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International moving miles ahead NAVISTAR International Trucks Southern Africa (NITSA) which was formed over 18 months ago added another crucial part to their ever expanding company, with the opening of their Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in April 2009. They also continue to develop their dealer network throughout the region. NITSA currently have 16 full and parts & service dealerships located strategically throughout Southern Africa.NITSA has also introduced some model updates and changes, the Legendary International® 9800i 6x4 truck tractor is available with the new mid-roof twin sleeper cab fitted as standard. This cab offers the driver and assistant comfortable sleeping accommodation with two wide sleeper bunks. In addition the 9800i is being fitted with a traction control system on the drive axles as standard equipment which enables the vehicle to operate smoothly in various under foot conditions relieving shock loading on the driveline. In February 2010 NITSA will be launching the new International® 7600 Workstar. What the customers can expect from this new and highly improved model is major improvements that have been made to the driveline on the 7600 Workstar which comprises the Cummins ISM 400 engine coupled to an Eaton/Fuller 18 speed Autoshift constant mesh transmission or Eaton-Fuller 13 speed constant mesh manual transmission with the final drive through Meritor RT 46- 160 single reduction tandem drive rear axles on the well proven Hendrikson HAS 460 four bag full air suspension. Based on the previous 7600 platform the 7600 Workstar will feature a new shaped bonnet, grill and headlights as well as improved front and rear cab mountings offering excellent ride characteristics for the driver and passenger. The new cab will come complete with chrome bumper and entirely new interior trim, dash board and instrumentation. As mentioned NITSA’s Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) based in Midrand was officially opened on the 5th of June this year, by Phyllis Cochran, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Navistar Parts Group. NITSA’s PDC imports, stocks, markets and distributes aftermarket service parts for the entire Southern African region as well as the Sub-Saharan region of Africa. “Our strategy in Southern Africa is another sign of Navistar’s growing global presence and demonstrates our commitment to serve our customers in the Southern African region,” said Phyllis Cochran. The mission of our new PDC will be to focus on International truck customers and their parts needs, with a committed and dedicated Dealer Network attention will be focused on delivering the right part at the right place at the right time to maximise vehicle uptime for our customers. 2009 proved to be tough year for the vehicle market, sales went on a downward trend and many manufacturers went into cost saving mode. NITSA is optimistic that the market will pick up in the beginning of 2010, with the improvements and updates to the International® model range and an expanding dealer network NITSA is looking to a bright year in 2010. NITSA’s dealer network is constantly improving in sales, service and parts due to the nationwide Customer Satisfaction Monitoring that is done on a monthly basis has shown a definite upward trend with their dealers. Bob Jones, Chief Commercial Officer said, “whilst 2009 has been a pretty tough year for everyone, he believed that NITSA were well placed to take advantage of any upturn in the industry and emphasised that NITSA would increase its market share in 2010.
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