Beyond The 15 – RMA Automotive South Africa Celebrates 15 Years of Engineering Excellence and Innovation

South Africa, November 15, 2023 – Special Vehicles Manufacturer, RMA Automotive South Africa (RMAA SA), proudly marked its 15-year anniversary this week. Since its inception in 2008, the company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation, shaping the future of mobility through advanced engineering and strategic partnerships.
Commemorating the anniversary with the theme, ‘Beyond the 15 – The Future of Mobility Reimagined’, captures the essence of its forward-looking approach in modifying vehicles for export markets, commercial fleet customers, aid organizations, and government agencies.

Embedding Strategic Expertise in South Africa for Africa

RMAA SA stands at the forefront of automotive innovation as a distinguished vehicle modifier, showcasing its expertise in transforming a diverse range of vehicles. From internal combustion engines to advanced technologies like battery-electric vehicles, the specialized vehicles have engineered technologies for delivering power and propulsion solutions to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and a multitude of fleet customers.

The business has renewed its determination and purpose to become an innovative company leading in mobility solutions, and a global player with a balanced footprint across Africa.

“Over the past 15 years in South Africa, we’ve evolved, adapted, and grown. We’ve overcome challenges, embraced change, and seized opportunities. Our success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every individual who has been a part of this remarkable journey. It is the result of the unwavering support of our clients and partners, and the trust and loyalty of our customers,” said Brendan Londt, Country Manager at RMAA SA. 

“Throughout the years, RMAA SA has always strived to be at the forefront of technology, safety, and agility to meet our customers’ requirements and offering them solutions to meet their needs. And now our ambition is to expand our footprint into Africa; not only will we be contributing to the economic development in new markets but more importantly, we will be providing customers across Africa the same excellent service and products in a timeous and cost-effective manner that our South African customers can attest to,” he added.

This 15-year celebratory event marked a legacy of service of how the company has been pushing the boundaries when it comes to innovative mobility solutions. Attendees at the media breakfast also had the opportunity to inspect RMA Special Vehicles’ capabilities and to see first-hand what the future of mobility entails through unmatched innovation, proven performance, and breakthrough life-cycle economics.

Alan Caugant, RMA Automotive Managing Director Global Manufacturing announced the company’s vision for the future and said: “we are making new commitments to develop in three fundamental areas, namely, vehicle personalization, special vehicles solutions and, development and manufacturing competence to ensure that we achieve our financial ambition of doubling our net revenues by 2030 (over 2022) and sustaining a double-digit adjusted operating income margin throughout the decade.”

An impressive strategic development in Africa markets

Representing RMA Group headquartered in Thailand, Christian Wiedmann, RMA Group Senior Vice President and Managing Director Automotive emphasised that the importance of South Africa in the company’s strategy cannot be overstated. “South Africa’s strategic location on the African continent is and will always be a compelling reason for our strong presence here, he said.”

Wiedmann concluded by addressing the talent skills in the continent, saying, “the talent pool in Africa is vast, diverse, and eager to participate in the global economy. By investing in education, skills development, and fostering innovation, the company will not only uplift the lives of individuals but also enhance the organization’s competitiveness on a global scale.”

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About RMA Automotive

RMA Automotive is an innovative company leading in mobility solutions, and a global player with a balanced footprint across the globe.

RMA Special Vehicles core competencies are the special vehicle modification solutions, complex conversions, large scale vehicle personalization and CKD assembly.

RMA Special Vehicles are produced at RMA Automotive’s global manufacturing plants in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Türkiye, Dubai, South Africa, and Australia.

www.rmaspecialvehicles.com/sa

www.rmaspecialvehicles.com

About RMA Group

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, RMA Group employs over 8,000 people and has an operational presence in 14 countries. RMA is the partner of choice for leading automotive, equipment, services, and food brands in Southeast Asia and beyond. Operations consist of the manufacturing of special vehicles, vehicle distribution, retail, and fleet hub services; RMA heavy and agricultural equipment distribution, EFG food franchising and delivery services, engineering, and financial services.

www.rmagroup.net

RMA Special Vehicles Mobile Stroke Unit wins grand prize at WorldInvent Singapore

Singapore, September 6th, 2023 – RMA Special Vehicles Mobile Stroke Unit has won the Gold Medal and World Champion Award at WorldInvent Singapore 22+23” (WoSG).

