UD Trucks celebrating 90 years’ history

UD Trucks Southern Africa’s (UDTSA) historic founding dates back in 1962, and this year marks 90 years of the brand’s existence globally. This significant milestone reflects the brand’s legacy locally as one of the leading brands in the commercial vehicle industry with trucks produced at its assembly plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria.

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UDTSA announced its annual business results, which highlighted the overall new vehicle market at 10.2% with aggregate industry sales at 32 912 compared to the total sales of 30 807 in 2024. Additionally, UDTSA recorded a laudable performance of over 50% in Service Agreements and remains market leader in Euro 5 vehicle sales, attesting to its vision of “Better Life”, bringing more sustainable transport solutions to South Africa.

Filip van den Heede, Managing Director UD Trucks Southern Africa, comments on the performance: “The year 2024 was marked by both domestic and international unpredictable operating conditions which, to a certain degree, impacts on how we do business.

“However, I am particularly pleased at the company’s overall performance and the unwavering support we offered our customers throughout the year despite the prevailing conditions in the industry. This is testament to the right resources we have in place that help us continue to go the extra mile for our customers to keep their trucks on the road where they belong – a robust nationwide dealer network, excellent OEM support, fit-for-purpose products and aftermarket services, parts availability and most importantly, improved uptime, ensuring our customers profitability, productivity and continuing to pave the way for Better Life for South Africa and its people with more sustainable transport solutions,” he says.

Rory Schultz, Sales Director, UD Trucks Southern Africa comments: “Our aim is to be our customers’ ultimate business partner to help them move their businesses forward. It is for this reason that, as a brand, we constantly review our local product range in line with customers’ business requirements. Over and above these enhancements, UD Trucks globally continue to innovate in the new NEV spaces through engaging in different partnerships.”

Sanjay Naipal, Aftermarket Director, UD Trucks Southern Africa, emphasises the importance of these solutions: “As UD Trucks, we understand that for any fleet owner, the biggest pain points are unexpected breakdowns and downtime. With our fully-fledged uptime solutions, we are confident in giving our customers complete peace of mind, reaping the benefits of the preventative measure which result in significantly improved organisation of workshop visits and huge reduction on breakdowns.”

The year 2024 unfolded as a triumphant one for UDTSA, as the company was once again recognised by naamsa, The Automotive Business Council, among the best-performing brands in the entire automotive value chain, across various segments and categories.

At naamsa’s 2024 Accelerator Awards, UDTSA scooped three awards for its distinguished efforts of driving transformation and empowerment in the medium-heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) sector, namely: Job Creator - MHCV Employment Award, Youth Empowering MHCV Award, and Women Empowering MHCV Award.

This recognition not only acknowledges UDTSA’s ongoing efforts in driving meaningful change in the industry and society but further strengthens the company’s dedication and commitment to making a Better Life for people – particularly in the areas of job creation, youth development and gender inclusivity.

In another noteworthy industry acknowledgement, UDTSA was honoured through a gold award in the commercial vehicle sector by National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) DSI Awards – a coveted recognition that speaks to the company’s relentless commitment to going the extra mile and the confidence and faith dealers have in the brand.

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