Chinese FAW flies into South Africa

FAW South Africa (Chalet 32), a subsidiary of China FAW Group, has announced here the establishment of a new company with South Africa’s Pamodzi Group for the production of trucks for South Africa and other sub-equatorial countries. The new company, Pamodzi-FAW (Pty) Ltd, has a structured shareholding of 51 per cent held by Pamodzi and 49 per cent held by FAW SA.

A US$60 million factory has been established in Coega in the Eastern Cape, with an initial planned capacity of up to 5,000 trucks a year.

Shown at AAD are two of the more recent FAW military trucks in the right-hand drive configuration for the potential South African market. These have a forward control cab and are fitted with a standard military rear body consisting of removable drop sides and drop tailgate, bows and a tarpaulin cover; more specialised rear bodies could be fitted according to the end users’ requirements.

One is in the 4x4 configuration and the other is in the 6 x6 configuration. The vehicles share many common automotive components to reduce through-life costs as well as for easier training.

The trucks displayed are powered by a 7.7-litre diesel engine developing 239kW and 1,100Nm of torque for the 6x6 model and 192kW and 1,050Nm for the 4x4 version. Both have an eight-speed Fuller transmission. They are fitted with a central tyre inflation system for improved cross-country mobility and powered steering. Optional extras include a front-mounted powered winch, which is fitted to the 4x4 model here at the show. This family of 4x4 and 6x6 trucks is already in service with the People’s Liberation Army for a variety of roles.

South Africa has had a long-standing requirement to replace its current fleet of SAMIL (South African Military) 4x4 and 6x6 trucks, which are deployed in unarmoured configuration and fitted with a fully protected cab. This major truck programme is expected to start again; other potential bidders are Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz and Iveco Defence Vehicles.