The MSU is a collaboration between RMA Special Vehicles engineering team and its inventors from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Associate Professor Dr. Yongchai Nilanon, Assistant Professor Dr. Pornchai Chanyakorn and Mr. Chan Wai Zhong. Seb Robertson – General Manager Global Modifications Sales represented RMA Special Vehicles team at the award ceremony.

The Mobile Stroke Unit enables doctors to treat a patient during the time critical window while transferring them to the hospital, thereby increasing their recovery chances by 99%.

This recognition provides RMA SV and the engineering team with the opportunity to stand out in the global market, especially in the Asia Pacific region. RMA Special Vehicles has now secured a certified patent in Thailand, and are actively collaborating with partners to initiate patent registrations in several other countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, and more.

 
The MSU is a specialized vehicle designed for radiological diagnosis. Its interior is partitioned into sections, with a dedicated space for medical personnel, and an area for radiological procedures. The vehicle offers a comprehensive one-stop service, that scans, analyzes the results, and facilitates real-time consultations through a 5G network with attending neurologists.

RMA X TRANSIT 4X4 CONVERSIONS GAME SURVEILLANCE VEHICLES

Pretoria, June 30th, 2023 – RMA Automotive South Africa have built three Ford Transit 4X4 Conversions at their manufacturing facility in Pretoria, South Africa.

This is the first Transit 4X4 Conversion completed at the Home of Special Vehicles in Africa. A team of RMA Special Vehicles technicians from Thailand was deployed to South Africa and completed this project in only two weeks.

The Transit 470E vans were fitted out according to the customers’ specifications by RMAA South Africa’s technicians.

The interior fit out included creating a self contained workstation and a rear storage area. The workstation located behind the driver’s cabin was fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, wooden flooring, a working table and customized storage cabinets, while the rear was fitted out with a generator and full electrical system for running off both the generator, or plug in power, holders for jerry cans, and work lights fitted inside and out, as well as custom interior cladding and finishes.

REFRIGERATED PICK UP – QVM

This one piece refrigerated box is made of high density PU insulation panels with a fully sealed finish and antibacterial fiberglass washable panels.
It provides high thermal efficiency suitable for cold chain transport. With its superior heat insulation and the built in cooler, it is ideal for carrying a variety of cargo from medical supplies to fresh produce and meat products.

This one piece refrigerated box is made of high density PU insulation panels with a fully sealed finish and antibacterial fiberglass washable panels.
It provides high thermal efficiency suitable for cold chain transport. With its superior heat insulation and the built in cooler, it is ideal for carrying a variety of cargo from medical supplies to fresh produce and meat products.

MOBILE MAINTENANCE ROADSTER – QVM

  • MOBILE MAINTENANCE ROADSTER – QVM

    ENJOY YOUR CHALLENGES

A heavy duty, pickup based, mobile maintenance vehicle for unsupported operations in challenging environments and remote locations. Offered with a range of flexible equipment packages mounted in six lockable compartments designed to prevent water and dust ingress.

A heavy duty, pickup based, mobile maintenance vehicle for unsupported operations in challenging environments and remote locations. Offered with a range of flexible equipment packages mounted in six lockable compartments designed to prevent water and dust ingress.

RANGER ERV

The RSV Life Support Ambulance Pick Up ​

RSV have engineered the Life Support Ambulance 1 Ton Pick Up  on a 4X4 base vehicle.

The load box of the 1 Ton Pick Up is converted with either an aluminium box structure or a fiberglass canopy patient area.

The Ford Ranger, Mahindra Scorpio, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser are well suited as ambulances to tackle rugged terrain and where infrastructure is crumbling.

RSV have engineered the Life Support Ambulance 1 Ton Pick Up  on a 4X4 base vehicle.

The load box of the 1 Ton Pick Up is converted with either an aluminium box structure or a fiberglass canopy patient area.

The Ford Ranger, Mahindra Scorpio, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser are well suited as ambulances to tackle rugged terrain and where infrastructure is crumbling.

Life Support Features of the RSV Ambulance Pick Up ​

The patient area has a high roof and is fitted with a stretcher and mounting base, cabin ceiling services panel, double 

rear doors, a rear step, separate air conditioning and a fold away attendant’s seat.

