Built for Africa

The new FAW 8.140 FL Medium Truck has added a bit of life to the recently stagnant medium commercial vehicle segment.

Internationally engineered and locally built for the South African market, the FAW 8.140 FL promises the lowest cost per tonne of payload in its segment. That’s not hot air; the vehicle has a six-tonne body and payload allowance (gross vehicle mass is 9 000 kg) and has been introduced at a mere R239 000 (excluding VAT).

“The new FAW 8.140 FL carries all the hallmarks for which FAW trucks are renowned: strength, reliability, easy operation and, most importantly, delivering on the promise of a ‘truck built for Africa, in Africa’,” says Yusheng Zhang, CEO of FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA.

Strength

FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA took a strategic decision to redesign and re-engineer the Chinese version of the truck to be perfectly suited to local demands for medium trucks. The FAW team paid special attention to cost efficiency, combined with the best possible payload and the best turnaround time, without forgetting FAW’s quality build standards for durability and reliability.

The parallel chassis frame and smooth top flange chassis construction has a distinct low-weight advantage, especially when mounting a steel sub-frame cargo body. The locally built chassis also passes through a special paint station to enhance dust and dirt endurance and longevity – a unique, South African addition.

The suspension is of the straight ladder-type with semi-elliptical leaf springs, together with front double-acting shock absorbers and rear auxiliary springs. The axles, graded for a permissible three tonnes in front and six tonnes at the back, provide ample carrying capacity.

Reliability

The fitment of internationally proven components allows the FAW 8.140 FL to offer performance and running cost benefits in daily operation. Adding to its international pedigree, the FAW 8.140 FL is fitted with the Euro-3, 3,8-litre Cummins ISF engine. This is a turbocharged and intercooled high-pressure common-rail, four-cylinder unit. Power of 105 kW is on tap at 2 600 r/min, while torque is a healthy 450 Nm between 1 200 and 2 200 r/min.

The engine is mated to a six-speed ZF 6 S 500 TO Ecolite manual transmission. The new Cummins engine and innovative ZF transmission are ideal for weight-sensitive and space-constrained vehicles.

A Wabco four-circuit protection valve, full-air brake system provides the FAW 8.140 FL with another advantage, as these are easier to maintain than vacuum-hydraulic or air-hydraulic braking systems. The braking system includes full ABS, which is invaluable to the safety of driver, truck and payload.

The chassis and powertrain combination make the FAW 8.140 FL suitable for a wide range of different applications. The FAW dropside body and tautline units allow ample turnaround times in general cargo transportation in any metropolitan distribution hub.

As a dry-freight or insulated van-bodied vehicle, the FAW 8.140 FL is suited to express deliveries, general distribution or dry-weight cargo like bakeries.

As a roll back, this truck is ideal to pick up and transport a passenger car, or, as a 3,5 m3 tipper, it can keep up with the pace in the construction industry.

Easy operation

The new FAW cab (with its forward 45° tilt) is based on ergonomic principles and provides easy access for servicing. Inside, the two-metre-wide cab allows for a
three-person seat, with a foldable middle section.

The digital instrumentation panel and all controls are well placed and materials used are durable yet comfortable. Radio and USB connection are standard fitments, as is power steering. The mirrors are neatly positioned and of ample size to provide a good view to the side and rear of the vehicle, enhancing driveability and safety.

Built for Africa

Imported from parent plants as semi-knocked-down kits, the cab, chassis, axles and other sub-assembly components are neatly assembled in FAW’s new Coega assembly plant, which includes a truck bodybuilding facility that opened in January.

The new medium range is backed up by a two-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and the full extent of sales and/or service from 36 representative outlets across South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. These are backed by the Spartan-based dedicated national parts distribution centre.

“The FAW 8.140 FL is a ‘true-blood South African’, built locally and uniquely engineered for the African environment,” reaffirms Zhang.