The 2025 Naamsa Accelerator Awards once again set the benchmark for excellence across South Africa’s automotive and commercial vehicle sectors, recognising brands that drive innovation, reliability and customer trust. In the commercial vehicle categories, Mercedes-Benz’s Actros truck, Isuzu’s medium and heavy commercial ranges and MAN’s Lion’s Explorer bus took top commercial vehicle product honours.
FleetWatch was also among the winners, scooping two awards in the automotive media category for its contribution to the industry. For the heavy commercial vehicle sector, these accolades highlight not just market success but the collective effort behind every mile – from OEM engineers and dealer networks to the storytellers keeping the industry accountable and inspired.
DTSA celebrates people, purpose and progress
For Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA), the evening was a double triumph. The Mercedes-Benz Actros was named Extra-Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year for the third consecutive year while the company also received the B-BBEE Certificate Performance Award for achieving Level 1 MHCV B-BBEE status.
“We feel truly honoured to have received two awards at the 2025 NAAMSA Accelerator Awards evening. These awards are more than recognition; it is a reminder of why we do what we do,” said Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO of DTSA.
“In an industry that is constantly evolving, staying true to our values while embracing change is no small feat. Therefore, we celebrate not just the win, but the journey, the people and the purpose that got us here. Encouraged by this recognition we continue our journey with purpose and care.”
Isuzu’s consistent strength and customer focus
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) took home a trio of accolades, recognised as the overall winner in the New Vehicle Sales category in both the Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year awards for its N-Series and F-Series trucks as well as for achieving B-BBEE Level 1 status for the sixth consecutive year.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition for both New Vehicle Sales and our B-BBEE Level 1 achievement,” said Billy Tom, President of Isuzu Motors South Africa. “Being recognised across three categories is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional products, services and experiences to our customers.”
MAN’s enduring success in the passenger transport market
MAN Truck & Bus South Africa maintained its winning form with the Lion’s Explorer named Bus of the Year. “This award is a testament not only to our sales success but to the strength of our partnership with operators across South Africa,” said Giacomo Virgili, Head of Bus Sales.
Echoing this sentiment, Jan Aichinger, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus South Africa, added: “As the commercial vehicle market continues to evolve, with new technologies and customer needs reshaping the sector, MAN has shown it can adapt without compromising on delivering quality vehicles to our customers.”
FleetWatch’s double delight
A surprise for FleetWatch’s own Patrick O’Leary was the Business Journalist of the Year trophy being handed to him! The problem was, he wasn’t at the award ceremony – he was at Van Reenen’s Pass attending Philip Hull’s memorial service.
A further surprise was FleetWatch itself being crowned Media House of the Year. Not bad for a publication that’s spent three decades chasing trucks, not headlines.
“It truly is a humbling experience to have received these awards and to be on stage with the champions of the automotive and trucking industries,” said O’Leary. “It came as a total surprise and these awards belong to every OEM, dealer, truck driver, and all the diesel-stained heroes who keep this industry alive – and certainly to the magnificent FleetWatch Team!” When it comes to trucking passion and straight-shooting journalism, FleetWatch still has plenty of fuel in the tank.
Editor’s comment: The Naamsa Accelerator Awards continue to serve as a valuable barometer of performance and progress across the industry. From the Actros and Isuzu’s enduring workhorses to MAN’s buses and all the other truck and bus OEMs who make the commercial transport industry great, the message is clear – consistency, innovation and customer focus remain the cornerstones of success. FleetWatch’s recognition alongside these OEM giants underlines the shared commitment to a safer, smarter and more sustainable future for South Africa’s road transport sector. Let’s Keep on Trucking!
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