There are exciting times ahead at Volvo Group Trucks South Africa. This was the message conveyed at the customer weekend in Cape Town during the second stop over of the Volvo Ocean Race in the city.

The company has improved and is improving its dealer network, is increasing parts availability, launched new Volvo and Renault truck ranges in Southern Africa, and in 2015 will be launching the Quester as well as introducing Eicher Trucks into the region. A bigger regional parts distribution centre is also opening during 2015 and a new Used Truck facility has also been opened to service this expanding market.

Another announcement is that Volvo Southern Africa and UD Trucks Southern Africa will be united under one umbrella namely the Volvo Group Southern Africa.

The company comprises three truck brands (with a fourth being added during 2015) operates in 14 African countries, has a joint parts distribution centre in Johannesburg, two assembly plants Pretoria and Durban) with three sales organizations servicing 59 independent dealers.

The Volvo Group recently opened a new dealership in Harrismith and during 2015 will be expanding the dealership network into Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Port Elizabeth.

Further expansion into Africa is also on the cards with regional development markets outside South Africa constituting 15% of sales. By 2030 the company wants developing markets to contribute 30% of sales for the Group.