With its financial results for 2013 up by 28.7% on 2012 the Mercedes-Benz group of companies in SA (MBSA) believes it is clearly turning the corner on its road to 2015.

Dr Martin Zimmermann , outgoing MBSA CEO and President, in one of his last engagements before moving back to Germany, presented the group’s results to the media at the Mercedes-Benz Bedfordview Lifestyle Centre.

“In this time of growth and momentum we are also welcoming a new CEO at the helm of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Arno van der Merwe. I am proud of Arno taking over from me. His experience, passion, dedication and people-oriented leadership style will allow MBSA to continue its drive towards achieving undisputed leadership.”

Kobus van Zyl, MD of Daimler Trucks and Buses South Africa, added, “The commercial vehicle industry in South Africa continues to remain extremely competitive and with new entrants and players constantly entering the market, we have to consistently ensure that we distinguish ourselves from our competitors by offering our customers the widest range of vehicles supported by our superb value chain offerings that ensure they have complete peace of mind.”

Since 1995, the entire commercial vehicle industry in South Africa has grown by 5.4% with MBSA experiencing a 5.7% growth during the same period.

Daimler Trucks and Buses and Mercedes-Benz Vans: 2013 market overview

• The Mercedes-Benz Truck business enjoyed an outstanding year with 8% growth in 2013.
• Freightliner enjoyed an 11.4% year-on-year sales volume growth in 2013.
• The Fuso Canter enjoyed its best year for volume sales since the tsunami in Japan and improved its market share from 2012 to 4.2%.
• MBSA’s  FleetBoard Professional Driver Training and Telematics Programme enjoyed a 67% penetration with over 500 drivers trained during 2013.
• The new Sprinter has been introduced to the market place.
• TruckStore Centurion for used Trucks, Vans, Buses and Trailers saw its sales volume growth from 2012 to 2013 exceeding 50% selling 670 units. After only its first year of operation, TruckStore South Africa is ranked No.7 on the Global TruckStore network scale in terms of volume.