While economic pressures and market volatility continue to shape the South African transport industry, truck and truck components supplier UD Trucks Southern Africa has experienced relatively stable growth, supported by “disciplined execution, strong retail partnerships and a focus on customer uptime”.

Despite rising input costs, fuel price volatility and infrastructure pressures, UD Trucks Southern Africa’s resilient performance has reinforced customer confidence in its ability to support business sustainability.

The company achieved an overall new-vehicle market share of 8%, amid aggregate industry sales rising to 31 652 units, up from 31 190 units in 2024. The aftermarket business also saw robust growth, with service agreement uptake at about 50%.

“While the operating environment remains challenging, our performance shows that customers trust UD Trucks to deliver reliable solutions that support their businesses,” said UD Trucks Southern Africa MD Filip Van den Heede.

“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,” he added.

Product Innovation

A highlight of UD Trucks’ 2026 Media Engagement event in January 2026, was a “ride-and-drive session”, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the UD Quon and the Quester in real-world driving conditions.

The UD Quon is UD Trucks’ flagship long-haul model, and it “continues to set the benchmark for innovation in the range”. Engineered for demanding heavy-duty applications, it combines advanced technology, high productivity and “superior uptime to support customers operating under intense commercial pressure”.

Van den Heede averred that the Quon represents the “pinnacle of UD innovation”.

The UD Quester, meanwhile, represents the latest version of a truck that has been integral to UD Trucks’ success globally. First launched in 2013, the Quester has a reputation for efficiency, durability and versatility across applications including long haul, general cargo, construction and waste management.

Key features on the UD Quester 2026 include an ESCOT direct drive gearbox, to improve fuel efficiency and driving consistency; a 4-stage retarder, enhancing braking performance and vehicle control; UD stability control, supporting rollover prevention and directional stability; driver airbag; and a refreshed cab interior, designed for driver comfort.

“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,” said UD Trucks SA sales director Esaia Taunyane.

Uptime, Dealers and Community Impact  

UD Trucks Southern Africa affirmed that uptime is a cornerstone of  its value proposition, citing its proactive maintenance planning, predictive servicing, and breakdown support, which help customers minimise unplanned downtime.

It also continues to invest in its dealer network, recognising that retail environments are critical to shaping customer experience. Recent milestones include the opening of CMH Commercial Pinetown’s new dealership; the McCarthy Commercial Boksburg dealership upgrade; and a major expansion at McCarthy Commercial Alrode.

Continued investment in cadet development, driver training and leadership programmes reinforce UD Trucks Southern Africa’s commitment to its staff and the broader industry, while its contributions to Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, and partnership with SOS Children’s Village Mamelodi reflect its role in its host communities.

“‘Driving further for better’ goes beyond our products . . . 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,” Van den Heede concluded.