FAW has done it again! If you’re looking to upgrade your fleet and take your long-haul transport business to the next level, you need to check out the all-new flagship FAW J7 heavy-duty performance truck. Recently launched in Sandton, Johannesburg, the J7 brings sophistication, technology, reliability and next-level performance to the market. The J7 won’t replace the trusted JH6 range. However, it will offer a refined, premium version of what FAW has already proven works.

Built with fleet productivity, safety and operator comfort in mind, the J7 is designed to tackle the real demands of African conditions. It boasts a high-output powertrain, automated transmission, advanced safety systems and connected-driver comfort, all neatly wrapped in one valuable product that challenges other brands in the market.

“This vehicle is designed for the demands of modern logistics businesses that need dependable performance, lower operating pressure, and a truck that supports both business productivity, driver comfort and safety on long-distance routes, backed with a B10 service life of 1,5 million kilometres,” said Xin Huang, COO of FAW Trucks South Africa, during the launch event.

A tried and tested product

The development of the J7 took six years and countless tests to ensure it’s a top-of-the-range competitor against other brands, deploying 200 units over a six-year period. This culminated in over 18 million km of testing. Ricqui Alexander, National Service Manager at FAW, said: “This included case testing, long haul testing and short haul
testing across various different European and Asian markets. One notable test included a route from Changchun, where FAW head offices are in China, to Turin in Italy.

This particular corridor is 20 000 kilometres long and covers 99,9% of global operating scenarios. This includes mountainous areas, extreme temperatures, plataus and dust environments and in some cases even more extreme conditions than one would experience in South Africa.”

These tests were done in conjunction with well-established companies like ZF and Bosch to ensure that the maximum service life could be achieved from these units.

“The J7, if maintained correctly and maintenance practices are adhered to, achieves a retail service life of 1,5 million kilometres,” Alexander added.

Ricqui Alexander, National Service Manager of FAW Trucks Southern Africa during the J7 launch.

Getting down to the basics

The J7 enters the market as a premium 6×4 tractor for long-haul and cross-border transport, with clear emphasis on driver experience, safety and comfort. It comes with a premium extra-wide sleeper of 900 mm, a high-roof cab height of 2 150 mm and a flat-floor layout. Features include a 600 mm air suspension seat, integrated 27-litre
fridge, noise reduction of 63,2 dB while driving, automatic climate control and a generous 1 350-litre storage space.

The reinforced all-steel cab structure is paired with advanced driver-assistance and safety systems, including AEBS (Advanced Emergency Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), FCW (Forward Collision Warning), LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and an integrated camera-monitor system to keep drivers focused and safe. FAW Trucks Southern Africa also offers suspension options tailored to operational needs: Rear air suspension for sensitive cargo or parabolic leaf springs for maximum durability and strength.

Top-of-the-range operating system

With a state-of-the-art truck, you should have superior telematics, and this is where the Chinese company Juwei comes in. They have developed the FAW OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) telematics system used in FAW products.

“Yuwei is FAW’s OEM telematics. After years of evolution, we have become an international leader in OEM technologies. We connect over 2,2 million vehicles in real time, have more than 200 000 fleet partners, a global annual growth of more than 300 000 online vehicles and process 220 TB of data. But global leadership is not
only about data but about presence,” explained Jane Zheng, Marketing Manager for FAW Telematics.

This OEM system is a fully scaled API (Application Programming Interface) system to help you keep track of your fleet, your drivers, your operations and your production.

It can provide customers with:
• Engine data
• Gearbox data
• Electronic metering
• T-box data
• Location data
• Fault data
• Driver behaviour analysis
• Alert data

Going the extra mile

FAW didn’t stop there. FAW Financial Services announced a balloon loan available to clients, with ultra-low payments and flexible trade-in or refinance options. Liu Xiao, CEO for FAW Financial Services, explains: “Your cash flow should be readily available as a safety cushion for your business. That is why we want you to buy a vehicle with a
professional auto finance company and make use of our exclusive auto loan.”

First look at the new J7 during the launch.

They have calculated this payment based on the J7 retail price, with 50% imported over a 48-month term and a 30% payment at maturity. This means your monthly payment could be as low as R41 000, which is 34% lower compared
to traditional products, and R3 600 lower than European loan products. The new flagship J7 will also be assembled locally at the FAW Coega plant in the Eastern Cape. Backed by FAW’s strong support infrastructure, operators also benefit from a broad dealer footprint across Southern Africa, 24/7 parts availability, roadside assistance and an industry-standard warranty of up to 36 months or 600 000 km.

It’s time for transport to step into the future, and the FAW J7 is leading the way. Learn more about this exciting model by visiting the FAW website: www.faw.co.za.