Chery names its first bakkie Grootman
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
- Product News
- 2 October 2026
UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA) has announced a new partnership agreement with GC Truck Centre, establishing them as the official service dealer in Harrismith in the Free State.
This strategic partnership reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that our customers have ready access to reliable and efficient service support. It promises to bring significant benefits to the Harrismith region, addressing various challenges faced by the transport industry in this critical area, according to UDTSA.
Filip van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, expressed his excitement about the new partnership, stating: “At UD Trucks, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and support to our customers. Partnering with GC Truck Centre in Harrismith aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure that our customers are always within reach for their service requirements, ultimately contributing to a better life for all involved in the transport industry.”
GC Truck Centre, a respected name in the trucking industry, shares UDTSA’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Through this partnership, UDTSA aims to provide comprehensive service solutions to valued customers in the Harrismith region, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum operational efficiency.
Harrismith is at a crucial crossroads in the Free State connecting to KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
GC Truck Centre, established in 2013, operates workshops in Randfontein, Gqeberha, Durbanville, Ramathlabama, Harrismith and Windhoek. The company is well equipped to address these challenges through access to skilled mechanics and comprehensive knowledge to tackle any repair requirements.
The workshops are designed for transport companies, featuring sleeping facilities and a takeaway shop for drivers and mechanics. Additionally, the breakdown vehicles and workshops are fully equipped and ready to perform repairs anywhere, ensuring minimal downtime for transport companies.
GC Truck Centre’s presence in Harrismith brings many benefits, including providing essential services, creating job opportunities and contributing to the local economy. The company promotes strong work ethics and a wellness programme for employees, enhancing their welfare. Additionally, by highlighting Harrismith through an agreement with a renowned brand, GC Truck Centre boosts local support and trust in UD Trucks, putting the region in the spotlight.
“The service-only dealership in Harrismith represents a significant step forward in our service strategy. We are confident that GC Truck Centre’s industry expertise will play a key role in upholding our high standards of service excellence,” says Marle Visagie, Retail Development General Manager of UD Trucks Southern Africa.
GC Truck Centre’s director, Bernie von Wielligh, added that understanding their clients' needs and providing professional service with utmost urgency are key to their success. Hence our slogan: Urgency Understood.
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
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