• A strong local history backed up by an impressive global pedigree
• Practical and versatile vehicles that cater to an array of business needs
• Strong dealer network and reliable parts supply ensure top-notch customer service

Johannesburg – 31 January 2022 – FAW Trucks is committed to bringing to market products of high quality that are well suited to local conditions, boast high levels of safety, convenience, and comfort, and represent excellent value for money through competitive pricing and affordable running costs. At the same time, it promises buyers added peace of mind through reliable and efficient aftersales service, maintenance and backup. It is, in short, the FAW Trucks way.

As a trusted supplier of reliable commercial vehicles to the South African market, FAW Trucks believes that there are five crucial factors that need to be considered before purchasing a new truck.

History of the brand

With an international pedigree that can be traced back to the early 1950s, FAW is commonly considered to be the Cradle of China’s vehicle industry. Since its inception, it has developed – amongst others – extra-heavy, heavy, medium and light commercial vehicles. It has 17 wholly owned subsidiaries and 15 holding companies, four of which are listed.

The FAW Group commenced its export programme in 1984 and currently provides products and services to more than 70 markets across six major export regions around the globe, of which South Africa is one.

Since first entering the local commercial vehicle market in 1994, FAW Trucks has shown a clear commitment to South Africa and its people. This is evidenced in the decision, in 2012, to open a local assembly plant in Coega, Gqeberha. The first vehicle rolled out of this facility in July 2014 and in April 2021 it reached the significant milestone of 7 000 vehicles assembled.

The plant, built at a cost of R600 million, spans some 30 000m² and includes a state-of-the-art training facility, a body shop and a paint shop. It currently has a production capacity of 3 000 units per annum, but this is scalable to 5 000 in order to be able to meet growing demand for FAW Trucks models.

All units arrive in South Africa in semi knocked-down form and are then assembled at Coega.

Proven model range

FAW Trucks prides itself on paying attention to what its customers require.

With a 16-strong model line-up that includes freight carriers, truck tractors, as well as tipper trucks and mixer trucks, and a host of different engine capacities and payload allowances on offer, FAW Trucks caters to virtually every need and application.

In fact, the list of companies that have chosen FAW Trucks as their commercial vehicle partner is long and impressive and stretches across various industries including transport and logistics, civil engineering, construction, agriculture, mining, waste management and even skills development and training.

“The current range carries all the hallmarks that FAW products are renowned for, namely strength, reliability and ease of operation,” says Pieter Janse Van Rensburg, General Manager dealer network  of FAW Trucks SA. “Businesses big and small can and continue to rely on our products to get the job done.”

The brand’s local popularity can, in part, be attributed to the fact that all models sold in South Africa undergo testing to prove that they can withstand the unique – and often harsh – working conditions associated with African markets. In order to ensure that products live up to their reputation of being trucks that are built in South Africa, for Africa, most of the current model range such as the 6.130FL and 8.140FL as well as newer models such as the JH6 28.500FT are Euro 3 compliant.

Strong dealer network

With 24 dealerships and service centres located around South Africa, and another seven situated in other Southern African countries, the FAW Trucks is well positioned to tend to the needs of its ever-growing customer base.

The strategic location of FAW Trucks’ dealerships and service centres means that the brand is well represented in larger metropolitan areas and industrial hubs, as well as key cities and towns along major routes.

There are currently three sales and service centres in Johannesburg, two in Pretoria and one in Midvaal, covering Gauteng. Facilities in Cape Town, Gqeberha and George handle sales and services in the Western and Eastern Cape. In Mpumalanga there are also three centres, located in Ermelo, Middelburg and Nelspruit. Centres situated in Mahikeng, and Klerksdorp look after clients in the North-West Province, while the Free State is covered by centres in Bloemfontein, Bethlehem and . KwaZulu-Natal customers can turn to centres in either Pinetown, Port Shepstone or Richards Bay with their sales or servicing needs. The Northern Cape and Limpopo province have one sales and service centre each, located in Upington and Polokwane respectively.

FAW Trucks is represented in all four corners of the country and each facility is committed to providing products and service of the highest quality.

Reliable parts supply

Apart from product reliability, buyers of new commercial vehicles also want the assurance that parts will be readily available, and that maintenance and services will be carried out in a satisfactory and timeous manner. FAW Trucks addresses this vital requirement through its dedicated national parts distribution centre in Spartan. From this facility it supplies the four main regions in Gauteng, Durban, Harrismith and Cape Town.

To ensure that parts for all the models in FAW Trucks’ line-up of 16 models are available, the main hubs carry stock in excess of R75 million. As the model range grows, the parts distribution centre will be expanded in order to facilitate carrying additional lines.

FAW Trucks customers in other Southern African countries can rely on the same level of dedication and service as there are several sales and service facilities outside of South Africa’s borders. Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique all have thriving dealerships that also offer extensive aftersales services and care. The South African operation, with its SKD assembly plant at Coega, has distribution rights for the Southern African Development Community and distributes directly to these countries.

Warrantees, customer service and support

“At FAW Trucks customer service is, and always will be key. We go the extra mile to look after our customers and to make sure that we offer them the best deals possible,” explains Paul Lastrucci, National Aftersales Manager “When our trucks leave the showroom floor after a sale, clients can expect long-term, dedicated services and 24/7 support, ensuring their investment gives them the returns expected of modern trucks.”

All FAW Trucks products are covered by a comprehensive warranty at industry standards, ensuring that customers have complete peace of mind in their purchases. The FAW warranty provides customers with the assurance that FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa stands behind its claim of quality manufacturing.

In addition, FAW Trucks has a dedicated number, 0860 329 772, which is linked to a trigger number at a dedicated and specialised Emergency Call Centre. Resolution of all incidents and queries is attempted telephonically, but – where required – further assistance such as towing is arranged.

FAW Trucks also offers technical training to all customers who prefer to make use of in-house workshops and technicians. This extensive training ensures that vehicles are correctly maintained to provide optimal uptime. In addition, all customers in need of specialised maintenance are assured of assistance from the manufacturer, as and when required.

At a customer’s request, driver training can also be provided.

In conclusion

“FAW Trucks already has a solid reputation in the South African market. Customers can trust in us to continue providing products and services of the highest standard as we have done over the past 27 years,” concludes Lastrucci.