ON THE COVER: Capital Equipment News’ Juanita Pienaar spoke with Olle Watz, excavator product manager at Volvo CE Region International, to unpack how the new-generation EC300 is setting new benchmarks for productivity, efficiency, and operator comfort across Africa. The EC300’s arrival in Southern Africa was first marked at a high-profile event in Middleburg earlier this year, where Babcock and Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) unveiled their latest generation of articulated haulers and excavators. The launch was attended by senior leaders, including David Vaughan, Managing Director of Babcock’s equipment business, and Joakim Arndorw, Head of Region International at Volvo CE.
Giving machines a second life
Capital Equipment News spoke with Neil Kendrick, Technical Director at Concord Access Solutions (CAS), about his journey in the industry, the company’s refurbishment centre, its national parts distribution strategy, and the introduction of the New Terex Franna crane to the local market.
CAS operates in two clear areas: rentals and sales/after-sales. “There’s a complete rental division, with five branches across South Africa,” Kendrick explains. “We have about 1,100 access machines nationally, with the largest branch here in Midrand, holding around 465 machines.”
On the other side sit sales and after-sales. “My division doesn’t rent at all,” he says firmly. “We represent all the brands, carry out sales, service, and parts support. The goal is to keep machines running and give customers the reassurance of full lifecycle support.”
Daimler Truck Experience Day highlights customer-centred innovation
Capital Equipment News’ Juanita Pienaar joined the Daimler Truck Experience Day at the Gerotek Testing Facility, where the company showcased its latest products, technologies, and services. On the sidelines of the event, Maretha Gerber, Group President and CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA), and Olaf Petersen, Vice President for Sales and Marketing, shared their insights on the company’s vision, customer-first approach, and the future of sustainable transport.
Under the theme “For all who keep Africa moving”, the Daimler Truck Experience Day brought together customers, media, and partners to experience the company’s vehicles first-hand. “Today marks the beginning of what we call the biggest event of the year for our customers, our media, and our partners,” Gerber explained. “It is important to connect and stay connected during these times.”
Hino doubles down on customer value with market-leading warranty and sustainable innovation
Juanita Pienaar spoke with Anton Falck, Vice President of Hino, and Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino South Africa, during a recent media breakfast where the company outlined bold moves in aftersales support, market positioning, and new-energy vehicle trials.
Despite challenging market conditions and shifts in the global trucking landscape, Hino is positioning itself as a brand of certainty and reliability in South Africa. The company’s upcoming merger with Daimler, Fuso, and Toyota will bring new opportunities, but leadership insists that customer support remains the differentiator.
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