Major investment by Isuzu

Isuzu Motors South Africa has invested just under R30 million in its commercial vehicle assembly plant in Gqeberha, a move the company says will strengthen local manufacturing capability and support its long-term commitment to South Africa's industrial and economic future.

The investment covers a range of upgrades across the commercial vehicle assembly operation. According to the company, the changes are intended to improve manufacturing capability and efficiency, strengthen quality control and digital traceability, improve employee safety and ergonomics, and support more sustainable production. Together, these improvements are expected to strengthen the plant's ability to manufacture commercial vehicles efficiently and competitively while responding to the changing needs of customers in South Africa and across the continent.

"This investment is about more than preparing our plant for a new generation of trucks. It reflects our long-term vision for manufacturing in South Africa and our confidence in the country's people, industrial capability and potential," said Johan Vermeulen, Executive Vice President: Manufacturing and Product Engineering at Isuzu Motors South Africa. "By continuing to invest in our Gqeberha operations, we are strengthening the capability and capacity needed to remain competitive and respond to the evolving mobility needs of customers across Africa."

Upgrades to the chassis and engine sub-assembly areas, as well as cab marriage, have strengthened the plant's manufacturing capability and operational flexibility. The extended chassis line allows the facility to accommodate additional stations for added content, while updated tooling and revised production layouts improve the plant's ability to support a broader range of commercial vehicle applications.

The investment also includes production and technology enhancements aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and maintaining consistent build quality. Improved processes, tooling and digital traceability provide greater visibility across production and strengthen quality control, helping the plant manufacture vehicles more efficiently while maintaining Isuzu's build standards.

Employee wellbeing formed part of the plant upgrades, with safety and ergonomics considered in equipment selection, workstation design, lighting and workflow improvements. New equipment, including a fuel-tank gripper, lift-assist devices, a cab-marriage hoist, electronic torque tools and enhancements to the engine-dress process, is designed to reduce physical strain and support safer, more efficient working conditions for employees.

Sustainability considerations have also been incorporated into the upgrades through energy-efficient tools and motors, improved equipment and revised workflows designed to support more efficient use of resources. These improvements contribute to the company's broader focus on reducing the environmental impact of its manufacturing operations while improving operational efficiency.

The investment also strengthens the plant's progress in preparing for evolving commercial vehicle technologies. The implementation of the upgrades involved employees and cross-functional engineering teams across the business, bringing together manufacturing expertise, technology and continuous improvement to ensure the enhancements respond to both current operational requirements and future manufacturing needs.

Through continued investment in its Gqeberha operations, Isuzu Motors South Africa says it is strengthening the manufacturing foundation required to support its long-term growth while contributing to a competitive, resilient and increasingly sustainable automotive manufacturing sector in South Africa.

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UD Trucks adds service exchange deal

UD Trucks Southern Africa has introduced a Service Exchange Programme as part of a broader effort to strengthen its aftermarket offering. The programme gives customers an additional option when replacing major components, alongside repairing an existing part or buying a new one.

Under the programme, customers can exchange eligible worn or damaged components for professionally restored units. The offering launches with engines, gearboxes and injectors. UD Trucks plans to extend it to components such as cylinder heads, starters, alternators, turbochargers and retarders in later phases.

For operators of commercial vehicles, replacing a major component affects vehicle availability, operating costs and productivity. Service Exchange is intended to give customers another option to weigh up when making that decision.

Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, said the company's focus is on delivering value beyond the initial vehicle purchase and supporting customers throughout the life of their trucks.

When a component qualifies for replacement, a UD Trucks dealer assesses the vehicle and establishes whether a Service Exchange unit is available and suitable. The customer's worn component, referred to as the core, is returned according to programme requirements so it can potentially be restored and used again.

The option sits between repairing an existing component and buying a new replacement. Depending on the application, component availability and repair needs, UD Trucks says Service Exchange can help customers manage maintenance spending and vehicle downtime. Service Exchange components carry a one-year warranty, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Sanjay Naipal, Aftermarket Director at UD Trucks Southern Africa, said customers work in different environments and have different business priorities, so the aftermarket offering cannot be one-dimensional. He said Service Exchange adds another solution to the company's portfolio and allows it to engage with customers earlier in the repair decision.

The programme also affects the dealer network. Service advisors and workshop teams can now discuss a wider range of options when a major component needs replacing. Instead of treating a replacement as a single transaction, dealers can help customers assess options based on vehicle application, component eligibility, availability, operating requirements and overall value. UD Trucks says this supports the dealer's role as a long-term business partner rather than only a point of repair.

Deon Fourie, General Manager: Commercial Parts at UD Trucks Southern Africa, said the programme gives dealers another way to show the value of the UD Trucks aftermarket and creates an opportunity for more meaningful discussions with customers about their operational needs. The aim, he said, is to help customers make informed decisions while keeping their vehicles productive. The programme also creates further opportunities for dealers to stay engaged with customers over the vehicle lifecycle.

Service Exchange also supports a more circular approach to component management. Suitable cores can be recovered, professionally restored and returned to service, which reduces the need for every replacement to result in a new component. UD Trucks says this supports both the commercial and sustainability objectives of its aftermarket proposition.

The introduction of Service Exchange forms part of the company's Ultimate Dependability offering, which brings together its aftermarket capabilities around three areas: Ultimate Value, Ultimate Partnership and Ultimate Performance.

The programme initially covers engines, gearboxes and injectors, with more components planned for future phases. Customers who need a replacement engine, gearbox or injector can contact their nearest UD Trucks dealer or service advisor to find out whether a Service Exchange solution is available for their vehicle. Dealers can provide information on component eligibility, availability, pricing, core-return requirements and warranty coverage.

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