The Mercedes-Benz Trucks Woerth Plant, Germany, selected South Africa as the destination for its 800 000th CKD-Kit for assembly at Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s (DTSA) manufacturing plant in East London.
This occasion was not only a joint celebration for the East London-based DTSA manufacturing plant and its source plant in Woerth, but also a celebration with their loyal customers: Sesfigile Logistics and Safety One Logistics, who bought the truck in commemoration of their respective 20th and 10th anniversaries. Both companies are owned and operated by Nelen Gounder, who took delivery of the unit at the plant.
The largest truck assembly plant of Mercedes-Benz Trucks was founded in Woerth am Rhein in 1963. The Actros, Arocs and Atego model series are built here. The Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Econic, Unimog and Zetros are also built in Woerth. In 2021, series production of the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 300/400 for distribution haulage started in the plant. In 2022, the second Mercedes-Benz eEconic electric series-production truck for municipal use followed. In October 2023, the eActros 600 for long-distance haulage was presented to the global public and will go into series production in Woerth at the end of 2024.
The DTSA Assembly Plant in East London has a rich history spanning more than 60 years. The very first Mercedes-Benz Truck, the L-type, rolled off the assembly line in 1962. Fast forward to 2024, and thousands of trucks and buses have rolled off the assembly line since. Employing approximately 300 people, the plant is a crucial employer for the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and currently one of the biggest CKD-plants for Daimler Truck outside of Europe. In 2019, DTSA also received the 750 000th CKD unit for assembly, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2652 LS 6×4.
Jeanne Esterhuizen, who leads the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has issued a compelling appeal to the wider automotive aftermarket sector to sustain and strengthen its commitment to safety excellence, environmental responsibility and superior operational standards. These are cornerstones she believes are vital for developing a resilient and ethically sound industry.
Given the ongoing discussions about logistics efficiency, diesel price volatility and the broader freight performance outlook in South Africa, Dealerfloor publish commentary from Banie Claasen, Managing Executive for Specialised Lending Products at Absa Business Banking on this important topic.
The South African motor industry continues to defy expectations by posting another month of exceptional growth.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Jeanne Esterhuizen, who leads the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has issued a compelling appeal to the wider automotive aftermarket sector to sustain and strengthen its commitment to safety excellence, environmental responsibility and superior operational standards. These are cornerstones she believes are vital for developing a resilient and ethically sound industry.
Given the ongoing discussions about logistics efficiency, diesel price volatility and the broader freight performance outlook in South Africa, Dealerfloor publish commentary from Banie Claasen, Managing Executive for Specialised Lending Products at Absa Business Banking on this important topic.
The South African motor industry continues to defy expectations by posting another month of exceptional growth.
