UD Trucks is known for its focus on innovation, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort. The company offers a diverse range of vehicles and services tailored to meet various industry needs. In an exclusive interview with Mourad Hedna – President, UD Trucks MEENA, we discover the profound impact these vehicles have made in the region.
UD Trucks has made a significant impact on the market, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and North Africa (MEENA) regions. The company achieved remarkable sales growth, including a 26% increase in 2024 across the MEENA region. In Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, truck sales rose by 50%, with strong performance in both heavy-duty and medium-duty segments.
The brand has established itself as a leader in sectors like construction, waste management, and city distribution. For example, in Saudi Arabia, it plays a pivotal role in the construction sector, while in the UAE, it has become a key player in waste management.
GSC: UD Trucks has enjoyed another strong year across the Middle East, East, and North Africa (MEENA) region, maintaining its strong market share in the GCC while expanding its footprint in key East African markets. What are the company’s plans for 2025, particularly in the region?
MH:2025 will be a year of growth, innovation, and strengthening customer relationships for us. We will be expanding into four new markets, building on our success last year in Kenya and Egypt, as we continue to develop our presence in Africa and the Middle East.
Customer satisfaction remains our top priority so we will be continuing to tailor our products and services to meet the evolving demands of businesses, ensuring that our trucks remain reliable, fuel-efficient, and optimised for the region’s harsh conditions. This includes enhancing aftersales support, training, and connectivity solutions to improve vehicle uptime.
Another key focus for us this year is our commitment to giving back to society. Through initiatives such as women’s empowerment programmes, ocean conservation, and our Plastic Pledge, we will continue to invest in sustainable and community-driven projects. Our goal is not only to lead the sector but also to make a positive impact on the region.
GSC: Please share some of the sales results the company has achieved in the past year.
MH:2024 was another record-breaking year for UD Trucks in the MEENA region, as we achieved a 26 per cent volume growth, making us the fastest-growing truck brand.
In Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, our sales increased by 50 per cent, driven by strong demand in the heavy-duty, construction, and waste management sectors. For example, we reinforced our leadership in waste management in Saudi Arabia while also playing a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects like Qatar’s North Field Expansion project.
We also expanded into key African markets. Our re-entry into Kenya and launch in Egypt have already generated strong demand, proving that our vehicles are well-suited to the diverse operating conditions found across the region.
We also measure our achievements beyond product sales. We’re proud we managed to grow significantly our after-sales service agreements, which now cover over 1,000 trucks to ensure customers benefit from proactive maintenance and optimised fleet management.
GSC: What do you consider the USP of UD Trucks? What sets them apart?
MH:We are known for our durability, reliability, and adaptability both in our trucks and business operations. For the products, these qualities are essential to operate in the tough conditions of the region. Our trucks are engineered specifically for this market, ensuring they withstand extreme temperatures and demanding terrain.
Another factor is our customer-first approach, which truly sets us apart. We offer customised solutions, from tailored service contracts to industry-specific modifications, ensuring that businesses maximise efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).
Additionally, our people make the difference. Through their commitment to excellence, the UD Trucks team and our regional partners continuously go the extra mile, offering hands-on driver training, telematics solutions, and personalised aftersales support.
More on this article can be found on https://globalsupplychainme.com/digital-issue-2025/april-2025/
