Goodyear plant achieves highest audited quality scores ever

A recent international Process and Product Quality (PPQ) audit at the Uitenhage tyre manufacturing facility has earned the local company its best ever scores, thanks in part to Goodyear’s steady investments in its African operations.

Dustine Gascoyne, Group Marketing Director, said Goodyear’s PPQ audits were conducted annually by five international auditors, each an expert in an aspect of tyre manufacture.

“The PPQ audit measures Product and Process Quality. Through a stringent checklist of international criteria, these auditors evaluate the extent to which our process control delivers consistent, repeatable quality. Clearly, the higher the score, the better our control over process and quality, which in turn means less bad product and fewer returns. Ultimately, our customers are assured of the consistent, excellent quality of Goodyear’s products.”

Gascoyne said the long-term requirements of Goodyear’s market had been analysed and manufacturing facilities developed to align with customers’ ever-changing needs.

“Goodyear’s continued investment in its manufacturing facility in Uitenhage, and consequent further increase of its 4x4 and UHP (ultra high performance) capacity, ensures that our products retain the quality that is epitomised by the Goodyear brand.

“There is more demand for 4x4 tyres for SUVs, for example. We are aligning our quality and product performance with trends in the market and with international competition. We’re also staying a step ahead of our customers to ensure we will always be able to deliver exactly what they need.

“Aside from the installation of two new tyre building machines and four new presses, final finish areas were also upgraded and the impact of these investments were clearly reflected in best-ever, international standard PPQ audit scores.”

Theo Bezuidenhout, Goodyear Technical Team Leader for Systems and Audits, explained that PPQ audits are usually planned but the latest had come out of the blue.

“In 2012, we celebrated when the Uitenhage plant achieved its highest ever PPQ score.  This year, PPQ auditors dropped in unannounced. Still, the audit score managed to top the earlier high. Goodyear South Africa continues to go from strength to strength.”

GM Drives for Continuous Improvement and Customer Satisfaction into Sub-Saharan Africa

Training of Dealers of New and Improved Processes and Innovative Approach to Quality - laying a firm foundation for excellent customer service and support into Africa

After the recent roll out of the brand new business model for the new Isuzu Pick-up, General Motors (GM) invited key people from various Parts Dealers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to attend a training workshop. 

The workshop was based around an intensive three-day-long training schedule that saw SSA Dealers experiencing the GM Difference and understanding the important role they play in delivering on-going customer satisfaction.

The GM Difference is seen as a holistic way of doing business, designed to encourage Dealers to exceed customer expectations by creating an environment of quality-driven processes and continuous improvement that ultimately deliver improved standards of service and satisfaction.

The workshop also aimed at equipping Dealers with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage parts and accessories for the new Isuzu Pick-up.  

These skills ranged from orientating them with the new electronic parts catalogues, to handling invoicing queries, as well as ordering parts for the new Isuzu Pick-up.  Dealers were shown a robust internet ordering system which will enable them to order parts directly from the warehouse. 

The live-update system will allow Dealers to have full visibility of all part numbers in the warehouse at anytime.  The system will also enable Dealers to place orders for parts that might not be within the facility at the time of ordering.

“We are starting with the partnership of taking the Isuzu brand into Africa.  It was truly important for the Dealers to meet the GM Aftersales team at Parts & Accessories,” said Kevin Ackerberg, GM Business Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.  

"Now, with the implementation of the skills and experience gained through the workshop, they are on course to achieve even higher standards of customer service.”

The Dealers from SSA certainly felt that they benefitted from the workshop.  “The training that we have received from GM has been extremely well put together.  

The Aftersales team has been outstanding in terms of their ability to gather so many countries and so many people and coordinate such a training programme with representatives in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Doug Pope, Spares Manager, Autoworld, Zimbabwe.

Pope added that the dedicated team at Autoworld continuously works with General Motors to identify key areas to improve, ensuring that customers will enjoy high standards of service experience that exceed expectations.

In addition, the GM Difference will also ensure that all the SSA Dealers are professionally trained on an ongoing basis that will result in SSA offering customers exemplary standards in sales and service experiences that will be the benchmark in the auto industry and pave the way for improved customer enthusiasm and loyalty.  

Further, this type of workshop forms part of GM’s commitment to provide support structures for Aftersales in SSA whenever new products are launched.

Ashish Patel, Director Aftersales, Action Auto, Zambia said, “At Action Auto our aim is not only to acquire new customers but to retain them for life and keep them enthused and loyal. 

This is a continuous challenge and the GM Difference plays a key part in achieving this by ensuring that we not only implement, but also set the benchmark while developing the best practices within the industry.”

New 6th generation Isuzu KB leads with innovative Trailview

•    New Isuzu KB packs traditional Isuzu off-road punch
•    Innovative new Trailview takes Google Streetview concept off-road
•    Off-road adventures take on a whole new meaning with Trailview

Following the successful launch of the all-new 6th generation Isuzu KB, General Motors South Africa has also launched an innovative new interactive product which integrates the new KB’s legendary off-road capabilities with technological innovation to provide off-road enthusiasts with a whole new approach to off-road driving.

