African markets will offer a sales bonanza to South African truck companies once oil and commodities prices recover, Torbjörn Christensson, president of Volvo Group Southern Africa, said on Tuesday. Volvo was forecasting growth of at least 400% in sales of its new trucks in southern and east Africa over the next five years as mining and other transport-dependent industries replaced ageing vehicles. From the 200-300 vehicles shipped out annually by Volvo, he aimed to grow the number to 1,500 by the end of 2021. Christensson said the main beneficiary would be extra-heavy trucks of more than 16 tonnes. Industries in countries hit by low commodities prices had cut costs by running vehicles longer, buying cheap new Chinese vehicles or used ones from established brands. He said big companies in countries such as Zambia, Angola and Kenya were inquiring about new vehicles, with the emphasis on brands with a reputation for reliability, low running costs and good service. There were also oppo...
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