Latest news with #N-Series
IOL News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
The right truck for the job: 2025's best buys for your logistics operation
Fleet operations represent one of the largest line items of any logistics balance sheet. Image: Supplied As South Africa's logistics industry continues to grow under the pressure of rising e-commerce volumes and expanding regional trade, fleet decisions are no longer just operational - they're strategic financial levers. The days of buying the cheapest truck upfront are a thing of the past. Forward-thinking business owners are now focused on the total cost of ownership (TCO), balancing upfront costs, fuel efficiency, maintenance, downtime, driver satisfaction, and eventual resale value. In this guide, we outline three trucks (affordable, mid-tier, and premium) that stand out in 2025. Each serves a distinct operational purpose, whether you're managing short-term distribution or long-haul freight. Efficiency starts with the right fit Fleet operations represent one of the largest line items of any logistics balance sheet. That's why the decision around which trucks to run is increasingly made with the full life cycle in mind. From fuel efficiency and driver satisfaction to maintenance support and long-term residual value, the actual cost of a truck is rarely limited to its sticker price. The affordable all-rounder: JAC N-Series Chinese brands are quickly shaking off their reputation for poor quality, and JAC's N-Series is a strong example of that evolution. With clean, modern design and improved engineering, the N-Series delivers a compelling mix of affordability and practicality. N140 9-tonne truck. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The N140 9-tonne variant, in particular, ticks plenty of boxes for smaller logistics companies, particularly for last-mile deliveries. The N140 is powered by a robust Euro 3 compliant, Cummins-sourced 4.5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 154 kW and 740 N.m of torque, the latter between 1,200 - 1,800 r/min. Ideally suited for fixed route distribution, the JAC is a fine choice, especially in a fleet where vehicles are replaced every three to five years. Maintenance is straightforward, and JAC's growing service footprint in South Africa is building confidence among local logistics players. That said, residual value remains to be seen; however, businesses with shorter fleet turnover cycles or usage-based financing models may find this less of a concern. Drivers will be kept happy by the standard comfort features, including air conditioning, electric windows, and a radio with MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity. Best for: Entry-level fleets, last-mile distribution Price: R607,826 (excl. VAT) Ryan Gaines, CEO of City Logistics - one of South Africa's leading logistics providers - noted that Chinese trucks are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. While they're affordable, they're not the solution to everyone's needs just yet. 'We're seeing a broader range of Chinese electric and diesel trucks entering the market, many of which are becoming more relevant to urban and last-mile distribution.' 'While there's still some uncertainty around residual values at end-of-life, they make sense for operations with defined replacement cycles and structured financing,' continued Gaines. 'It's about aligning the asset to the business model.' Mid-tier workhorse: Isuzu FTR 850 When it comes to durability and dependability, the Isuzu brand has proven its worth in the South African logistics landscape. Isuzu FTR 850. Image: Supplied The FTR 850 is hard to ignore, thanks to its strong parts availability, aforementioned durability, and low running costs. It's a go-to for medium-sized businesses looking to scale their operations efficiently. With a mighty 7.8-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, the FTR 850 makes light work of lugging heavy loads, courtesy of 176 kW and 706 N.m of torque. With a gross combined mass (GCM) of 24,000 kg, the FTR 850 is a versatile truck suitable for a range of tasks, excluding long-distance travel. Isuzu's support network is well entrenched across the country, and the brand has earned a stellar reputation for low running costs. Best for: Regional freight, flexible operationsPrice: From R1,061,478 ( Long-haul leader: Volvo FH16 When it comes to long-haul work, the Volvo FH16 is a standout choice. Built for efficiency and comfort, it features advanced safety tech, air suspension, and innovative fuel-saving systems that make a measurable difference over long distances. Volvo FH16. Image: Supplied A variety of Euro 5-compliant 16-litre engines are on offer, ranging from the base variant with 397 kW and 2,650 N.m of torque, to the range-topping D16G750 derivative that delivers a staggering 551 kW and 3,550 N.m. Euro 3-compliant engines are also available. The FH16 features Volvo's I-Shift transmission, equipped with intelligent fuel-saving software (I-See), which reduces fuel consumption by reading traffic, road curves, and even topography to optimise gear selection and minimise fuel use. It even coasts and