 

There is additional bench seating with seatbelts for three.

 

RMA Special Vehicles provide an extensive range of medical equipment depending on 

the customer’s requirements.

 

 

The RSV Ambulance Pick Up can be fitted with a scoop stretcher and a spine board,  extrication collar, head 

immobilizer, manual sphygmomanometer, portable defibrillator, Premium recovery pack and oxygen tank. 

 

Medical equipment fits snuggly in the cabin and is securely fastened.

 

 

The RSV Ambulance Pick Up has Emergency LED lights, a siren & public address system, a fire extinguisher and 

a standard rescue kit.

 

 

Customers can customize the cabin interior with additional fittings such as a wash basin, 

storage cabinets and a second medical attendant’s seat.

The patient area has a high roof and is fitted with a stretcher and mounting base, cabin ceiling services panel, double rear doors,     a rear step, separate air conditioning and a fold away attendant’s seat.

There is additional bench seating with seatbelts for three.

 RMA Special Vehicles provide an extensive range of medical equipment depending on the customer’s requirements.

The RSV Ambulance Pick Up can be fitted with a scoop stretcher and a spine board,  extrication collar, head immobilizer, manual sphygmomanometer, portable defibrillator, Premium recovery pack and oxygen tank. 

Medical equipment fits snuggly in the cabin and is securely fastened.

The RSV Ambulance Pick Up has Emergency LED lights, a siren & public address system, a fire extinguisher and a standard rescue kit.

Customers can customize the cabin interior with additional fittings such as a wash basin, storage cabinets and a second medical attendant’s seat.

The fully equipped RSV box type Life Support Ambulance uses a 1 ton pick up truck base. 

Developed in conjunction with peace keeping forces and aid agencies, 

the 1 ton box type ambulance is the ideal vehicle to transport patients in hard to reach areas and across rough terrain.

The fully equipped RSV box type Life Support Ambulance uses a 1 ton pick up truck base. 


Developed in conjunction with peace keeping forces and aid agencies, 

the 1 ton box type ambulance is the ideal vehicle to transport patients in hard to reach areas and across rough terrain.

AERIAL PLATFORM

Aerial Platform Vehicle

The RSV Aerial Platform vehicle is designed for a wide range of rigorous outdoor industrial and construction applications. 
Built on a 1-Ton Pick-up, it provides outstanding mobility and agility. 

Equipment is supplied by Socage a leading global manufacturer of aerial platforms.

The leading boom can reach a height of 13 meters, an outreach of 7.20 meters and has a basket rotation of 90° both to the left and right. 

The basket has an automatic levelling system and can operate a total weight of 225kg.

Four foot high grade steel stabilizers or outriggers, provide essential lateral support and chassis levelling properties.

The SV Aerial Platform provides a safe working environment.
The basket is insulated to 1000V and is fitted with start/stop controls that link to the pick-up’s engine.
It is equipped with an emergency manual 
lever override control.
The bucket has a cabin collision system, boom angle sensors to prevent 
overturning and a boom overload warning system.

CAPYBARA S.W.A.T

CAPYBARA S.W.A.T

Capybara SWAT vehicle from Technical Panels is a purpose built armored rescue vehicle designed for the needs of police tactical units and security companies.

It can be configured on any make or model of base vehicle. Standard features include inter-locking doors, a roof hatch, visual reversing system, siren and PA system, DVR system with up to twelve cameras and run flat tyres. 

The B2-B6 steel armored rear compartment has foldable seats for eight persons, racking and a roof hatch.    

Capybara SWAT vehicle from Technical Panels is a purpose built armored rescue vehicle designed for the needs of police tactical units and security companies. It can be configured on any make or model of base vehicle. Standard features include inter-locking doors, a roof hatch, visual reversing system, siren and PA system, DVR system with up to twelve cameras and run flat tyres. The B2-B6 steel armored rear compartment has foldable seats for eight persons, racking and a roof hatch.    

