Having first switched to DAF Trucks in 2024, Commodity Logistix Managers Africa (CLM Africa) is in the process of ‘beefing up’ its rapidly growing side tipper fleet with a further ten DAF units. Central to the buying decision is a combination of strong relations and a compelling, total solution from Babcock, the DAF Trucks’ distributor in southern Africa.

Customers who feel valued and have a positive experience are more likely to return for future business. Equally, strong relationships that are built on trust and communication make customers feel secure, thus encouraging repeat purchases.

This is especially true for CLM Africa, a bespoke mining equipment and supplier, bulk commodities broker, and logistics company, which is expanding its side tipper fleet with ten new DAF trucks from Babcock. Having run a certain truck brand for years, the vibrant, black, youth-owned, fully-integrated commodity trading, agriculture, mining, logistics and advisory house, made a switch to DAF in 2024.

The company initially bought five DAF XF480 Smart Spec models last year. The buying decision was largely influenced by the existing relationship between CLM Africa and Babcock’s Alfred Hoyer, built over the past six years during Hoyer’s time at his previous employer. Over the years, Hoyer has built a strong rapport with the CLM Africa management, and when he presented the DAF offering to the company for the first time last year, there was no hesitation whatsoever to make the switch, highlighting the trust between the two parties.   

While strong relations were the foundation of the deal, equally important was the total solution that Babcock presented to the client – a high quality DAF product, complemented by a competitive financing and aftersales package from Babcock.

Firstly, the client was impressed by the quality and innovative nature of the DAF product. Bear in mind that DAF Trucks has clinched the prestigious International Truck of the Year award on several occasions in the past few years. In fact, in 2022, the truck producer set a new industry record by winning both the International Truck of the Year and the Truck Innovation Award in the same year, highlighting DAF’s competitive nature in the global trucking landscape.

“DAF is a premium European brand with a strong heritage. Upon learning about the history of DAF Trucks and how it is highly regarded in its native European market, as well as the traction it has gained locally in the past 15 years under the stewardship of Babcock, the client was highly impressed and signed on the dotted line,” says Hoyer.

A key competitive edge for Babcock was the ability to offer a total solution to the customer. Financed by Babcock Finance Services, the deal also included a maintenance contract, on-site servicing, driver training and Babcock’s telematics system, Executrax, as standard.

“We were able to offer a total transport solution to the customer through a range of professional services that enabled CLM Africa to select the right vehicle, secure financing and maintain the fleet at peak efficiency,” says Hoyer. “By bundling everything together in one place, Babcock made the entire truck purchasing process effortless for the client.”

The first five trucks have already proven their mettle in terms of performance, efficiency and driver comfort – key parameters that have played a huge part in securing a new deal for a further ten new DAF XF480 units. The new deal, which also includes ten new trailers, will be financed through Babcock Financial Services and an independent financial services provider.

Commenting on what makes the XF 480 Smart Spec tick, Hoyer says that at the heart of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency is the new Paccar MX-13 Euro engine that produces significantly more power and torque (up to 2 500 Nm on the 480 hp version) than the previous model. This is courtesy of a new common rail engine design with injection pressures of up to 2 500 bar (20% greater than before) and a compression ratio of 18,5:1.

Further along the driveline is the ZF 12-Speed Traxon Direct-Drive gearbox with a 100 Nm higher input torque rating and a 7,5% lower single-reduction differential ratio. The combination of these new driveline elements has been proven to contribute to significant fuel savings in long-haul interlink applications in South Africa.

“The truck’s interior and ergonomics improve the driver’s experience with intuitive features that do not overwhelm them or make driving a truck complicated. An innovative instrument cluster and display with driver coaching improves the driver’s understanding of how to achieve better vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. Drivers who are new to the DAF product can therefore adapt quickly with a bit of driver training and therefore achieve results rapidly,” concludes Hoyer.