Zwartkops Raceway, Gauteng – In an era of economic unpredictability and rising operational pressures, UD Trucks Southern Africa has demonstrated that steady growth is possible even under challenging conditions. At the 2026 UD Trucks Media Engagement, held against the dynamic backdrop of Zwartkops Raceway, the brand unveiled how disciplined strategy, product innovation, and customer-focused solutions continue to drive confident, stable growth—even in a volatile market.
Resilience Reflected in Performance
Despite escalating input costs, fluctuating fuel prices, and infrastructure constraints, UD Trucks Southern Africa continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner for businesses across the transport sector. The company recorded a strong new-vehicle market share of 8%, with heavy-duty trucks (HD) achieving 10.8%. Aggregate industry sales rose to 31,652 units, surpassing the 31,190 units sold in 2024.
Beyond vehicle sales, UD Trucks’ aftermarket business exhibited robust growth, with Service Agreement uptake reaching approximately 50%, highlighting the brand’s commitment to operational efficiency, uptime, and long-term customer value.
“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.”
Innovation on the Track
The media engagement event offered journalists an immersive ride-and-drive experience with UD’s flagship models, the Quon and Quester. These sessions allowed participants to experience firsthand how UD Trucks’ philosophy of performance, efficiency, and uptime translates directly into real-world driving conditions.
The UD Quon, the brand’s long-haul flagship, continues to set industry benchmarks for technology, productivity, and reliability. Designed for the most demanding heavy-duty applications, the Quon combines advanced connectivity, safety, and driver comfort, ensuring that customers can meet operational pressures with confidence.
“The Quon represents the pinnacle of UD innovation—from performance and safety to driver comfort and connectivity,” Van den Heede said. “It is engineered for customers who demand more from their vehicles.”
UD Quester: Efficiency Designed Around Customer Needs
Also spotlighted was the UD Quester, a versatile truck that has been instrumental in UD Trucks’ global growth markets since its launch in 2013. Built for long haul, general cargo, construction, and waste management applications, the Quester is designed with efficiency, safety, and uptime as central pillars—key factors that influence total cost of ownership.
The 2026 Quester features:
- ESCOT Direct Drive Gearbox, enhancing fuel efficiency and driving consistency
- 4-Stage Retarder, improving braking performance and vehicle control
- UD Stability Control, supporting rollover prevention and directional stability
- Driver Airbag, reinforcing occupant safety
- Refreshed Cab Interior, designed for driver comfort and usability
“Quester is more than a truck—it is a business partner,” said Esaia Taunyane, Sales Director, UD Trucks Southern Africa. “Every feature is guided by customer feedback. By improving efficiency, safety, and the driver experience, we help customers reduce costs and maximize returns on their fleet investments.”
With fuel accounting for a significant portion of fleet expenses, Quester’s advanced engineering, coupled with UD Connected Services, enables operators to optimize fuel consumption without compromising performance or reliability.
Uptime as a Strategic Advantage
A cornerstone of UD Trucks’ value proposition remains vehicle uptime. By integrating predictive maintenance, rapid breakdown support, and proactive servicing, UD Trucks ensures that fleets remain operational, even under demanding conditions.
“Uptime is about anticipation, not reaction,” said Sanjay Naipal, Aftermarket Director. “Through proactive maintenance, strong dealer support, and connected services, we help customers manage costs and maintain productivity.”
Investing in Retail Excellence
UD Trucks Southern Africa recognizes that strong dealer networks are critical to customer satisfaction and operational uptime. Key investments include:
- CMH Commercial Pinetown’s new dealership
- McCarthy Commercial Boksburg upgrade for enhanced service capability
- Expansion at McCarthy Commercial Alrode, increasing workshop and parts capacity
- Ongoing facility improvements in Richards Bay, Worcester, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, and Port Shepstone
These efforts have not gone unnoticed. At the 2025 UD Partner Conference in Japan, South African dealers were globally recognized for excellence:
- McCarthy Commercial Alrode – Aftersales Award
- Billson Trucks – Innovation and Sustainability Award
- CMH Commercial – Retail Excellence Award
People, Purpose, and Community Impact
UD Trucks Southern Africa places people at the heart of its sustainability strategy. Investment in cadet programs, driver training, and leadership development ensures a skilled and future-ready workforce. Recognition at the NAAMSA Automotive Business Council Awards further cemented the brand’s reputation within the industry.
Beyond business, UD Trucks engages meaningfully with communities. Initiatives supporting Nelson Mandela Day included contributions to Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve and SOS Children’s Village Mamelodi, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to social impact.
“Driving further for better goes beyond our products,” Van den Heede concluded. “It reflects our purpose of creating a better life—for people, for the planet, and for sustainable growth. It is about how we support our customers, empower our people, and contribute meaningfully to the communities in which we operate.”
