Japanese commercial vehicle brand UD Trucks has entered the Zambian market through a partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia, establishing operations in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi as it expands its presence in Southern Africa.
The launch took place on October 1 at Imperial Motors Zambia’s facility on Kafue Road in Lusaka, attracting more than 90 guests, including customers, industry representatives, media and executives from UD Trucks and Motus Africa.
Fredrick Mwalusaka, permanent secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics, attended as guest of honour and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The expansion adds Zambia to a regional network that includes Malawi, where UD Trucks was introduced in 2025 through Motus Africa. The partnership is intended to serve businesses operating in mining, agriculture, construction, logistics and distribution, sectors that rely on commercial vehicles to move goods and equipment.
Filip Van den Heede, managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, said the Zambian market was important to the company’s regional growth plans.
“Zambia is an important market, and our partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia provides a strong foundation for building the UD Trucks brand locally,” he said.
He said the partnership would combine the truck manufacturer’s engineering expertise with Imperial Motors Zambia’s local market knowledge and customer relationships.
Aftersales support central to expansion
The companies plan to offer services extending beyond vehicle sales to include maintenance, servicing, access to genuine spare parts and technical support.
Graham Kolm, SSA Markets general manager for trucks at UD Trucks Southern Africa, said vehicle availability, performance and operating costs were important considerations for transport operators.
Through the partnership, the company aims to help customers reduce vehicle downtime, improve fleet efficiency and manage costs over the period of ownership.
Imperial Motors Zambia has operated in the country’s automotive market for 12 years. Its existing portfolio includes Nissan, OMODA and JAECOO, while the addition of UD Trucks broadens its offering in the commercial vehicle segment.
The company is part of Motus Africa, which provides access to a wider regional automotive network.
Christophe Henning, general manager of Imperial Motors Zambia, said the business intended to develop local technical expertise and aftersales services to support the new brand.
“Our focus is on building lasting relationships with Zambian businesses and becoming a trusted transport partner,” he said.
He added that customers would require access to parts, trained technicians and servicing throughout the operating life of their vehicles.
Three locations to support customers
UD Trucks’ initial Zambian network covers three locations with different functions.
The Lusaka facility on Kafue Road offers vehicle sales, servicing, repairs and spare parts. The Kitwe branch, at ECL Mall, also provides sales and aftersales services, while the Solwezi location at City Mall offers servicing and repairs.
The locations give the company a presence in the capital and two other centres serving commercial and industrial activity.
Mwalusaka highlighted the importance of transport and logistics to Zambia’s economic development, particularly in supporting trade and industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing. He also pointed to the country’s potential to strengthen its position as a regional transport and logistics hub.
Tim Jaques, chairman of Imperial Motors Zambia and chief executive of Motus Africa, said the addition of UD Trucks reflected the group’s intention to expand its automotive offering and continue developing its facilities, workforce and customer services.
Imperial Motors Zambia aims to grow its UD Trucks customer base over the next three to five years while investing in technical expertise and aftersales capabilities, according to the company.
The expansion gives UD Trucks a local distribution and service network in Zambia, with its longer-term growth dependent on its ability to attract customers and support commercial vehicle operators.