Like the five generations of KB it succeeds, the all-new KB continues Isuzu’s legendary reputation for off-road capability, versatility and reliability. With seven of the new KB models featuring a 4x4 drivetrain, and with the choice of petrol or diesel engines to match, the new KB brings its off-road potential to a host of buyer profiles – whether they opt for the industrious KB 240 4x4 Fleetside, the practical KB 300 D-TEQ 4x4 Extended Cab LX or the lifestyle-oriented KB 250 D-TEQ Double Cab 4x4 LE.

Whichever 4x4-fitted KB is chosen, assurance of ultimate off-road capability comes in the form of the driver-selectable drive mode – 2-Hi, 4-Hi and 4-Lo – a rear differential lock, shift-on-the-fly up to 100 km/h (model dependent) and excellent critical angles, where generous ground clearance and minimal overhangs mean even the steepest climbs can be tackled with ease and confidence.

Trailview is the next level of off-roading
Much like Google’s famed Streetview allows online map users the ability to preview a destination or intersection whilst browsing online maps, Isuzu Trailview takes this same concept off the beaten track and on to some of South Africa’s best off-road trails.

From the Hennops trail near Hartbeespoort Dam in Pretoria to the Moolmanshoek Visierskerf Trail in the Eastern Free State, a new Isuzu KB fitted with a specialised 360-degree camera was used to map out the trails and provide users with a fully-interactive view of each trail.

Off-road enthusiasts can log on to the Isuzu Trailview site – www.isuzutrailview.co.za – and view their preferred off-road trail, even before they get there. With each corner, descent, rocky climb or muddy ditch mapped out in high-resolution imagery, drivers can see what they’re in for, build confidence in seeing that their vehicle can handle even the toughest obstacles and up the excitement in the process.

Other photos and videos are also available with handy tips from professional off-road drivers from the Isuzu Off-road Academy, to provide even more peace of mind. With user-generated content also encouraged, 4x4 enthusiasts can share their own experiences with each other.

Isuzu Brand Manager, Mlungisi Nonkonyana, says the Isuzu Trailview concept works hand in hand with the all-new KB: “We knew when developing the all-new KB that its off-road reputation would continue and with the Trailview concept allowing KB owners as well as any other 4x4 owners and enthusiasts the opportunity to see and almost feel the different trails before even starting the car, the new KB is definitely a product of the times.

“Modern technology, clever thinking and a smart design are all attributes of both the new Isuzu KB and the Trailview concept, linking the two perfectly. The creators of the Trailview concept set out to provide users with a rich visual experience which allows them to fully immerse themselves into each trail and I think they have achieved exactly that.”

The Isuzu Trailview can be found at www.isuzutrailview.co.za with social media integration on Facebook (www.facebook.com/isuzusa) and twitter (@isuzusa).

General Grabber MT and AT conquer Africa’s best and worst

• All-new Grabber MT and Grabber successfully completed 7 314 km 18-day African Adventure through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• 10-vehicle convoy conquered wide variety of terrain from tough 4x4 trails to treacherous potholes
• Two main community projects in Zambia – rural school in Maamba Coal Mine receives donation of essential supplies, plus ongoing support for Malambu school near Monze

18 days, six countries, 7 300 km, 29 people and 10 vehicles equipped with the all-new General Grabber MT and the proven Grabber AT – the 2013 General Tyre 4x4 African Adventure has been successfully wrapped up after travelling through some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular scenery, and a wide range of its most challenging conditions.

From the soft sand of Botswana to the rocky 4x4 trails of Zambia and the treacherous potholes of Mozambique, this year’s African Adventure had it all, and once again proved the exceptional performance of the General Tyre product range while revealing the beauty and splendour of this fantastic region.

“Last year’s General Tyre 4x4 African Adventure with the Grabber AT was a great success, and we decided to step it up this year with an even more challenging route to prove the performance of the all-new Grabber MT,” explains Russel Stewart, marketing manager for Continental Tyre South Africa.

“The decision to import the new Grabber MT was taken after we took the Grabber AT to the Rust de Winter 4x4 Jamboree directly after the 2012 African Adventure, and we had lots of interest in a dedicated hard-core off-road tyre to suit the real off-road enthusiasts.”

The MT is produced in America, where it was specially developed for an off-road racing series. One of its key features is the three-ply sidewall construction, which provides exceptional strength and resistance to sidewall damage.

“After more than 7 000 km of Africa’s best and worst driving conditions, we have proven that the MT is a truly brilliant tyre,” Stewart says. “Besides its exceptional performance off-road, what really sets it apart from its competitors is the superb road holding in the dry and wet, its remarkable braking performance, and the fact that it’s very quiet and comfortable at high speed.”

