Publication: Capital Equipment News
Author: Juanita Pienaar
Photograph: Unspecified
Capital Equipment News' Juanita Pienaar spoke with Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO for DTSA, about these remarkable achievements, the company’s transformative journey, and its vision for the future.
Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) illuminated the stage at the recent NAAMSA SA Auto Week’s Accelerator Awards Evening, clinching four prestigious awards and reaffirming its leadership in the automotive sector.
A night to remember
The NAAMSA Accelerator Awards, held on 18 October 2024, celebrated excellence across the automotive industry. Among the event’s most notable winners, DTSA walked away with four accolades, solidifying its position as a leader in innovation, transformation, and sustainability.
Foremost among these was the Extra-Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year award, bestowed upon the Mercedes-Benz Actros for the second consecutive year. This recognition underscores the Actros’ status as a game-changer in the extra-heavy commercial vehicle category. DTSA also earned theWesBank Transformation Performance Award for achieving a B-BBEE Level 1 score, another for having the most improved B-BBEE scorecard, and a final accolade recognising its contributions to local community development.
Reflecting on the awards, Gerber shared, “This recognition is incredibly humbling and serves as a powerful motivation for our team. It inspires us to continue our work with passion, ensuring that our customers can carry on with theirs.”
The Mercedes-Benz Actros: A champion of innovation
The Actros has firmly established itself as a benchmark in the trucking industry, combining innovative technology, exceptional safety features, and unmatched efficiency. Gerber elaborated on what sets the Actros apart: “It’s not just the best-looking truck on the road, but it also offers quality, reliability, and unparalleled safety features like Stability Control Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, and Active Brake Assist.”
Fuel efficiency is another defining feature of the Actros, making it a cost-effective choice for operators. “It’s one of the most fuel-efficient trucks on the road,” Gerber explained. “This ensures our customers achieve maximum uptime and the most competitive Total Cost of Ownership.” Beyond its impressive technical capabilities, the Actros is supported by DTSA’s comprehensive suite of value-added services. These include the Telematics Dashboard, which allows fleet managers to monitor and optimise operations in real time, and the DTSA Parts Portal, which simplifies parts procurement and delivery.
“We don’t just sell trucks at Mercedes-Benz Trucks,” Gerber emphasised. “We offer a full bouquet of services throughout the lifecycle of the truck, ensuring maximum uptime, increased efficiencies, and lower costs of ownership in the long run.”
A commitment to transformation
DTSA’s recognition at the NAAMSA Accelerator Awards extended beyond the Actros. The company’s outstanding B-BBEE achievements were another highlight of the evening. Earning a Level 1 score—a significant milestone in South Africa’s transformation landscape—was a result of sustained effort and strategic focus.
“Our Level 1 B-BBEE status didn’t happen overnight,” Gerber acknowledged. “It reflects years of learning and dedication to making a true, lasting impact.” Initiatives such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme have played a pivotal role in this journey, providing young South Africans with valuable work experience and enhancing their employment prospects.
Gerber candidly discussed the challenges DTSA faced in achieving this milestone. “The B-BBEE codes encompass multiple elements that can be complex and time-consuming. We experienced our own learning curve, but by optimising our internal structures, we were able to dedicate the necessary focus and support to achieve compliance.”
Driving sustainability and innovation
Sustainability lies at the heart of DTSA’s long-term strategy. The company’s goal to achieve CO₂-neutral products and facilities by 2050 reflects a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. At the NAAMSA event, DTSA showcased its innovative eActros 300, a fully battery-electric truck that represents the future of transportation.
“The eActros 300 is more than just a truck; it’s a symbol of our commitment to driving sustainable transportation,” Gerber noted. She also welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of potential new incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), which could play a crucial role in overcoming the high upfront costs associated with EV adoption. “These incentives have the potential to make EVs more accessible, bolstering sales and supporting South Africa’s transition towards greener, more efficient transport solutions,” she added.
Fuel efficiency and sustainability are also integral to the design of the Actros. Since its introduction in 1998, the truck has evolved significantly, with five generations launched in South Africa. “Each generation has brought pioneering innovations designed to add value to our customers’ businesses,” Gerber explained.
Celebrating heritage and embracing the future
Aligned with the centenary theme of the NAAMSA SA Auto Week, DTSA celebrated its rich history while looking toward a sustainable future. The company’s display featured the legacy Mercedes-Benz 1418 truck alongside the cutting-edge eActros 300, illustrating six decades of progress and innovation.
“This juxtaposition underscores our journey from the past to the present and highlights our commitment to driving the industry forward,” Gerber remarked. The event also provided a platform for crucial discussions on the future of transportation, with DTSA actively contributing to dialogues about industry transformation, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Looking ahead
As DTSA moves forward, its focus remains steadfast on innovation, transformation, and sustainability. “Our goal is clear: to achieve CO₂-neutral products by 2050,” Gerber stated. “While this is a long-term objective, our customers can look forward to many more technological advancements in the years ahead.”
Gerber credited the company’s success to its dedicated team, valued customers, and reliable strategic partners. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Their trust and support make it possible for us to achieve our goals,” she emphasized. “Our achievements reflect the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. We look forward to engaging with our stakeholders again in 2025 as we continue to drive progress and excellence in the automotive industry.”
A bright future
The accolades garnered at the NAAMSA Accelerator Awards underscore DTSA’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. With our customers’ needs and aspirations guiding our journey, DTSA remains at the forefront of an evolving automotive industry, setting benchmarks and paving the way for a brighter, greener, and more inclusive future.