UD Trucks Southern Africa has expanded its regional footprint into Zambia through a strategic partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia, part of Motus Africa, establishing a three-location dealer network in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi.
The move comes as Zambia seeks to strengthen its position as a regional transport and logistics hub, with efficient road freight and cross-border trade playing an increasingly important role in connecting African markets.
The partnership gives UD Trucks a foothold in a strategically important market while bringing its Japanese-engineered commercial vehicles and dedicated aftersales support closer to Zambian operators.
The launch, held at Imperial Motors Zambia’s Kafue Road facility in Lusaka, marks another step in UD Trucks Southern Africa’s regional expansion, following the introduction of the brand in Malawi in 2025. The network will serve key industries including mining, agriculture, construction, logistics and distribution.
Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Fredrick Mwalusaka, attended the launch as Guest of Honour. In his address, he highlighted the importance of efficient goods movement in supporting economic development and strengthening Zambia’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub.
Local partnership supports regional expansion
Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, said Zambia was an important market for the brand’s regional growth strategy: “Our partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia provides a strong foundation for building the UD Trucks brand locally.
“By combining our Japanese engineering heritage and global expertise with an established local partner’s market knowledge and customer relationships, we are creating the platform to deliver dependable transport solutions and long-term value.”
Imperial Motors Zambia brings 12 years of experience in the local automotive market. Its existing portfolio includes Nissan, OMODA and JAECOO, with UD Trucks adding a dedicated commercial vehicle offering. The business is part of Motus Africa, giving it access to a wider regional automotive network.
Tim Jaques, Chairman of Imperial Motors Zambia and CEO of Motus Africa, highlighted the group’s continued commitment to the Zambian market. He said the introduction of UD Trucks is built on Imperial Motors Zambia’s existing portfolio and reflects its ambition to broaden its offering while continuing to develop its facilities, people and customer-service capabilities.
The partnership also provides an opportunity to strengthen the company’s position in Zambia’s commercial vehicle sector and build on Motus Africa’s wider regional automotive network.
According to Christophe Henning, General Manager of Imperial Motors Zambia: “Our responsibility extends well beyond the initial vehicle purchase. Customers need dependable products, access to genuine parts, skilled technicians and professional aftersales support throughout their vehicles’ operating lives.”
Aftersales support and customer uptime
The three-location network is intended to provide operators with access to vehicle servicing, genuine parts and technical expertise, particularly in industries where vehicle availability and operating costs have a direct bearing on business performance.
Graham Kolm, SSA Markets General Manager: Trucks Southern Africa at UD Trucks Southern Africa, stressed a sharp customer focus: “Through our partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia, we want to help customers identify the right solutions for their operations and support them in maximising uptime, improving operational efficiency and achieving long-term value.”
For UD Trucks Southern Africa, the Zambian launch strengthens its regional dealer network and extends its reach into a market where mining, agriculture and cross-border trade generate significant demand for commercial transport.
Editor’s comment: Zambia is an important addition to UD Trucks Southern Africa’s regional footprint. But establishing a dealer network is only the starting point. In a market where mining, agriculture and regional trade place considerable demands on commercial vehicles, the real test will be the availability of parts, skilled technical support and reliable aftersales service. Three locations provide a useful foundation. Now the brand needs to make them count.
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