aBr June 2014 June 2014 | Page 66

by Frank Beeton M oving atters Frank Beeton scans the transport world for news pertinent to the Logistics Sector. Hyundai Plans Local Truck Assembly moving matters Hyundai Automotive South Africa announced at the end of April that it would commence local assembly of its HD Series of Medium Commercial Vehicles during July 2014. ➲ What does the future hold for International trucks in South Africa? T hese HD 65 and HD 72 trucks will be assembled in the Apex plant previously utilised by Navistar International to build its 9800 Series of Extra Heavy Duty vehicles, and HASA, which is part of Associated Motor Holdings, intends to add a bodybuilding element to the operation in due course. There are also plans to assemble the H100 forwardcontrol 1,3 ton pickup at Apex, subject to approval by Hyundai Motor Corporation in Korea. This announcement is significant in that it represents the first commitment to local assembly made by Hyundai in South Africa. However, the announcement was qualified by comments relating to the additional costs generated by local assembly, and the non-competitiveness of South Africa as an assembly location for passenger cars. It would appear, therefore, that AMH’s assembly activities will be limited to commercial vehicles, and will not be extended to include | logistics in action 64 passenger cars. There is, however, every apparent intention to export the locally assembled trucks and bakkies into Africa. The interesting question, then, relates to future possible upward expansion of the Hyundai commercial vehicle range in South Africa to include heavier models built in Korea. Perusal of the manufacturers’ home website reveals a comprehensive range of 4x2, 6x4 and 8x4 trucks with power ratings of up to 410 hp, as well as city buses and touring coaches. South African readers will be familiar with the latter products, as a substantial number of Hyundai coaches were imported ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and can still be seen running on local roads. HASA has, in the past, suggested that it would enter the heavier reaches of the commercial market, and the availability of an assembly/bodybuilding facility would undoubtedly facilitate such an entry. june 2014