TSAM switches from road to rail transport

Date: 16/12/2011

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has made the transition from road transportation to rail in a move that will enable it to reduce its carbon footprint.

The transportation of certain locally manufactured Toyota vehicles for both export and domestic South African markets will now be handled by Transnet Freight Rail's Container and Automotive Business, Engineering News reports.

According to TSAM, this move will reduce its logistics overhead costs and enable it to save money on the cost of moving vehicles.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the enterprise Dr Johan van Zyl told the publication it will make its operations more environmentally friendly.

"We believe that the new arrangement will lighten our reliance and impact on the road transport network and allow for significant cost savings in the longer term," he added.

Earlier this month, Chinese retail firm 360buy purchased an additional 300 trucks in a bid to improve its current delivery system and logistics programme, the Financial Times reported.

Posted by Nick Anderson