Volvo Trucks South Africa Enhances Service Infrastructure

Volvo Trucks South Africa has highlighted ongoing investments in its service infrastructure and product development as part of efforts to address evolving transport demands and reduce operational downtime for fleet operators. Speaking at a customer engagement event in Paarl, Western Cape, Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa, emphasised the company’s focus on adapting to industry shifts while maintaining operational continuity for clients.

Waldemar Christensen

“Transport needs are expanding and transforming globally, requiring solutions that balance productivity with environmental considerations,” Christensen noted. He added that innovation in vehicle technology and service delivery remains central to supporting customers in navigating a dynamic sector.

Service Network Modernisation
The company is upgrading workshops nationwide by integrating advanced diagnostic tools and data-driven systems to streamline maintenance processes. A key initiative includes Uptime Monitoring Services, which uses connected vehicle technology to predict maintenance needs, schedule repairs proactively, and minimise unplanned downtime. Christensen stated these measures aim to improve communication between workshops and fleet operators, potentially reducing repair costs and improving fuel efficiency.

Volvo Trucks’ local service network comprises 19 strategically located centres, enabling rapid response times. Christensen stressed that geographic proximity to customers reinforces reliability, a priority as the transport sector undergoes significant technological changes.

Product Development and Sustainability
Recent product updates include the introduction of Euro 6-compliant engines in the Volvo FH long-haul model, designed to align with global emissions standards while catering to South African conditions. Christensen clarified that while Euro 3 and Euro 5 engines remain available, the company is committed to incorporating tested technologies that enhance efficiency without compromising performance.

Internationally, Volvo Trucks recently unveiled an electric long-distance truck model in Europe, boasting a 600-kilometre range and 40-minute charging capability. Though primarily tailored for European markets, Christensen confirmed that South African clients could request the model for niche applications. “This innovation signals potential future advancements for local markets as infrastructure and demand evolve,” he said.

Strengthening Partnerships and Skills
Volvo Trucks has appointed Jarryd Language as Director of Retail Operations South, leveraging his 13 years of experience as a technician and leader within the industry. Language emphasised the importance of collaborative customer relationships: “Understanding clients’ operational challenges and co-developing solutions is as critical as technological innovation.”

The company continues to invest in staff training to align with technological advancements and shifting customer expectations. This approach forms part of its broader strategy to position itself as a long-term partner for fleet operators.

Legacy and Local Footprint
Marking 98 years of global operations and 25 years in South Africa, Volvo Trucks reaffirmed its commitment to the local market. Its Durban assembly plant and 750 employees nationwide underscore its entrenched presence. “We aim to continue contributing to South Africa’s transport sector for decades,” Christensen concluded.

The event in Paarl served to reinforce Volvo Trucks’ dual focus on technological advancement and human-centric service, framing both as pivotal to sustaining customer success amid industry transformation.

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Meet South Africa’s Youngest Long-Haul Fleet Owner – And She’s Driving Change

Durban, South Africa – At just 21 years old, Kiara Baijnath has already achieved what many in the trucking industry spend decades working towards. She’s the proud owner of five brand-new Volvo FH extra heavy trucks, each decked out in bold pink branding and matching double-link trailers. These eye-catching vehicles mark the launch of HerWay Logistics, Baijnath’s new long-haul transport company set to shake up the male-dominated industry.

Her passion for trucking was sparked at an early age, riding alongside her grandfather in his old truck as he delivered crops to the local farmer’s market. “Even back then, I told him that one day I wanted to drive my own truck,” she recalls.

Kiara Baijnath (centre) takes ownership of five brand-new FH extra heavy trucks, presented by Herman Steyn, Volvo Trucks Sales Executive (left) and Anders Friberg, Director of New Truck Sales at Volvo Trucks South Africa (right). 

That dream never faded. After finishing school, Baijnath began crafting a business plan focused on establishing a female-led haulage operation that would train and employ women drivers. With the backing of her supportive parents—who helped her with initial funding—she approached Volvo Trucks in Durban, expecting a tough sell.

“I was bracing myself for rejection, but to my surprise, the team was just as excited as I was,” she says. “They immediately started brainstorming and setting up timelines, which only fuelled my own enthusiasm.”

Her bold vision soon grew bigger, with a fleet of high-tech trucks that could compete for major contracts from day one. HerWay Logistics’ vehicles come equipped with Volvo Connect, a fleet management system that allows her to monitor everything from mechanical performance to driver behaviour remotely.

Herman Steyn, Sales Executive at Volvo Trucks Durban, explains, “Volvo Connect helps operators run a more efficient and profitable transport business. It’s a perfect match for forward-thinking entrepreneurs like Kiara.”

Anders Friberg, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s Director of New Truck Sales, agrees. “The new generation of fleet owners understand the power of technology in trucking. Kiara, for example, has already calculated that driving just a little more efficiently—saving 400 metres per litre—could cut fuel costs by R100,000 per truck per year. That’s the kind of smart thinking we love to see.”

HerWay Logistics officially hits the road on 1st February, starting with long-haul deliveries between Durban and Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s busiest routes. But Baijnath and her team have even bigger plans, aiming to expand into neighbouring countries with the support of Volvo Trucks’ service network across sub-Saharan Africa.

“We’ve structured our business and service agreements to allow cross-border operations,” she explains. “Beyond that, we’ll be working on our driver-training programme. Women’s empowerment and road safety are non-negotiable for us.”

And those bright pink trucks? They won’t just stand out on the road; they’ll serve as a statement. “They’ll be hard to miss, and that’s the point,” Baijnath says. “We want people to know we’re here, we’re serious, and we’re doing things differently.”

HerWay Logistics’ headquarters is based in Prospecton, Durban, with plans to establish depots across South Africa as the business grows. With its fresh approach and strong backing, it’s clear that this young entrepreneur is set to drive change in more ways than one.

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