A highlight of October Transport Month and SA Auto Week 2024 was the WesBank-sponsored naamsa Accelerator Awards, which brought together key stakeholders to honour the finest achievements across the automotive value chain. Recognising the vital role truck OEMs play in the local economy, naamsa (National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa) awarded several stalwart truck suppliers in a number of categories that, in concert, represent a significant move towards road freight industry sustainability.
According to Mikel Mabasa, naamsa CEO: “The naamsa Accelerator Awards reflects the heartbeat of the automotive industry, celebrating excellence and innovation that drive us forward. As we celebrated our centenary this year, naamsa honoured people and their achievements that set the standard for the future, and for the significant contributions made to the growth and sustainability of the automotive industry in South Africa.”
Independently audited data ensured that the awards were objective and comprehensive, states Mabasa, with winners being selected based on “a rigorous evaluation of performance across multiple categories, from product innovation to socio-economic impact.”
Award categories included new vehicle sales, manufacturing, dealership performance, alternative energy vehicles, and workplace transformation and empowerment. Three truck OEMs dominated the podium, thanks to their quality products and consistent dedication to improving the work environment for their employees and customers, and to uplifting the living conditions of the communities in the areas in which they operate.
Daimler Truck SA scoops four awards
In the wake of the new eActros 600 winning International Truck of the Year at IAA 2024, the local diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz Actros scooped top honours competing for a 2024 naamsa award in the Extra-Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year category of New Vehicle Sales. This is the second consecutive year that the Mercedes-Benz Actros has received this award.
Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) also received three other awards: the WesBank Transformation Performance Award for achieving B-BBEE Level 1, the WesBank Transformation Performance Award for the most improved B-BBEE Scorecard and received recognition for its contribution to society in the advancement and development of local communities.
“The naamsa SA Auto Week was once again a highlight event for DTSA and we commend their entire team for pulling off yet another successful conference,” says Maretha Gerber, president and group CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa. “DTSA has a clear commitment towards driving sustainable transportation with its goal to offer CO2-neutral products by 2050 and welcomed President Ramaphosa’s announcement at the naamsa event that the government is considering new incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) to make EVs more accessible to the market.
“Walking away with four awards at the naamsa Accelerator Awards evening was another highlight for our company and a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment towards the automotive industry and driving it forward into the future.”
Isuzu bags three coveted awards
Clearly demonstrating its holistic vision for local corporate citizenship, Isuzu Motors South Africa (Isuzu), received three awards at the naamsa event, including the Transformation Performance Award, Heavy and Medium Commercial vehicles of the year for New Vehicle Sales (for the F-series and N-series respectively); and a recognition for the contribution made to society in the advancement and development of local communities.
Billy Tom, president of Isuzu Motors South Africa, says: “We are deeply honoured by the recognition from naamsa. These awards reflect the tireless efforts of the entire Isuzu team, whose dedication to producing high-quality vehicles and driving societal leadership in various transformation initiatives is unwavering. It is testament to our commitment in empowering local communities and maintaining high levels of industry excellence.”
The WesBank Transformation Performance Award, for maintaining an industry leading B-BBEE Level 1 among local Manufacturing OEMs, which the company has held for five consecutive years, reaffirms Isuzu’s leadership in creating sustainable business practices and fostering inclusivity and diversity throughout the value chain, states Tom.
“This accolade celebrates Isuzu’s active role in driving socio-economic transformation and driving positive change both within Isuzu and in the broader communities.”
Celebrating its vehicle victories, Isuzu’s N-Series continues to dominate in the medium commercial vehicle space. “This award reaffirms the N-Series’ remarkable versatility, dependability, and performance, which have made it a favourite among customers for many years in the Medium Commercial Vehicle category,” says Tom.
“Equally, the Isuzu F-Series’ recognition as Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year reaffirms the brand’s stronghold in the heavy truck segment. Its robust performance, superior quality and reliability have made it a standout choice for businesses requiring heavy-duty transport solutions.”
Isuzu received a recognition award for the contribution made to society in the advancement and development of local communities. “As a responsible corporate citizen, Isuzu Motors South Africa is committed to playing a societal leadership role with a focus on education, community development and conservation,” adds Tom.
UD Trucks Southern Africa scores in the empowerment category
UD Trucks Southern Africa won three awards: Job Creator MHCV Employment Award, Youth Empowering MHCV Mana Award and Women Empowering MHCV Mana Award.
Filip Van den Heede, managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa engaged with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who attended SA Auto Week. He states: “It was an absolute honour to meet President Ramaphosa and discuss the importance of innovation and sustainability in South Africa’s automotive future. His passion for developing the industry and creating opportunities for all South Africans resonates deeply with our mission at UD Trucks.
“These awards are a testament to our unwavering dedication to transformation and empowerment across the industry. At UD Trucks Southern Africa, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is the key to driving progress, not only within our company but throughout the broader automotive landscape.”
Janet Frost, director of human resources at UD Trucks Southern Africa, echoed this sentiment: “Transformation is at the heart of what we do. Our programs, such as the YES (Youth Employment Service) initiative, have successfully led to permanent employment for several candidates, creating pathways to lasting careers. Additionally, our Ultimate Women Program is breaking new ground by extending beyond the trucking industry to include bus driver training, further promoting gender inclusivity in historically male-dominated fields.”
“Through these efforts, UD Trucks remains committed to its purpose of ‘Better Life’, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all on the road.”
From FleetWatch’s objective desk, the naamsa Accelerator Awards, and indeed SA Auto Week, proved to be valuable forums for industry leaders to join hands in our common purpose to transform the industry into an equitable, efficient and sustainable socio-economic contributor.
Kudos to Daimler Truck SA, Isuzu and UD Trucks SA for helping to pave the way for others to traverse, safe in the knowledge that the blueprint is a proven one. And, “Bravo!” to all the people involved in the weeklong event!