Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa (DTBSA) is expanding its used-truck business through TruckStore, as part of a programme to double its used-truck sales.

Another significant driver is the growing demand for pre-owned trucks in the domestic Covid-19-hit economy.

DTBSA used trucks head Annelie van Rooyen says the company has seen used-truck sales grow in 2020 compared with 2019, while new-truck sales declined.

“We expect another good year this year, should economic conditions remain stable, as there is buoyant demand.

“Some fleet owners are extending the replacement cycle, while others, who have always bought new trucks, are now opting for used trucks.

“Used trucks are, in fact, in short supply in the market.”

Van Rooyen notes TruckStore also acts as new-vehicle sales enabler to DTBSA as it provides the group with a trade-in platform.

TruckStore was first opened in 2012, as the used-trucks and buses retail outlet of DTBSA. 

It buys and sells used vehicles and trailers of all brands, models, body types and ages in South Africa. 

“Today we are proud to be one of the industry’s leading used commercial vehicle retailers, and it is for this reason that we are taking the business to greater heights with the move to the new facility and the expansion of our footprint across South Africa,” notes DTBSA CEO Michael Dietz.

Following growing demand across various aspects of its business since 2012, TruckStore has now relocated to a bigger facility to accommodate growing customer demand and future growth plans, he says.

Located on a 30 000 m2 site – a stone’s throw away from the old facility, the new facility benefits from visibility from the N1 highway near the Brakfontein interchange. 

“We are immensely excited to be opening this new facility, taking such bold steps amidst a pandemic. Centurion remains a perfect location for our business,” says Van Rooyen.

“The new facility will give us an opportunity to better serve our growing customer base, provide an improved customer experience and increase service capacity. This move represents a milestone for TruckStore and will certainly create opportunities to grow and strengthen the brand’s position in Southern Africa.”

The new facility has sufficient parking for large vehicles and features a 1 200 m2 showroom and office space.

At the rear is a 3 000 m2 dedicated Mercedes-Benz approved workshop and parts center for Mercedes-Benz truck parts and Fuso value parts. 

There are also ten dedicated bus service bays. 

The workshop also provides for non-Daimler brands, as well as for the servicing of trailers. 

Driver training is also on offer.

Expanding Footprint
TruckStore has also announced that will now make its products and services available across all major cities, by launching the TruckStore agency model to participating dealers across South Africa.

This means TruckStore will no longer be limited to Gauteng, but that it will expand to all the other provinces, offering exactly the same service to customers there.

“We are proud of this new business model as it reaffirms our commitment to continuously support our customers, irrespective of where they are,” says Van Rooyen.

“We are taking an important step in our business as we see capacity for sales growth, not only for TruckStore, but for our dealer partners as well. 

“We want to provide the same level of sales and after-sales service that a customer would receive when purchasing a new vehicle,” she notes.

“We are making a bold statement by saying that we are going to double our sales volumes over the next couple of years. So having this facility, having a national footprint, we’ll be doubling our sales volumes,” she adds.