4×4 Transit Ambulance – Ford Transit

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OTHER AMBULANCE RANGE YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED

OTHER AMBULANCE RANGE YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED

THE CAPYBARA RANGE

THE CAPYBARA RANGE

CAPYBARA AMBULANCE

CAPYBARA AMBULANCE

Capybara Life Support Ambulance developed by Technical Panels is built with a flexible exterior configuration concept, which can be built on any base vehicle of any vehicle manufacturer to suit customers’ requirements.

The ambulance interior is equipped with a single stretcher, attendant seating, oxygen tanks, medical storage compartments, and standard life support medical equipment. The unit has its own air conditioning system, rear door access and side windows. It is fitted with a PA system, radio, siren and emergency lightbar.

Designed to meet the needs of developing countries, this modified ambulance uses the ever-reliable Ford Transit as its base.

Its contemporary design can be customized to individual requirements and it delivers everything health service providers require – durability and reliability come at an affordable price.

4×4 Transit Ambulance – Ford Transit

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CAPYBARA AMBULANCE INTERIORS

CAPYBARA CIT

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OTHER AMBULANCES IN THE RANGE

OTHER AMBULANCES IN THE RANGE

THE CAPYBARA RANGE

THE CAPYBARA RANGE

RMA Group Announces Launch of PHEV Program

  • RMA Group commences a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Conversion Program at its RMA Automotive (RMAA) Assembly and Distribution Center in Thailand
  • RMAA has successfully completed a pilot program installing HEV system to test vehicles using a proven HEV technology from XL Fleet
  • The program is aimed at fleet and retail customers who wish to reduce their CO2 footprint and running costs
  • RMAA has purchased proven hybrid technology and existing key component inventory from US based company, Spruce Power, formerly known as XL Fleet, will cease operations of its hybrid and drivetrain related business lines on January 1st, 2023.

December 21st, 2022 – RMA Group has announced that it will be offering both Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Conversion Programs with the acquisition of proven EV technology from XL Fleet (Spruce Power) located in Wixom, MI, USA. Engineers at the RMA Automotive (RMAA) Assembly and Distribution Center in Thailand have successfully tested the installation of lithium-ion batteries and hybrid technology on research vehicles during 2022.  

This IP acquisition allows RMAA to participate in the growing Electric Vehicle segment by offering an initial range of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) kits.

Typical fuel economy improvements range from 20% to 45% based on kilometers per liter reading depending on the HEV or PHEV system. . The technology is compatible with most pick-ups and light commercial vehicles. It has been developed to provide fleet and retail customers with an immediate practical solution to improve their CO2 footprint and reduce running costs on their existing fleets.   

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies transform a factory OEM vehicle into a more fuel-efficient hybrid, by adding an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery pack, and control software. No changes are made to the internal combustion engine or transmission.

The plug-in hybrid system offers regenerative braking and features a volume proven high voltage lithium battery pack.

RMAA have purchased HEV and PHEV technology from US based Spruce Power, formerly known as XL Fleet, who will cease operations of their hybrid and drivetrain related business lines.  XL Fleet was a certified Vehicle Modifier for all major North American brands and has electrified many of the most common commercial fleets such as vans, pick-up trucks and shuttle buses, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric drive solutions.

RMA Group will make further announcements on the roll out of its HEV and PHEV business during the first quarter of 2023.   

About RMA Group

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, RMA Group employs over 7,800 people with operations in 14 countries. RMA is the partner of choice for leading automotive, equipment, services and food brands in Southeast Asia and beyond. Automotive operations include distribution, service and global parts supply and special vehicle manufacturing; heavy and agricultural equipment distribution, food franchises (EFG),  engineering services (Comin Asia) and financial services (partnering with Bank South Pacific). Ford Global Fleet Sales, the global export distributor for Ford, are located in the US and Dubai.

www.rmagroup.net

About RMA Automotive

RMA Automotive is a major global supplier of modified vehicles, fleet services, accessories, parts supply, after sales support and technical training. RMA Special Vehicles dominate in their category of robust, specially engineered vehicles, suited to a range of applications and diverse customer needs – from large fleet customers, governments and aid organizations to multinational companies who rely on RMA Automotive’s large-scale capacity and high quality standards.

RMA Automotive, is headquartered in Thailand, at the 90,000m2 Assembly & Distribution Center. It has  further manufacturing facilities in Cambodia, Myanmar, Dubai, Turkey, South Africa and Australia.