Onward and upward at Iveco

Meet the new Trakker SR – one of the first models to roll off the production line at Iveco’s newly commissioned plant at Rosslyn, Pretoria. CLAIRE RENCKEN also speaks to the company’s head of sales, Jannie Badenhorst, and its head of network, Brian Steenkamp.

Iveco’s new Trakker SR fits into the Iveco range between the dedicated off-road Trakker and the on-road Stralis. It is ideally suited for the medium distance side-tipping application with up to 60 percent on-road and 40 percent off-road (that is, good gravel road) capabilities.

It has a lighter tare mass, because it has a single reduction axle (a combination of two 10 500 kg axles with disc brakes to save weight) and a 7,7-mm-thick steel chassis. The SR model gives the operator an additional payload of at least 800 kg, when compared to the normal Trakker.

The SR’s tare mass is 8 970 kg. This weight saving means that the SR offers a fully optimised payload. It also results in better fuel economy and reduced running costs for operators. Despite the weight saving, the vehicle still retains Iveco’s legendary strength and reliability.

The SR cabin comes in a number of configurations, including a low-roof sleeper cab that is ideal for medium distance side-tipping applications. In addition, there is a high-roof model that can be used for long distances – especially cross-border transport.

Jannie Badenhorst, Iveco’s head of sales since December last year, is excited about the SR model: “In South Africa, we have a mix of on- and off-road conditions, calling for a combination of the two types of vehicles. Our customers have been asking for this model for some time. The Trakker SR is an on-road vehicle, with class-leading off-road capabilities.”

Badenhorst has been in the automotive industry since 1994, first in the oil industry for two years, and then in the light motor vehicle industry until 2000, when he became involved with trucks. “I have worked in both retail and wholesale environments, and bring with me a sound knowledge of supply channels. My ability to link the manufacturing and sales sides of the business is an asset.

“With the R800 million investment in the Rosslyn plant, Iveco’s commitment to the African market is evident. It also has clear expectations regarding market penetration. My vision for 2015 and beyond is to cement a top five position, in terms of market share, for Iveco in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region.

“The company has more than doubled its sales volumes in the past three years. There were 1 400 retail units sold in 2014. We plan to double this number within the next two years,” he says confidently.

“We are in the process of restructuring our sales department. We are opening a number of new dealerships soon, and have the launch of the 682 extra-heavy truck range this month,” Badenhorst adds. Iveco also has exciting things planned for the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS), to be held in October.

Brian Steenkamp joined the Iveco team as head of network in February. “Prior to this, I was with Tata Motors as regional head for Sub-Sahara Africa operations,” he
tells FOCUS.

“Our network is critical to the ongoing growth and development of Iveco in southern Africa. My strategy is twofold: first, to establish and grow the existing dealers in terms of sales, market share and profitability; and, second, to identify new locations and establish operations
in these key territories,” Steenkamp concludes.