The huge attention paid to the inroads Chinese truck makers have made in the South African truck market would almost have one believe that the European truck makers are totally on retreat in the market. In fact, one person even went so far as to say to FleetWatch that “the Europeans like Volvo, Scania, Daimler and MAN are done.” I’ve never believed that. Certainly, they have felt the impact of the Chinese but they are far from done. Here’s an example of why.
The Ni-Da Group has just taken delivery of the first 25 units of an order for 165 brand-new Volvo Trucks FMX units. Yes, you read that right. It’s 165 and they are not replacement units. They have been bought to cater to new growth in Ni-Da. As such, the new additions are more than just a fleet upgrade. It is an investment that injects fresh momentum in the local economy with the creation of new job opportunities while at the same time cements Ni-Da’s position as a leader in the South African transport and logistics industry.
The acquisition means new drivers and a fleet operator will be employed by the company, as well as subsequent expansions in the company’s trailer and tyre workshops.
Ni-Da, which was established in 1988 in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, has an extensive fleet of over 600 vehicles and a dedicated team operating in the region. The new Volvo Trucks FMX units will be used in the company’s side-tipper operations in the mining industry, making it one of the biggest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nico Oosthuizen, CEO and Founder of the Ni-Da Group says: “Heavy-duty work in harsh and dusty environments takes engines, gearboxes, axles and suspensions to their limits and beyond. Quality engineering, optimum payload and performance are always key considerations when acquiring new trucks for the business. Volvo Trucks have been part of our fleet since 2010 so we know exactly the kind of quality we are getting.”
Oosthuizen said other considerations like uptime, reliability, parts availability and the future resale value of the vehicles made Volvo Trucks’ FMX range the perfect choice for their business.
With Ni-Da operating in the mining segment transporting raw commodities, the Volvo FMX, assembled and tested in South Africa, is ideally suited to handle extreme payloads, rugged off-road terrain and continuous, heavy-duty cycles.
“At Volvo Trucks, quality has been at the very core of everything we do since day one. These days, it’s found in the reliability and performance of our trucks and services that allow fleet owners to keep delivering,” says Stuart Potter, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Our world-class manufacturing processes and standards ensure that every truck is meticulously assembled and the FMX range is engineered specifically for the punishing demands of mining and off-road work.”
With the 324kW and 2200Nm of torque Euro 3 diesel powertrain, generous ground clearance and axles to carry heavy loads, the FMX is a tough workhorse loaded with technology that makes the most demanding assignments easier. The Volvo FMX cab also offers protection from harsh environments thereby creating a safe, comfortable and ergonomic environment for drivers.
A delighted Ekhardt Le Roux, Sales Executive at Volvo Trucks South Africa has this to say: “Fleets transporting raw commodities require trucks that deliver maximum uptime, strong fuel efficiency and a safe, efficient working environment for the drivers. This partnership with the Ni-Da Group reflects their confidence in the quality and performance of our trucks, as well as in the complete transport solution we offer from sales, maintenance through to parts availability and resale value. The Volvo Trucks team is here to support the Ni-Da Group every step of the way.”
Oosthuizen believes that the normal way of conducting business is a thing of the past. “The only constant in life is change. Growth in this industry demands more than capability, it demands the right partnerships. The longstanding relationship between Ni-Da and Volvo Trucks has been instrumental in delivering superior service to customers and cementing the company’s leadership position. It is a partnership built for today and engineered for the future.”
The 140 outstanding units are currently being assembled at Volvo Trucks’ plant in KwaZulu-Natal and will all be delivered during the course of 2026.
So, to that person who said the European truck makers are “done”. Eat your words.
Click on photographs to enlarge
