TRANSPORT
Driving further for better: confident growth through global volatility As economic pressures and ongoing market volatility continue to shape the transport industry, UD Trucks Southern Africa has demonstrated confident, stable growth, supported by disciplined execution, strong retail partnerships and a relentless focus on customer uptime.
success across global growth markets since its launch in 2013. Quester has built a strong reputation for efficiency, durability and versatility across applications including long haul, general cargo, construction and waste management. The Quester 2026 introduces customer- driven enhancements focused on total cost of ownership. These include the ESCOT Direct Drive gearbox for improved fuel efficiency, a four-stage retarder for enhanced braking performance and vehicle control, UD Stability Control for rollover prevention and directional stability, a driver airbag to reinforce occupant safety, and a refreshed cab interior designed around comfort and usability. “Quester is more than a truck, it is a business partner,” said Esaia Taunyane, Sales Director at UD Trucks Southern Africa. “Every feature 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.” Uptime remains a cornerstone of UD Trucks Southern Africa’s value proposition. Through proactive maintenance planning, predictive servicing and rapid breakdown support, the company continues to help customers minimise unplanned downtime and protect productivity. “Uptime is about anticipation, not reaction,” said Sanjay Naipal, Aftermarket Director at UD Trucks Southern Africa. “By combining proactive maintenance solutions with strong dealer support and connected services, we help customers manage costs and keep their fleets moving, even in demanding operating conditions.” Continued investment in the dealer network remains central to delivering a strong customer experience. Recent milestones include the opening of CMH Commercial Pinetown’s new dealership, upgrades at McCarthy Commercial Boksburg, and a major expansion at McCarthy Commercial Alrode. Additional facility improvements are underway in Richards Bay, Worcester, Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Port Shepstone. South African dealers were recognised globally at the 2025 UD Partner Conference in Japan, where McCarthy Commercial Alrode received the Aftersales Award, Billson Trucks was recognised for Innovation and Sustainability, and CMH Commercial received the Retail Excellence Award. People remain central to UD Trucks Southern Africa’s sustainability strategy, with continued investment in skills development, training and leadership programmes recognised at the NAAMSA Automotive Business Council Awards. b
T hese themes were highlighted at the UD Trucks 2026 Media Engage- ment, held at Zwartkops Raceway, where media representatives gained insight into the brand’s strategy, product innovation and customer-centric ap- proach under the theme “Confident, Stable Growth Through Volatile Underneath”. Despite a challenging operating environment marked by rising input costs, fuel volatility and infrastructure pressures, UD Trucks Southern Africa continues to deliver resilient performance, reinforcing customer confidence in the brand’s ability to support long-term business sustainability. This resilience is reflected in the company’s annual results. UD Trucks Southern Africa achieved an overall new-vehicle market share of 8 percent, with a 10,8 percent share in the heavy- duty segment. Aggregate industry sales increased to 31 652 units, up from 31 190 units in 2024. The aftermarket business also delivered solid growth, with Service Agreement uptake reaching approximately 50 percent. This performance reinforces long-term customer value, improved uptime and operational efficiency, highlighting the company’s stability in a demanding economic climate. “While the operating environment remains challenging, our performance
shows that customers trust UD Trucks to deliver reliable solutions that support their businesses,” said 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.” A highlight of the media engagement was a dynamic ride-and-drive session, allowing attendees to experience the UD Quon and UD Quester in real-world driving conditions. The session reinforced UD Trucks’ philosophy of designing vehicles that deliver measurable performance where it matters most, on the road. The UD Quon, the brand’s flagship long- haul model, continues to set the benchmark for innovation within the range. Engineered for demanding heavy-duty applications, Quon combines advanced technology, high productivity and superior uptime to support customers operating under intense commercial pressure. “The Quon represents the pinnacle of UD innovation, from performance and safety to driver comfort and connectivity,” said Van den Heede. “It is engineered for customers who demand more from their vehicles.” Also showcased was the UD Quester, reflecting the continued evolution of a truck that has played a critical role in UD Trucks’
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