Volvo Trucks introduces Euro 6 FH model in South Africa, prioritising sustainability, performance, and driver experience. (Image source: Volvo Trucks)

Volvo Trucks South Africa has unveiled the Euro 6 version of its flagship long-haul truck, the Volvo FH, marking a significant step forward in its mission to deliver more sustainable and efficient transport solutions

The newly introduced technology meets the stringent Euro 6 Step E emission standards, which significantly reduce harmful pollutants, positioning Volvo as a frontrunner in clean transport innovation in the country.

While Euro 2 is still the current standard in South Africa, the introduction of Euro 6 demonstrates a bold move towards environmentally responsible operations. With improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the Volvo FH Euro 6 is tailored for South Africa’s demanding long-haul market, where fuel and operational costs are key concerns.

“The introduction of the Volvo FH Euro 6 demonstrates a significant commitment by Volvo Trucks to reduce emissions on heavy-duty vehicles,” said Waldemar Christensen, managing director of Volvo Trucks South Africa.

Efficient.Sustainable.Ready

The truck is available in four engine power variants—420hp, 460hp, 500hp, and 540hp—all under the D13K engine range and in multiple cab configurations including Sleeper, Globetrotter, and Globetrotter XL. It also integrates features like cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection to meet emissions targets.

Volvo Trucks also emphasises comfort and safety. Enhanced insulation, ergonomic cabs, and advanced systems like the optional Camera Monitoring System (CMS) ensure a pleasant and secure driving experience.

“About 90% of the environmental impact generated by a truck occurs during its operation – when it emits harmful exhaust gases,” explained Takalani Tshirame, senior manager of product support.

Volvo Connect, a digital platform, allows fleet managers to monitor truck performance, optimise fuel use, and increase uptime with real-time data. Backed by a nationwide dealer network and trained technicians, Volvo ensures the FH Euro 6 is supported throughout its lifecycle.

“We are passionate about crafting a driver experience that fosters a comfortable, safe and enjoyable environment. By prioritising the needs of our drivers, we aim to create a sense of well-being and satisfaction that extends beyond the drive itself, recognising the profound impact it can have on their overall quality of life and ultimately, the success of our customers,” added Alwyn Engelbrecht, sales engineer at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

With cleaner 10ppm diesel fuel becoming widely available in South Africa, the new FH Euro 6 is well-positioned to meet both current demands and future regulatory requirements. This launch aligns with Volvo’s long-term sustainability goals—paving the way for a greener, more efficient future in freight transport.

“The choices we make today define the world we will live in tomorrow. Climate change, population growth, and increasing urbanisation is shifting the expectations on transport and infrastructure, making sustainable transportation increasingly important,” concluded Christensen.

Also read: https://africanreview.com/construction/volvo-penta-strengthens-dealer-network-strategy 

One of the new BYD electric buses serving Cape Town. (Image source: GABS)

South Africa’s Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) is rolling out its first batch of new electric buses from China’s BYD, with more than 100 more vehicles set to arrive this year to serve the Cape Town area

In a statement this week, the Western Cape government said that it marked a milestone in the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into the province's public transport and government fleets, with GABS leading the way.

GABS has taken delivery of the first 20 electric buses, which have now been deployed across Cape Town, following its order placed last year with BYD, one of China’s largest privately-owned enterprises.

The new buses will be followed by 100 more vehicles to be delivered during the course of 2025.

GABS has also installed 30 charging units, with two dispensers each, the largest of its kind in South Africa, which will be expanded to 60 chargers with a total of 120 dispensers during the second half of the year.

The acquisition of the new vehicles follows trials of two BYD electric buses dating back to 2021.

The capacity of the BYD electric bus is 40 passengers with the highest range up to 320 km (200 miles).

The buses are also equipped with user-friendly features, such as free WiFi and a wheelchair ramp.

“As a key role player in Cape Town’s public transport system, Golden Arrow Bus Services is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by introducing electric buses into its fleet,” said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape minister of mobility.

“In the public transport sector, the shift to electric vehicles is critical to achieving sustainable mobility for commuters and creating economic opportunities and job creation in various sectors of the province.”

The bus service operated by GABS, partially funded by the Western Cape Mobility Department, is a key part of Cape Town’s public transport system, moving approximately 230,000 passengers daily.

