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Forklifts

Nissan Diesel’s extensive SA dealer network will bring enhanced support levels to forklift users.

It's remarkable how often large corporations execute strategic oversights when a better route to success seems obvious to onlookers. Take the case of Nissan Forklifts for example. Until a few weeks ago, the distribution of freight handling machines in South Africa was managed by Nissan South Africa, an operation geared towards passenger vehicles. Now, in a move that makes obvious sense, the task of selling and supporting Nissan forklifts belongs to Nissan Diesel South Africa. Paul Collings reports. 

According to Frans Cloete, executive vice president of operations of Nissan Diesel South Africa, which supplies Medium, Heavy and Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicle segments of the truck market, "from a business perspective, we see major synergies between our current operations and that of Nissan Forklift. These include a common customer base in the transport and logistics sectors, and a common vision to support them at the same high level at which we serve our customers through our commercial vehicle operations."

Japan's Nissan Motor Co. Limited started forklift production in 1957, says Toshio Aoki, corporate vice president of the Industrial Machinery Division of the Nissan Motor Company Ltd: "Since then, accumulative production has grown to 611 000 units, with a consolidated turnover of 83.6 billion Japanese Yen. The company has three factories in Japan, the USA and Spain, and a sales network in more than 80 countries. 

"We have full confidence in the capabilities and expertise of Nissan Diesel South Africa and are therefore committed to provide substantial support in the way of technical expertise, training, appropriate products and technology, as well as the accurate and timely provision of parts." 

Says Hiroshi Yokofujita, chief executive of Nissan Diesel South Africa: "The company's global vision includes providing products that are durable, fuel efficient, high quality, safe and easy to operate, and a quality service that guarantees a peak level of parts supply, high skill levels and numerous other value added products."

The local forklift market equals that of Australia, shifting between six to eight thousand units per year, says Executive vice president of management control at Nissan Diesel South Africa, Johan Richards. "Nissan forklifts are currently supported by 15 independent dealers around the country. These dealerships will be augmented by the support of Nissan Diesel south Africa's 46 dealerships, ensuring a comprehensive national footprint."

Rentals will make up a major component of the forklift operation, explains Cloete, "what's more, we are committed to supporting existing product. We have a dedicated forklift trainer in our Academy who will transfer the necessary driving skills to our customers and dealers."

With 11 competitor brands on the market, Cloete concludes, "despite the tough competition and the fact that forklifts are a grudge purchase, we've got our sights set on 17% market share, in keeping with our global position."
 

The Nissan Forklift line-up includes the LX series (diesel, petrol and LPG models) as shown above, the BX Series (counter balance electrical units), the three-wheel electrical TX Series, RX series electrical reach trucks, as well as TO/ V02 series tow tractors.