stops the engine when it sees fit, reducing emissions over long routes. In a 2022 test conducted by Trucker and Verkehrs-Rundschau in Germany, an 18% reduction in diesel and AdBlue use was achieved, with a Volvo FH truck averaging 21.48 L/100 km, compared to a previous test with a 2018 Volvo FH truck that lacked the technology2. Much like Volvo passenger vehicles, Volvo trucks are equipped with a range of comfort and safety features, including the Dynamic Steering system, which reduces strain during low-speed manoeuvres and helps stabilise the vehicle at highway speeds. The cab has more in common with a premium car than a commercial vehicle, with high-quality finishes, climate control, and a feature-rich infotainment system among its features. Best for: Interprovincial and cross-border transport. Price: Unavailable 'When it comes to long-distance routes, driver feedback consistently highlights the importance of comfort and refinement,' added Gaines. Trucks equipped with air suspension and advanced comfort features deliver the driving experience that really matters over thousands of kilometres.' Choosing the right truck is no longer about upfront cost. It's about aligning vehicles with your operational demands, financial plans, and growth ambitions. Whether you're starting with an affordable all-rounder like the JAC N-Series, scaling with the durable Isuzu FTR 850, or investing in the long-haul efficiency of the Volvo FH16, understanding the total cost of ownership and support ecosystem is critical.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
UD begins selling Isuzu-based light trucks in Malaysia
Japanese truck-maker UD Trucks Corporation announced that it has launched its new Kuzer light-duty truck for international markets, with Malaysia as the first market to receive the model. The new Kuzer light truck will be rolled out in other markets in the region over the next year. The new Kuzer in based on Isuzu's N-Series (Elf) light truck range, after the two companies stepped up their integration following Isuzu's acquisition of UD Trucks from Volvo Trucks in 2021. In Malaysia, the two companies have been collaborating since 2023. The new Kuzer is available in Malaysia with 7.5 and 8.5 tons GVWs and comes with a reduced chassis weight to provide additional payload capacity. The Kuzer, which retains the basic UD Trucks cabin design, is powered by Isuzu's 4HK1-TC 5.2L engine. It comes with advanced features as standard including ABS, EBD, ASR, SRS airbags, and LED headlamps, as well as standard security features including immobilizer, central locking, and remote keyless entry. "UD begins selling Isuzu-based light trucks in Malaysia" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Agriland
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Agriland
Latest Quicke N-series front loader arrives in Ireland
Quicke launched its new range of front loaders, known as the N-series, at the Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association (LAMMA) show earlier this year, and the product is now available to Irish customers. Suitable for tractors between 80-180hp, the new product is said to possess intuitive controls and is available in both mechanical self-levelling and non-self-levelling variants. According to Farmhand, who are importers for the brand, Quicke have returned to the essentials with this loader, focusing on reliability, simplicity, and efficiency, following a common trend among manufacturers of late. The new loader offers boom suspension for a cushioned ride The Quicke N-Series is designed to fit between the X-Series and the premium Q-Series. It features forged and cast parts to provide strength and durability, as well as toolless implement attachment and detachment. N-Series options The loader comes equipped with a variety of features, including a hydraulic multi-coupler, SoftDrive suspension for smooth operation, and a third function as standard, with the option of a fourth if required. Customers have the choice of the QM-Command or QE-Command control systems, as well as options of Live3, LoaderLight, Q-Lock and SelectoFix. The N-Series loader is a basic version of the Q-Series A key benefit of the N-Series front loader is said to be its effortless operation. Other than not requiring any tools for attachment the robust parking legs are claimed to allow for ease of attachment to the tractor. Relying on many years' experience of building loaders, Quicke have provided strong pivot points, galvanized pins, and advanced bushings, ensuring that the N-series provides smooth, durable operation well into the future. Hyva: a new sister company Quicke is a company within the Jost group, which produces a large range of equipment to the on and off highway vehicle industries. Hyva make a range of equipment for the transport and agricultural industries Earlier this year, the parent company acquired Hyva, a Dutch manufacturing business that provides lorry- and trailer-mounted lifting equipment to Jost's own market segment. The product range includes lorry-mounted cranes, skip cranes, and hook eye loaders, the latter having some use in agriculture as well as the transport business.
