In order to align the company more closely with the needs of the medium and heavy automotive sector, the D & A Power Products Group of companies, whose dealership portfolio includes UD Trucks, Man Truck & Bus, sub-Saharan distribution of Allison Transmissions and Telma Retarders, is re-branding and restructuring. The group is to become Associated Automotive Distributors (AAD).

John Lachenicht, AAD CEO says, “In recent years this automotive sector has seen sharp rises in the costs of its applications. Operational efficiency is thus paramount in the drive to manage the lifetime cost of ownership. The AAD Group will help customers achieve these efficiencies by simplifying the supply chain and building on its one-stop-shop philosophy through its product offerings on a national basis”.

While the re-structure will involve a modernisation of the company image, the fundamentals remain unchanged.

Lachenicht adds, “The new-look centres around the creation of complementary subsidiaries, each with its own specialisation and rapid decision-making. This reflects our role in going beyond only supplying the application for the job. In addition to its OEM franchises, AAD provides lifetime service, components and parts to keep vehicles in perfect running order and minimise downtime. The majority of our 400+ people are long-serving with the experience, customer-focus and product knowledge to ensure we deliver value over the long-term.”

Since taking over the assets of Leyland South Africa in 1987, the Group has grown the business and established a broader national footprint. The restructured AAD, with applications that embrace transport, waste management, military, fleet and bus operation, will operate in clearly-defined pillars. These are AAD Truck & Bus (UD Trucks and MAN Truck & Bus), AAD Drivetrain Systems (Allison Transmissions and Telma Retarders) AAD Commercial Parts (Global Components, AAD Master Parts and Eagle International Spares), AAD Specialised Transport Solutions (McNeilus compactor bodies and workshops, MEC hooklifts, Dulevo cleaning equipment and Special Vehicle Operations) AAD Car & Truck Hire (CABS) and AAD Logistics (Kwela).

The AAD Group is led and directed by a Board of Directors with a track record in global best-practice in the medium and heavy automotive sector. As a privately-owned, independent company it retains the flexibility to absorb or acquire further integrated products in response to emerging client needs.