South Africa’s trucking industry relies on more than world-class vehicles – it depends on local manufacturing capability, skilled jobs and the ability to build vehicles designed for African operating conditions. With growing pressure on global supply chains, Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s latest production milestone highlights the enduring value of local assembly and long-term investment in South African industry.
Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) proved this recently by celebrating the production and handover of its 150 000th locally assembled truck at its East London assembly plant – a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645LS/33 delivered to longstanding customer TT Group Holding.
More than six decades of local manufacturing
The milestone marks another chapter in a manufacturing story that began in 1962 when the first L-Type Mercedes-Benz truck rolled off the East London production line. More than 60 years later, the same facility continues to play a central role in supplying Mercedes-Benz Trucks to customers across Southern Africa while supporting localisation, employment and skills development.
According to DTSA, the plant’s growth reflects ongoing advances in manufacturing quality, efficiency, safety and sustainability, while reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa and the broader region.
“The production of our 150 000th truck at the DTSA assembly plant represents far more than a number. It is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship and passion of our people,” says Gladstone Mtyoko, Vice President: Manufacturing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa.
“It reflects the strength of our production capabilities and our relentless focus on quality, efficiency and continuous innovation. This milestone demonstrates the important role we play in powering mobility and keeping Africa moving. I am incredibly proud of this achievement and of the outstanding team behind it, who continue to set the standard for excellence in manufacturing. Sibhiyoza kunye – sikunye siqhubekekela phambili ekugqweseni.”
A history of milestones
The East London plant has recorded a series of significant milestones over the years, including its 60th anniversary in 2022, the production of the 125 000th truck in 2015 and the assembly of OH bus chassis that supported South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup transport requirements.
Other achievements include the production of the 750 000th CKD unit in 2019 and the 800 000th unit supplied from Daimler Truck’s Wörth plant in 2024. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz Trucks also celebrated 25 years of the Actros in South Africa and its assembly in East London.
The latest milestone comes during a landmark year globally for the brand, marking 130 years since the world’s first Mercedes-Benz truck, 30 years of the Actros in Europe and 80 years of the Unimog.
DTSA says it remains focused on continued investment in people, products and production processes as it responds to the evolving needs of the transport industry.
Commenting on the handover of the truck to TT Group Holdings, Olaf Petersen, Vice President: Sales and Marketing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa, said: “It is especially meaningful to deliver our 150 000th locally built truck to TT Group Holding, a valued customer who shares our commitment to performance and excellence. This milestone is not only a reflection of our product strength but of the trust and collaboration that drives our business and the business of our customers forward. The trucking industry is built on strong, enduring relationships. We don’t simply hand over a truck, we partner with our customers and support them throughout their journey.”
Editor’s comment: The significance of 150 000 trucks built in East London extends well beyond a production number – it represents decades of investment in South African skills, industrial capability and supply-chain resilience. For the road freight sector, having trucks built locally by local people remains a strategic advantage that helps keep both the economy and the continent moving. FleetWatch extends its congratulations to the good folk at DTSA on this great milestone – and may we see many more models rolling off the line.
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