automotive showcase.
The truck and bus makes that will be housed in Hall 5 are: DAF, Hino, Irizar, Kia, Marcopolo, Mercedes-Benz, Navistar, Peugeot, Powerstar, Scania, Tata, UD Trucks and Volkswagen. Other companies that will be in Hall 5 are: Alcoa, Angelo Kater Motor Trimmers, Cummins SA, MCV South Africa – De Haans, Travelstar/ Oberaigner Automotive SA and TFM Industries
Tata will be in Hall 9, as will Jost, while Commercial Auto Glass and Eaton Truck Components will be in Hall 10.
Those brands exhibiting outdoors will be: MAN (in and around the MAN Centre), FAW, certain Mercedes-Benz models, Foton, Irizar, VDL Bus and Coach and DongFeng. Other truck and bus-related companies exhibiting outdoors will be: Lift and Shift Equipment and Pahltech.
Among the trailer manufacturers having displays will be Afrit and Top Trailers.
