3
the lowest total cost of ownership while delivering
optimum productivity.
In 2012, four MAN TGS 27.440BBS units were put into
the Chrome Carriers fleet on a trial basis and after
clocking up 200 000km without a single technical
issue, the OEM streaked to the lead and beat its rivals.
Derick adds, “The decision was supported by a
number of other positive factors including impressive
fuel consumption figures, competitive pricing, driver
comfort, comprehensive product support and a
warranty and maintenance structure that meets our
fixed-cost targets.”
CEO for the Truck division of MAN Truck & Bus, Bruce
Dickson, comments that the occasion of the handover
was “a huge and significant milestone in the 50-year
history of MAN in South Africa,” adding that it was a
major highlight in his 31 years in the industry.
“While MAN has notched up many firsts in its long
history, today’s handover is a genuine landmark;
a first for our South African operation. Not only
because we have managed to get MAN into the
Reinhardt Transport Group’s fleet, but also because
this handover of 140 MAN TGS vehicles to Chrome
Carriers is a significant partnership between MAN and
Reinhardt Transport Group.
“All of us at MAN are extremely proud to be a key
supplier to the Reinhardt Transport Group, which, without
doubt, is one of the country’s most iconic, independent,
longhaul fleets.”
He continues, “SA’s longhaul trucking industry is
relatively mature, and is consequently, very particular
in its requirements – and the mining application is
no exception. MAN understands this better than most
OEMs and it has a singular mission to meet these needs
and service them effectively.
“Most importantly, by equipping its regional personnel
with full executive power to speed up decision making
at the point-of-sale, customers get answers without
undue delay or loss of revenue – either when buying
new vehicles or having them repaired.
“The MAN trucks we see here today are the
embodiment of extensive customer consultation and
product development by our engineers to build vehicles
that are application-specific and purpose-built for
Africa – reliable, safe, powerful and, most importantly,
economical.”
He highlighted the pressure today on fleet operators to
maximise their margins and stated that, as far as MAN
is concerned, the optimum way of going about this, is
to consistently lower the total cost of ownership.
“Over the past three years, MAN has implemented a
rigorous strategy to achieve this for its customers and
partners, by supplying fuel-efficient vehicles, with market-
leading service intervals, backed by unsurpassed warranty
cover and service support.”
In conclusion Bruce says, “It is a privilege to be
associated with such a high-profile fleet. The industry
at large looks to Reinhardt Transport for best-practice
benchmarks and being able to enter the Chrome
Carriers fleet with such resounding success gives all of
us at MAN much to be proud of.”
More about Reinhardt
Noticeable advantages of the Group’s
synergy that benefits clients are: A
combined purchasing of vehicles to ensure
the best discounts, while containing costs.
As a consequence, the Group operates the
most up-to-date and reliable truck fleets;
competitive Group insurance rates ensure
peace of mind for clients; professional
driver training ensures that the Group
consistently has the lowest accident rate
and the best safety record. Every driver
is thoroughly vetted and re-trained on
joining the company. Mandatory refresher
courses are run regularly, to keep drivers
updated with the latest regulations and to
sharpen their awareness of safe driving
and safety procedures.
A partnership in the
making:
(Left) Derick
Reinhardt
, CEO at
Reinhardt Transport
Group and
Bruce
Dickson
, CEO for the
Truck division of MAN
Truck & Bus, seal the
procurement of 140
MAN TGS units, with
a handshake.