Four vehicles were fitted with the new Grabber MT and the remaining six used the Grabber AT, and both tyres excelled. In all, the vehicles covered a cumulative distance of over 71 000 km without a single puncture or any damage. Surprisingly, despite the punishing conditions and hectic schedule, they also showed very little sign of wear.

Stewart says it was great to have several manufacturers involved in the in the 2013 African Adventure as vehicle sponsors, and their support is really appreciated. “It has been fantastic to see the South African-built vehicles, comprising the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, three Ford Rangers and two brand-new Isuzu KBs participate in the adventure and emerge unscathed.”

The 2013 General Tyre 4x4 African Adventure, which was put together by Continental Tyre South Africa and Adventure Junkies Eastern Cape, set off from the Continental plant in Port Elizabeth on 20 March, and entered Botswana through the Grobler’s Bridge border post. The first off-road foray was the route north along the cut line that forms the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe, and featured both soft sand and sticky mud.

The convoy crossed the mighty Zambezi River by pontoon at the Kazangula Border Post into Zambia on day five. The following day the group of 29 participants visited the spectacular Victoria Falls in Livingstone, and then departed on a long and exclusive 4x4 route through the Maamba Coal Mine. The rocky and mountainous maintenance trail for the mine’s cableway system provided an extreme 4x4 test for the vehicles and tyres alike, and all emerged with flying colours.

It also signalled the arrival at the 2013 African Adventure’s main community project. The small rural school at the top of a hill within the Maamba mine area relies on one small mud building to provide basic education for some 215 children, between the ages of seven and 15, from the surrounding community. The school received a large donation from General Tyre, comprising desperately needed stationery, Stop Hunger Now food parcels, shirts and caps, as well as soccer balls.
Several other smaller communities in Botswana and Zambia were also handed school supplies, food and clothing.

The following two days were spent soaking up the beauty of Lake Kariba and one its many islands, after which the group returned to its community project from last year at the Malambu Middle School near Monze.

It was encouraging to see the huge amount of work the school had done with the funds and supplies donated in 2012. They are busy completing a brand-new classroom block that will include a computer centre, science laboratory and a library for the first time – and there was clearly a new sense of vibrancy and colour to the school in general.

Additional stationery was handed over to ensure the ongoing sustainability for this project, which will continue to receive support from the General Tyre 4x4 African Adventure, including the donation of computers as soon as the classrooms are finished and the government has completed the supply of electricity to the school.

After a visit to the spectacular Lake Kariba dam wall, and a night spent camping at a beautiful nearby resort, the African Adventure headed off the beaten track once again. The route included pushing through a tunnel of thick bush on a trail that hasn’t been used in years, then climbing up a steep mountain range that gave the tyres yet another harsh workout.
On day 11 the group crossed over into Malawi via the Mwami border post. Two fabulous days were spent at Senga Bay on Lake Malawi – the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa – which included travelling to a small island for spectacular snorkelling, and catching majestic fish eagles in action.

Then it was on to Cape Maclear, the trip’s southern-most stop on Lake Malawi, before heading to the town of Zomba with its breathtaking views of the Zomba Plateau stretching off to Mount Mulanje and the Mozambique border on the horizon.

On day 15 the convoy crossed into Mozambique at the Mwanza border. Zambia’s less-than-perfect roads and Malawi’s endless stream of bicycle taxis and commuters were nothing in comparison to Mozambique’s treacherous potholes. The atrocious driving conditions meant that even though the speed limit was 100 km/h, the group only managed an average of 50 km/h en route to Tete for the night.

Next up was Zimbabwe, which was possibly the biggest disappointment of the entire trip. Despite an initial good impression at the border post (other than the frustrating process of vehicle documentation) and some great scenery with stunning boulder-strewn mountains and dense baobab forests, there was simply no suitable accommodation or camping facility to be found anywhere along the route south from Mutare.

So the convoy pushed through the night and managed to cross over the Beit Bridge border post and eventually set up camp back in South Africa in the early hours of the following morning.
The General tyre 4x4 African finally arrived back at Continental Tyre SA in Port Elizabeth on Saturday 6 April, 18 days after departing on this epic adventure. The total distance covered amounted to 7 314 km, with a cumulative distance of over 71 000 km with all 10 vehicles taken into consideration.

That the tyres had coped with the extreme and punishing route without any damage was simply remarkable, and they provided sure-footed driving confidence, regardless of the diverse range of terrain encountered.

Indeed, the new Grabber MT proved that, despite its heavily biased off-road design, it is equally adept at everyday use, without the drawbacks typically associated with hard-core mud-terrain tyres. The Grabber AT, too, reaffirmed its status as one of the most accomplished all-terrain tyres on the market.

It was a truly amazing General Tyre 4x4 African Adventure, with the perfect mix of planning and organisation, routes, superb camping venues, camaraderie, fun and leisure. It was also very satisfying and heart-warming to give something back to Africa with the school projects that will enhance the lives of these children, and assist in providing a better education and a brighter future.