The deal to acquire 120 buses from BYD represents an almost 10 per cent electrification of its total fleet, which remains predominantly diesel.

The province’s transport sector accounts for 28 per cent of its carbon emissions, making it a high priority for the Western Cape Government’s climate protection efforts.

Western Cape officials also flagged Government Motor Transport (GMT) which manages a set of EVs as part of its permanent fleet.

It said that this year 2.5 per cent of its fleet will comprise 'new energy vehicles', which includes hybrid electric vehciles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The provincial government added that it is looking to appoint a service provider in the 2025/2026 financial year to accelerate the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure. 

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Soyo Multipurpose Terminal. (Image source: Angolan Ministry of Transport)

Angola’s Ministry of Transport has invited tenders for the concession of passenger and cargo terminals at the ports of Cabinda and Soyo

Connected to Luanda and ports in neighbouring countries, Cabinda and Soyo are central hubs in maritime and river trade in Angola’s northern region, linking cities, populations and companies from different sectors, including oil, the Ministry said in a statement.

The tender covers the “Concession of the operation of port services in the maritime passenger and cargo terminals of the Port of Cabinda and in the river passenger and cargo terminals of the Port of Soyo.”

The Ministry statement noted that “this strategic initiative aims to strengthen regional logistics, improve mobility and boost the country's economic growth.”

Port of Cabinda is a key oil hub on the Atlantic coast in the Cabinda enclave, located between the Republic of Congo to the north and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the south.

Port of Soyo is located at the mouth of the Congo River, on Angola’s mainland.

Both are important hubs for the country’s  strategic offshore oil and gas sector.

“In addition to the development of the cabotage sector in Northern Angola, the management of the concession will allow the creation of jobs, the improvement of freight and passenger transport logistics, and a better use of existing resources, ensuring a more competitive and sustainable operation, in line with efficiency and sustainability policies in the transport sector in Angola,” the Ministry statement added.

The move highlights a wider interest in building up Angola’s ports.

In January, AD Ports began its long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and an associated logistics business in Luanda, alongside local partners.

Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, it has committed to invest US$250mn through to 2026 to modernise the terminal and to develop Noatum Unicargas Logistics, the joint venture providing integrated logistics, transport and freight forwarding services for local, regional and international clients.

Angola’s ports will face competition for business, however, with other regional states also keen to build their maritime infrastructure.

In 2021, DP World signed a collaboration agreement with the DRC government for the development of the deep-sea port at Banana, just across the river from Soyo.

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Air traffic is growing fast in Ethiopia (IMAGE SOURCE: Adobe Stock)

Ethiopian Airlines and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a Letter of Intent for the development of the country’s planned Abusera International Airport project

The US$7.8bn project aims to meet growing passenger and cargo demands, reinforce Ethiopia’s position as a leading aviation hub, and stimulate regional economic growth.

The new world-class airport will be situated in Bishoftu, about 40 km from the current Addis-Ababa Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the Letter of Intent for the new “mega airport” underscored AfDB’s commitment to supporting the nation’s air transport ambitions.

Shide added that the, “Project will not only reinforce Ethiopian Airlines’ competitive edge in passenger and cargo services, but also enhance Africa’s global air connectivity and integration, solidifying the continent’s aviation hub status.”

The new Abusera International Airport will complement Ethiopia’s recently expanded Bole International Airport, which is expected to reach its annual 25 million passenger capacity limit soon.

The new infrastructure is also expected to enhance Ethiopian Airlines’ role in improving intra-African connectivity by enabling a more extensive and efficient network, and strengthening connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world.

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline, is in the process of advancing its ambitious 2035 growth strategy, which emphasises network expansion, infrastructure development, and human capital investment to enhance its global competitiveness.

In the last fiscal year, ending 30 June 2024, the airline reported record revenues of more than US$7bn, reflecting a 14 per cent year-on-year increase.

It transported 17.1 million passengers, with 13.4 million on international routes and 3.7 million domestically.

“Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s pride, a symbol of excellence and resilience,” said Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB's president.

“The African Development Bank is fully committed to supporting this transformative flagship project, which will strengthen the continent’s aviation leadership and economic integration.”

Adesina signed the Letter of Intent with Mesfin Tasew Bekele, chief executive officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group.

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