Durban, South Africa — In a bold stride toward elevating customer experience and strengthening its dealer network, UD Trucks Southern Africa, in partnership with Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), today inaugurated a state-of-the-art dealership in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. The newly upgraded CMH Commercial Pinetown facility signals another chapter in the brand’s transformation journey, aligning its regional operations with global ambitions and deepening its investment in customer-centric retail excellence.
The opening follows the successful 2023 launch of UD Trucks’ flagship dealership in Cape Town and reinforces the company’s commitment to building a robust and future-ready network across Southern Africa. At its core, this latest development reflects UD Trucks’ continued focus on delivering long-term value for transport operators while nurturing dealer partnerships that drive mutual success.
A Strategic Investment in KwaZulu-Natal
Spanning an impressive 28,000 square metres, the Pinetown dealership has been purposefully designed to embody UD Trucks’ brand ethos of “Going the Extra Mile.” It boasts 13 fully equipped service bays, a contemporary customer reception area, and a driver lounge catering to both male and female drivers—ensuring a welcoming, inclusive environment that meets the evolving expectations of fleet operators and logistics professionals alike.
Speaking at the launch, Sean Singleton, Franchise Director at CMH, emphasized the strategic nature of the investment:
“We value our longstanding relationship with UD Trucks and are proud to represent a brand that consistently delivers on quality and reliability. UD Trucks is not just a supplier—it’s a partner in progress. This investment underscores our shared commitment to innovation, customer service, and growth in the KwaZulu-Natal region.”
Global Endorsement, Local Impact
The significance of the occasion was underscored by the presence of UD Trucks’ global leadership team. Koichi Ito, President and CEO of UD Trucks Corporation, made the journey from Japan to attend the opening, highlighting the facility’s importance within the broader international context.
“This facility reflects our commitment to our customers in Southern Africa,” said Ito. “It showcases how UD Trucks continues to innovate, invest, and grow in key markets, together with strong partners like CMH. As we approach our 90th anniversary in 2025, we are reminded of our challenger DNA—a legacy of continuous improvement and resilience that I see thriving here in South Africa.”
Senior Vice President of UD Trucks International Sales, Fabrice Gorlier, echoed these sentiments, describing the new facility as more than an infrastructure upgrade:
“This investment in our retail network goes beyond bricks and mortar—it’s about transformation. It empowers our dealers and ultimately our customers to thrive. It’s a symbol of longevity, trust, and the human impact behind every journey taken with UD Trucks.”
A Vision Rooted in Excellence and Inclusion
For UD Trucks Southern Africa, retail excellence transcends architectural modernity. It represents a commitment to delivering holistic customer solutions through well-trained teams, seamless service experiences, and environments designed for operational efficiency and inclusivity.
Managing Director Filip Van den Heede offered a powerful reminder of the brand’s local legacy and enduring purpose:
“While UD Trucks celebrates 90 years globally, we’ve proudly served the South African market for over six decades. Our approach is grounded in cultural relevance and long-term value. As we say here, umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu—a person is a person through others. This facility is not just an investment in infrastructure, it’s an investment in people, partnerships, and progress.”
Empowering the People Behind the Brand
That human-centric philosophy is evident in the leadership and passion within the dealership team itself. Dealer Principal Ruan Joubert articulated the mission succinctly:
“Our goal is simple — to be a trusted partner in every mile our customers drive. This upgraded facility equips us to do just that, with greater capabilities and a passionate team ready to go the extra mile.”
Marle Visagie, General Manager of Retail Development at UD Trucks Southern Africa, concluded the day’s celebrations by reflecting on the transformation across the dealer network:
“It is incredibly rewarding to see our dealers embrace what UD truly stands for—going the extra mile, excelling on essentials, and delivering in a smart and modern way. The partnership with CMH exemplifies the power of collaboration in realising our shared vision for a customer-first future.”
A Tangible Commitment to the Road Ahead
The CMH Commercial Pinetown facility is more than just a physical space—it’s a living testament to UD Trucks’ enduring commitment to innovation, resilience, and shared success. As the company continues its strategic rollout of next-generation dealerships across Southern Africa, the Pinetown launch stands as a benchmark for the future—a place where uptime, service excellence, and people remain at the heart of every journey.
