from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA,(CAJ News)– ISUZU’S Ultimate Dependability (UD) Trucks has officially entered the Zambian market through a strategic partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia, establishing a three-location network to support commercial vehicle customers across the country.
Launched on 1 October in Lusaka, the expansion gives the Japanese truck brand an operational presence in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi, strengthening its Southern African footprint and bringing vehicle sales and aftersales support closer to businesses.
More than 90 guests attended the launch at Imperial Motors Zambia’s Kafue Road facility, including customers, industry stakeholders and senior executives from UD Trucks and Motus Africa.
Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Permanent Secretary,
Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Permanent Secretary, Fredrick Mwalusaka, attended as guest of honour and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The partnership targets industries including mining, agriculture, construction, logistics and distribution, where vehicle reliability, fleet efficiency and operating costs directly affect business performance.
Filip Van den Heede, managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, said Zambia represented an important market in the company’s regional growth strategy.
By combining our Japanese engineering heritage and global
“By combining our Japanese engineering heritage and global expertise with an established local partner’s market knowledge and customer relationships, we are creating the platform to deliver dependable transport solutions and long-term value,” he said.
The launch builds on UD Trucks’ introduction in Malawi in 2025 through Motus Africa, further extending the group’s regional commercial vehicle network.
Beyond vehicle sales, the companies intend to offer integrated transport solutions encompassing product selection, maintenance, servicing, genuine parts and ongoing technical support.
The objective is to help operators maximise vehicle
The objective is to help operators maximise vehicle uptime, improve efficiency and manage costs throughout the ownership cycle.
Graham Kolm, SSA Markets general manager for trucks at UD Trucks Southern Africa, said vehicle performance and availability were critical to customers’ productivity and profitability.
Imperial Motors Zambia brings 12 years of experience in the local automotive market.
Its existing portfolio includes Nissan, OMODA and JAECOO, with UD Trucks broadening its offering in the commercial vehicle segment.
Christophe Henning, general manager of Imperial Motors Zambia,
Christophe Henning, general manager of Imperial Motors Zambia, said the partnership would focus on developing local technical expertise, strengthening aftersales capabilities and building lasting relationships with transport operators.
Addressing the launch, Mwalusaka highlighted the importance of transport and logistics to Zambia’s economic development, regional trade and industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing.
He also emphasised the country’s potential to become a regional transport and logistics hub.
Imperial Motors Zambia aims to grow its UD
Imperial Motors Zambia aims to grow its UD Trucks customer base over the next three to five years while continuing to invest in facilities, people and technical capabilities.
The launch marks the start of a longer-term commitment to Zambia, with the partnership seeking to combine dependable commercial vehicles with locally delivered support as businesses navigate the demands of an evolving transport sector.
