FAW’s sales success in the heavy commercial vehicle segment of the South African market is thanks – in large part – to the smallest offering in its line-up, the popular 8.140FL. Hailed as a practical and versatile model, it appeals to customers in the farming and agriculture sector, small contractors and businesses and fleet operators alike.
The 8.140FL with manual transmission has proven time and again that, despite its modest dimensions, it packs a mean punch. FAW went to great lengths to ensure that it combines cost-efficiency with the best possible payload and the best turnaround time, without sacrificing any of the quality for which the brand is known. In fact, when it was first introduced, FAW Trucks was lauded for providing local customers with a vehicle that offered the same ruggedness and durability of its larger offerings, but in smaller and dimensions.
“Customer feedback has revealed that one of the main reasons for the 8.140FL’s popularity over the past six years is the fact that, before it was introduced locally, it underwent rigorous testing to ensure that it can withstand the unique – and often harsh – working conditions associated with African markets,” explains Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks SA.
The 8.140FL is sourced from the FAW China Corporation and assembled at FAW Trucks SA’s production facility at Coega, Gqeberha.
Emphasizing its status as a versatile workhorse, practicality is a key feature of the 8.140FL. It has a body and payload allowance of six tonnes and provides seating for a driver and two passengers.
Part of its appeal is its Euro 3 compliant, high-pressure, common rail four-cylinder in-line Cummins ISF 3,8-litre engine. This powerplant is turbocharged and water intercooled, making it ideally suited to the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) segment of the market. With a maximum power output of 105kW at 2,600 r/min, it has a healthy 450Nm of peak torque on tap between 1,200 and 2,200 r/min,
It is sold with a two-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and benefits from the full extent of sales and/or service from representative outlets across South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. FAW Trucks has a dedicated national parts distribution centre in Spartan, supported by its branches in Durban, Harrismith and Cape Town.