Hyundai’s Fleet Offerings

Hyundai’s Fleet Offerings HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY (HMC), in partnership with Hyundai Automotive South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (HASA), expanded its local medium commercial vehicle line-up by adding the HD72 medium-duty vehicle to the South African market. This adds to HASA’s existing commercial vehicle line-up which includes the well-known Bakkie (H100), the Tipper and the Panel Van. Since the Hyundai Bakkie entered the competitive LCV market in 1997, Hyundai has established itself firmly among small businesses with a need for reliable, versatile transport. The diesel Bakkie took on far more established competitors and proved itself a viable option with a long list of standard benefits. Now, in addition to the standard Bakkie and the Tipper, Hyundai Trucks has introduced the new HD 72 truck, aimed at  business operators as well as bigger fleet owners in need of a versatile and reliable vehicle to facilitate their daily operations. Its versatile nature and low maintenance make it a useful tool for enhancing the productivity of all businesses in need of a reliable 3.5 ton truck. The introduction of the HD72 builds on the company’s strong and successful relationship with HASA which has served as HMC’s distributor for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and light commercial vehicles for the past few years. Power and reliability Power and reliability defines the true value of a truck and that is what makes Hyundai trucks so appealing. For the most economical performance, the D4DA 3.9-litre turbocharged intercooled engine with a built in turbo protector produces a maximum output of 114 Kw @ 3200 RPM and displaces 380 NM @ 1800RPM. The result of the inter-cooled engine is a flat torque curve allowing for a better torque range, giving the HD 72 better durability under load, economy and superior performance. All this ensures that it comfortably carries a load capacity of 4180kg. The bigger picture While there are currently only four vehicle ranges in the South African Hyundai stable, it is apt to take a look at the world-wide organisation so as to put into perspective the muscle and might behind the brand. Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Automotive Group which includes Kia Motors Corp. and over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai motor vehicles are sold in 166 countries through 4 504 dealerships and showrooms. In South Africa, Hyundai commercial vehicles are distributed and serviced through specialized commercial outlets and the current outlets will constantly monitor demand to ensure that any region requiring a dealership or service center is catered for. Locals benefit With all this expertise and muscle behind the brand, local South Africa customers benefit greatly in many spheres, not least of which is in the spec of the vehicles. Take, as an example, the safety features on the HD72. The HD72 truck series is the result of the company’s continuous efforts to produce safer vehicles. The long list of safety advances in the HD72 truck series impresses, with a higher level of protection against frontal and side collisions. A number of factors contribute to the increase in cab strength and rigidity. Among others, these include the injection of foam into the front pillar cavities and the reinforcement of the roof panel with steel ribs for improved rollover protection. To reduce the risk of fire, interior materials are flame-retarded. Vehicle stability has been enhanced by increasing the front and rear wheel tread distance. A large-capacity brake booster helps improve braking performance by increasing the braking pressure. In addition, a large-capacity vacuum pump increases braking pressure while requiring minimal pedal effort. Drum brake linings are larger for additional friction and better braking performance. Vehicle stability and control during sudden braking manoeuvres is enhanced by the load sensing proportioning valve which distributes braking force between the front and rear axles in proportion to the cargo weight distribution. Several solutions were developed in response to the challenge of improving visibility. First, the size of the windscreen was maximized thus improving forward lines of sight. The vertically stacked headlamps cast a stronger beam for better night driving visibility. And long wiper blades increase the glass sweep area. The wiper arms include built-in washers which are more effective in dispersing washer fluid particularly to the outer edges. The wiper control now features an adjustable intermittent setting. Low noise and vibration Driver comfort has become more and more important in vehicle design and another example of superior design in the HD72 lies in the attention given to reducing cab noise and vibration. It is well known that noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are the automotive engineers’ toughest enemies. But Hyundai’s HD72 engineers have brought down NVH to the levels of a passenger car. Impressively low NVH performance figures were attained through a combination of factors including the application of the very latest NVH testing equipment and the use of an electronic cab analysis system. Significantly large reductions in NVH levels were obtained by removing the roof water drip rails as well as by specifying a moulded door panel instead of the previous welded one. In order to reduce wind noise, the corner vane has been removed and the door opening gap has been reduced to 4.3mm. In addition, triple door seals were applied and more sound deadening material has been installed. The HD 72 is fully imported as a chassis cab unit thereby giving the customer the opportunity to choose their own locally manufactured body configuration to suit their particular needs. When you buy a Hyundai, you’re not just buying a ‘truck’. You’re buying into a world-wide network of innovation and expertise with local attention focussed on satisfying the growing band of discerning customers in the South African market for Hyundai Trucks. Article and image source: http://fleetwatch.co.za/previous/truckwatch/Hyundai/