Japanese vehicle manufacturer UD Trucks will introduce a new truck model to the South African market this year.

The 2026 heavy-duty Quester is expected to be commercially available through the company’s domestic dealership network by midyear and will feature the company’s proprietary electronically shifted controlled transmission (Escot) system.

The Quester is designed to be a versatile all-rounder, offered in both 8 ℓ and 11 ℓ platforms, with power outputs ranging from 330 hp to 416 hp.

UD Trucks Southern Africa sales director Esaia Taunyane said on January 27 that the model was designed to cater to a wide spectrum of customers, from traditional operators using Euro 3 engines to corporate fleets requiring Euro 5 compliance.

UD Trucks was the first manufacturer to produce Euro 5‑compliant heavy commercial vehicles in South Africa and scaled up its Rosslyn plant capabilities to support this.

The company began offering Euro 5 engines as a standard for its vehicles following the launch of the Quon range in 2019, and later expanded the Euro 5 lineup to include the Quester and Croner models in 2022.

The 2026 Quester truck would be available with both single and hub reduction axles to suit most operational needs, Taunyane explained.

Moreover, the cab – which is the largest of all UD Trucks’ models – has been redesigned with long-distance comfort in mind, offering a high-roof sleeper with a modern and fully functional driving environment. Driver-assist features have also been included to help maintain focus and reduce fatigue during extended trips.

UD Trucks will also be introducing several technical upgrades for the 2026 model.

These include the Escot direct-drive gearbox for improved fuel efficiency, paired with a four-stage retarder to enhance braking performance and improve vehicle control.

The new Quester will also have UD Stability Control, which supports rollover prevention and directional stability. This feature works alongside the electronic breaking system with two control sensors for yaw and roll stability to intervene automatically in critical situations, helping to prevent over- or understeering, jack-knifing and roll-overs.

Moreover, the 2026 Quester will feature a 3.7 differential ratio that works with the Escot direct-drive system to optimise performance. This setup allows the engine to run at lower speeds on highways, improving fuel efficiency, while still providing sufficient torque at the wheels for heavy loads, inclines, and challenging driving conditions. This combination enhances both fuel economy and vehicle control, Taunyane explained.

“Every feature on the Quester is guided by customer feedback. By improving efficiency, safety and the driver experience, we help customers reduce total cost of ownership and achieve stronger long-term returns on their fleet investments,” he said.

The Quester’s exterior has also been refreshed, with a new chrome grille, updated lighting and more durable tail lamps designed to better withstand off-road use.

In addition, the interior cab has been modernised and includes safety enhancements such as a driver airbag, parking brake alert and stability control to assist with rollover and directional control. Extended service intervals for wheel hubs are also included to improve uptime.

The chassis has also been re-engineered to support a wider range of applications, including specialised sectors such as petrochemicals and mining.

UD Trucks Southern Africa has also invested more in its dealer network to improve the customer experience and ensure longer operational uptime.

Recent milestones include the opening of CMH Commercial Pinetown’s new dealership, the upgrade of McCarthy Commercial Boksburg to enhance service capability, and a major expansion at McCarthy Commercial Alrode, increasing workshop and parts capacity.

Additional facility improvements are under way in Richards Bay, Worcester, Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Port Shepstone.

UD Trucks Southern Africa MD Filip van den Heede said that, despite a challenging operating environment marked by rising input costs, fuel volatility, political upheavals and infrastructure pressures, UD Trucks Southern Africa managed to retain its market share and deliver resilient performance over the past year.

The company maintained an overall new-vehicle market share of 8%, with an increase in the heavy-duty market share to 10.8%, as aggregate industry sales rose to 31 652 units, up from 31 190 units in 2024. The aftermarket business also posted growth, with service agreement uptake at about 50%.

“While the operating environment remains challenging, our performance shows that customers trust UD Trucks to deliver reliable solutions that support their businesses,” Van den Heede said.