FAW satisfies demand in medium-weight truck

THE all-new First Automobile Works (FAW) 8.140FL medium-weight truck will be the 12th added to the production fleet produced at the FAW Coega plant and is tipped to be a game changer in the industry.

Earlier this week at the FAW headquarters in Isando, Johannesburg, FAW heavyweights including company CEO Yusheng Zhang, his deputy Jianyu Hao and executive director Richard Leiter launched what they say is the “lowest cost-per-ton medium-weight truck” on the market.

The six-speed, six-ton payload truck is fitted with a Euro 3, Cummins ISF 3.8 litre engine producing 450Nm of torque with 105Kw on tap, at 2 600rpm. The vehicle is priced at R239 000.

“Today is a milestone for FAW trucking in South Africa, with our first purpose- built truck designed specifically for South African roads. It has all the hallmarks one has come to expect from FAW, with a little something extra,” Hao said.

“The medium range category is under pressure . . . which is why we have opted to cater to and build on the demand for medium range trucks in South Africa.”

FAW national sales manager Eugene van der Berg said 3 000 units per annum would be produced at the Coega plant as of the next financial year.

“This little workhorse has a max payload of 14 ton, with a trailer. Looking at our year-on-year growth, we have almost doubled sales annually.

“The 8.140FL is available in drop sides, van body, taut and liner, roller and tipper – making [it] ideal for all medium range work from construction to private,” he said.