
Chery’s Lepas moves into premium SUV segment
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
- Industry News
- 25 April 2025
Volvo Trucks South Africa has appointed a new aftermarket and service dealer in Eswatini.
The newly appointed dealer, Motruck, is located in Matsapha and has more than two decades of experience in commercial vehicle service and maintenance, as well as a vast knowledge of the local industry. The Motruck operations are strategically located in the industrial area, with easy access to numerous major roads, including the MR3 highway. Several of Volvo Trucks’ major fleet customers also have their depots and headquarters in the area.
“We currently have 19 dealers in South Africa and representation in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and now in Eswatini. This move brings world-class support closer to some of the larger Volvo Trucks fleets operating in Eswatini and cross border into South Africa,” explained Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “With the Volvo Trucks’ vehicle parc continuing to increase, we are strengthening our reach with a focused strategy of bringing valuable support right to our customers’ doorsteps.”
Eswatini has close economic ties to South Africa, which it depends on for about 85% of its imports and 60% of exports. The country is also a member of the Common Monetary Area (CMA), together with Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. For this reason, many South African logistics companies run cargo to and from Eswatini, with additional support required to ensure the productivity of their fleets.
“Through skilled technicians, genuine parts and specialised tools, Volvo Trucks dealers are committed to keeping our customers’ trucks in peak condition and on the road as much as possible,” said Christensen. “We believe that the quality of our dealerships and the level of sustainable support they provide along the major trade corridors in the region, add significant value to our customers’ operations.”
After 28 years as the Ford dealership in the rural town of Aliwal North, the Blue Oval will no longer be officially represented in this part of the Eastern Cape.
Inefficiency in a dealership is often not that obvious and that is why it is difficult to identify and address.
In the face of a shifting premium automotive market, Audi South Africa is also currently re-aligning its retail operations according to the new reality where the premium vehicle sector has contracted to nearly a third of its size compared to a decade ago, with 2024 marking the lowest level yet.