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With his roots as a diesel mechanic and having
joined Volvo in 1997 as a salesperson, Mark
Erasmus rose steadily through the ranks and
took over the reigns as Managing Director of Volvo
Trucks Southern Africa in May 2012.
His broad experience within the brand has left him
with an informed business strategy for Volvo today.
Mark’s understanding of the importance of building
relationships with people in business is something that
he reiterates throughout.
He is aware that customers are applying pressure for
a larger Volvo dealership footprint in South Africa and
he agrees with them. Unfortunately, as he notes, this
necessary growth takes time, money and investment.
“We’ve realised that our customers don’t want big
flashy buildings. They want functional
buildings,” he says. “If I bring my truck, can
you repair it, can you service it? Ultimately,
that is what matters.”
Volvo has had to shift its focus and adopt a
different strategy going forward. Management
is currently looking at developing relationships
with private organisations, as all of their
dealerships up to now have been wholly-owned
– with the exception of one in George.
“We are looking at expanding that as a start,
so we’re in negotiations with some of the
suppliers of the bigger groups,” Mark reveals.
“Hopefully this year we will see at least two,
maybe three sites open in partnerships and
then the development of some new Green
Earth projects.”
Currently, Volvo has 14 dealerships across South Africa,
with a network strategy focusing on the three main
centres of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
“What we have focused on is transit routes, as you
will always have traffic along them,” he explains.
Volvo Trucks MD outlines way forward
With high-profile new trucks on the way, a new MD at the helm locally and a strong vision for South
Africa, Volvo Trucks is a brand to watch closely.
“Everything has to go to a port or off loading point.”
Since its introduction, the Volvo FH has been a flagship
for the brand. Over 650 000 units have been sold
globally, accounting for over 60 percent of Volvo Trucks’
total sales. Given this a highlight of the brand is the all-
new Volvo FH model – which was launched in Sweden
last year – but this is only expected to be available in the
South African market in 2014.
Mark is highly enthusiastic about the new FH, describing
it as the biggest launch we’ve had in 20 years. “While
there have been face-lifts and new technology has
come along, there has never been a change like this in
recent years,” he adds.
“It is a totally new truck, but it also isn’t. While the heart
of the vehicle is similar, the engine, transmissions and
axles are the same. Electronics are however different
and the cab is different, with more focus on the driver,
driver safety and driver comfort.”
According to Mark, a critical factor driving the new
FH’s development has been the Euro Vl legislation that
is coming to Europe. Intense effort has been put into
‘smarter driving’, where the truck takes over more of
the traditional roles of the driver.
For the South African and African markets as a whole,
however, the 2014 FH will still be based on the familiar
Euro lll engine technology.
He says in conclusion: “We will still have the same
gearboxes and axles. We might go from a 440 to a
460hp. Engine models change, as engineers find better
ways of matching to get better torque curves and that
makes horsepower differences, which are all aimed at
improving fuel consumption figures.”
Mark Erasmus,
Managing Director of
Volvo Trucks Southern
Africa, is highly
enthusiastic about the
new FH, describing it
as he biggest launch in
20 years.
“While there have been face-lifts and new
technology has come along, there has never been a
change like this in recent years.”
APRIL 2013
8
freight and logistics
Note: Image is not necessarily product as
described in article.