Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 2026
As economic pressures and market volatility continue to shape the local transport industry, UD Trucks Southern Africa says it has demonstrated confident and stable growth, supported by strong retail partnerships and a relentless focus on customer uptime.
These themes came to life at the UD Trucks 2026 Media Engagement, recently held at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane.
The company achieved an overall new vehicle market share of 8%, with aggregate industry sales rising to 31 652 units, up from 31 190 units in 2024. The aftermarket business also recorded robust growth, with service agreement uptake reaching approximately 50%.
“While the operating environment remains challenging, our performance shows that customers trust UD Trucks to deliver reliable solutions that support their businesses,” says Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa. “Our focus remains clear, to drive further for better by offering innovative products, strong retail partnerships and solutions that make a real difference to customer operations.”
The UD Quon, UD Trucks’ flagship long haul model, continues to set the benchmark for innovation in the range. Engineered for demanding heavy duty applications, the Quon combines advanced technology, high productivity and superior uptime to support customers operating under intense commercial pressure, the company states.
Also showcased was the UD Quester, reflecting the continued evolution of a truck that has played a critical role in UD Trucks’ success across global growth markets. First launched in 2013, the Quester has built a strong reputation for efficiency, durability and versatility across a wide range of applications.
Key features on the UD Quester 2026 include:
“Quester is more than a truck, it is a business partner,” says Esaia Taunyane, Sales Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa. “Every feature on the Quester is guided by customer feedback. By improving efficiency, safety and the driver experience, we help customers reduce total cost of ownership and achieve stronger long-term returns on their fleet investments.”
“Uptime is about anticipation, not reaction,” says Sanjay Naipal, Aftermarket Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa. “By combining proactive maintenance solutions with strong dealer support and connected services, we help customers manage costs, protect productivity and keep their fleets moving, even in demanding operating conditions.”
UD Trucks Southern Africa continues to invest in its dealer network, recognising that strong retail environments are critical to customer experience and uptime. Recent milestones include the opening of CMH Commercial Pinetown’s new dealership, the McCarthy Commercial Boksburg dealership upgrade to enhance service capability, and a major expansion at McCarthy Commercial Alrode to increase workshop and parts capacity. Additional facility improvements are underway in Richards Bay, Worcester, Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Port Shepstone.
Dealer excellence was further recognised on the global stage at the 2025 UD Partner Conference in Japan, where South African dealers received multiple awards.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
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