As truck dealerships evolve to meet the changing needs of truck transport operators, their focus has shifted toward smarter facilities, advanced technology and a seamless customer experience. Reflecting this industry-wide transformation, UD Trucks Southern Africa – together with partner Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) – has opened a new state-of-the-art dealership in Pinetown, built to deliver future-ready support and service excellence.
The launch follows the flagship opening in Cape Town in 2023 and signals UD Trucks’ on-going commitment to enhancing customer support across Southern Africa. As part of the company’s broader investment in dealer partnerships and customer experience, the new CMH Commercial Pinetown dealership represents a next step in building a network capable of satisfying the needs of a broad spectrum of truck transport operators in a rapidly evolving business environment.
A facility with functionality and comfort
“We value our longstanding relationship with UD Trucks which 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,” says Sean Singleton, franchise director at CMH.
Spanning 28 000 square metres, the upgraded facility features 13 service bays, a modern reception area and a driver lounge with inclusive amenities for both male and female drivers. Every detail is aligned with UD Trucks’ brand promise of “Going the Extra Mile” – creating an environment that is welcoming, functional and tailored to the evolving needs of transport operators, Singleton adds.
The launch event welcomed global and regional UD Trucks leadership, including Koichi Ito, president and CEO of UD Trucks Corporation, who travelled from Japan for the occasion. He was joined by Fabrice Gorlier, senior vice president of UD Trucks International Sales, and Filip Van den Heede, managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa.
“This facility reflects our commitment to our customers in Southern Africa,” says Koichi Ito. “It showcases how UD Trucks continues to innovate, invest and grow in key markets, together with strong partners like CMH. This year we celebrate 90 years since UD Trucks was founded – a momentous occasion that reminds us of our challenger DNA. Throughout our history, we’ve continually challenged the status quo and pursued continuous improvement. Seeing this mindset embraced by our dealers in South Africa is both affirming and inspiring.”
Building partnerships with long-term value
Fabrice Gorlier highlights the deeper significance of this expansion: “This investment in our retail network goes beyond infrastructure growth. It is a transformation that enables our dealers and eventually our customers to thrive. The investments represent longevity, trust, growth and ultimately a better life for people – who experience the uniqueness of the UD brand and drive its success.”
For UD Trucks, retail excellence means more than modern buildings. It’s about creating inclusive, high-performance environments designed around efficiency, technology and long-term customer value. Every dealership is an extension of the brand’s service promise – delivering more than trucks by offering total transport solutions backed by professional, responsive teams, states Gorlier.
“UD Trucks Southern Africa is deeply committed to building strong, respectful partnerships rooted in local relevance and long-term value,” says Filip Van den Heede. “As we say here, ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ – a person is a person through others. While UD Trucks celebrates 90 years globally, we’ve been present in South Africa for over 60 years. Every year has brought continuous improvement. As we reach this milestone, we remain committed to our brand strengths – quality, durability and reliability. This facility reflects our journey toward retail excellence, enabled by dealers who represent the UD brand in a smart and modern way.”
Ruan Joubert, dealer principal at CMH Commercial Pinetown, sees the upgrade as a tool for delivery and trust: “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: Retail Development at UD Trucks Southern Africa, reflects on how partners are stepping into the brand’s vision: “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 relationship with CMH is a strong one, built over many years of mutual respect and collaboration. It’s exciting to witness how our partners are internalising the UD brand and elevating the customer experience in meaningful ways.”
Congratulations from all of us at FleetWatch to UD Trucks SA and CMH!
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