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WITH THE CONTINUED buoyancy of the medium and heavy duty truck market in South Africa, International Truck and Engine Corporation along with Tyco Trucks saw the 2004 Auto Africa Car and Truck Show as the ideal platform from which to launch the International 7000 series truck range in South Africa. This truck range which was originallylaunched in the U.S.A. in 2001 enjoyed instant acceptance by operators in the Class 8 market resulting in phenomenal growth in market share which is currently at around 23% in the U.S.A. Factors which have contributed to the success of the range is that with the current global trend towards state of the art technology, International have taken the course to use the technology in areas where it can offer real benefits to the operator and not to use it because it is available. The result is a vehicle of modern design, offering the operators low operating costs, cost effective maintenance, coupled to a light tare weight and therefore vastly improved payload productivity. The 7000 Series is very versatile and will suit many applications in the South African market. From on highway line haul to on/off highway tipper type operations as well as concrete mixer and refuse applications the options offered by the 7000 Series are vast. The cab has been designed with the driver in mind with ease of access provided by the fuel tank mounted low entry step to the clearly laid out instrument panel cluster and centre mounted control panel with ancillary switches. A standard feature ofthe cab is air suspension and air ride drivers seat providing an exceptionally smooth ride and enhanced driver comfort. In the line haul and on/off highway truck tractor operation the drive line on offer is the well proven Cummins, Fuller, Meritor (Rockwell) combination whilst the mixer/refuse vehicles are powered by the new International DT 570 engine, Allison 3500RDS P transmission and Meritor drive axles. Judging by the interest in this range since the launch at Auto Africa and orders received to date the 7000 Series vehicles are set to continue the trend set in the U.S.A. Complimented by the 7000 Series, the 9800i which was launched in 2002 continued to gain market share in the over 450 hp sector. This trusty, ever popular work horse of the long distance haulier continues to be the choice of large Blue Chip corporate fleets, smaller private operators and owner drivers alike. The Internationals specific characteristics featured in the 9800i & 7000 series alike provides a costs effective solution to the operator’s heavy transport requirements, with the lightest tare weight in its class, increased payload productivity and reduced trip times. Fleet operators agree that the low cost of maintaining the 9800i is one of the most important factors influencing the decision making process when considering an International. Whether the choice is to take advantage of one of the many innovative full maintenance or service packages which are offered by Tyco Trucks or should the operator choose to do self servicing the operator is assured of maintaining the International 9800i at the best possible rate. The vehicle design and driveline package allows for speedy repairs and vastly reduced downtime for routine maintenance. This is an area which has enjoyed much focus and attention from Pieter Fourie CEO of Tyco who has recognised that, for the operator to have a revenue earning asset in the workshop for any longer time that is absolutely necessary, is critical. To this end Tyco has introduced various systems and procedures to ensure that downtime is kept to the absolute minimum and embarked on staff training programmes, the benefits of which are now being seen and being experienced by our customers. With the current buoyancy of the heavy commercial vehicle sector set to continue well into 2005, Tyco and International are extremely up beat about the 9800i and look forward to actively pursuing new market sectors which have been opened with the launch of the new 7000 Series.
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