Select owners and major handlers of Mack trucks in Africa are currently undergoing training programme in Nigeria on the maintenance strategies for the new technology being deployed in the engine of the trucks.

Experts from the North American Institute are taking participants from at least five African countries through the special programme being organised by Lanre Shittu Motors, the sole authorised dealer of Mack trucks in Nigeria.

The Director, After-sales, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, who disclosed this on Monday at the training session in Lagos, also said that the company had in the last two years invested over N2bn in workshop upgrade, training, spare parts and other related after-sale activities.

Apart from dealer/customer personnel training, the American institute is also reputed for providing standard services, parts, business improvement processes and management skills development for Mack trucks and Volvo trucks.

Shittu said the training programme, which would last for two weeks, was the first of its kind in the country, adding that they hoped to continue to hold the event every six months.

The training, according to him, was specifically designed by Mack Incorporation, the manufacturer of the truck, to assist owners of the vehicles, surmount the challenges being encountered in the maintenance of the new engines.

"All engines are getting electronic. We therefore decided to give opportunity to major Mack users and fleet owners to know how to handle the new technology as an indication that we do not only sell the trucks but also support our customers," he said.

Shittu disclosed that at least 50 engineers from four other African countries, apart from Nigeria , were attending the training at company's new office facility in Lagos .

He stressed that the intensive training programme was free for all participants.

He explained that a Mack truck, if well maintained, could last for over 40 years, and he urged users of the trucks to follow proper maintenance procedures to enable them serve their lifespan.

Recalling how the programme came about, Shittu said, "We have become the sixth best marketer in the world from last year. After this achievement, Mack Incorporation decided to Lanre Shittu a new focus. This has led to this training programme from the North American Institute."

He also said that the company was investing heavily on a number of activities including workshop tools, genuine spare parts, employment and regular training of specialists among other after sales services.

For instance, he said, "For every four senior Mack expatriates, we are opportune to have one of them here. We also have six other expatriates from different parts of the world working with us here at Lanre Shittu."

NAMI's Manager, Service Training, Mr. Tom Reichl, said the training would offer the people better understanding of the truck equipment, noting that the technology in the truck ha grown over the years.

"If the driver and the enginees fail to step their knowledge of the truck, the haphazard working of the engine would slow down their operation of the truck," he said. He commended the efforts of the motor company, stressing, "You cannot operate this company effectively without this type of training."

The training, he added, would cover specific areas such as general maintenance, designs functions and repairs, electrical and electronic engineering sections.