Traditionally, Gauteng’s used-truck trade has been concentrated along the N12 corridor on the East Rand. In recent years, however, the West Rand has emerged as a growing hub for used-truck suppliers. Of an estimated 150 commercial used-truck suppliers operating in the market, around 10% have already established a presence in the area, with more expected to follow.
According to Wolf Edmayr, Head of TruckStore, the N14 corridor offers excellent visibility, easy access for trucks and direct links to key industrial and mining regions. The growing concentration of suppliers has also made the West Rand increasingly attractive to buyers. “The main reason for investing in the new facility was to be closer to our customers,” says Edmayr.
The new facility strengthens TruckStore’s national footprint and complements its existing Centurion head office, with both sites remaining fully operational, explains Maretha Gerber, President and CEO of DTSA. The West Rand facility is twice the size of the Centurion operation and can accommodate up to 500 trucks.
“When TruckStore was launched locally in 2012, Centurion was selected as the main hub because of its strategic location between OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria Airport, two major logistics hubs,” says Gerber.
“While the Centurion facility remains central to our strategy, we felt the need to complement it with a new facility in the West Rand, a rapidly growing used-truck hub. This is where many used-truck buyers, particularly small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), feel comfortable doing business.”
The investment was designed to create a facility that reflects the DTSA brand while remaining accessible and welcoming to all customer groups, including small business owners.
Strategic importance
Gerber says the opening of the West Rand facility on 26 May demonstrates DTSA’s long-term commitment to the southern African market.
“We are invested, we are present and we are here to stay,” she says. “Our purpose is to keep Africa moving by creating real value for our customers, and TruckStore plays a critical role in supporting customers through their fleet replacement cycles. It ensures vehicles continue delivering value well beyond their first lifecycle.”
The facility strengthens DTSA’s ability to serve customers where they prefer to shop for used-trucks while reinforcing the company’s confidence in the resilience and potential of the regional trucking market.
Significant growth
Launched globally in 2001, TruckStore has grown into Daimler Truck’s dedicated used-vehicle division, providing quality-assured used-trucks to customers worldwide. South Africa became the first market outside Europe to establish a TruckStore operation in 2012, with Centurion initially serving as its sole outlet.
To bring the business closer to customers, DTSA introduced the TruckStore agent model in 2022. Today, TruckStore is represented at selected dealer facilities across South Africa, expanding customer access to quality used trucks.
Since its launch, TruckStore has sold more than 11 000 used trucks to approximately 1 300 customers across 18 countries, primarily in right-hand-drive markets
The investment comes as the used-truck market recovers from a period of volatility. According to Edmayr, the market enjoyed a boom in 2023 before declining sharply through 2024 and into late 2025. Gerber attributes much of that slowdown to lower global coal prices, which significantly affected demand in the local trucking sector.
“Since then, the market has stabilised and we are beginning to see improved sales activity,” says Edmayr. “The new facility positions us well to capitalise on renewed growth and better serve our customers.”
An evolving market
The trucking landscape has changed significantly in recent years, with several new entrants offering brand-new vehicles at prices comparable to used premium trucks. This aggressive pricing strategy has disrupted the traditional second-hand market. Despite the increased competition, Gerber and Edmayr remain confident in TruckStore’s position.
“One of our key advantages is that TruckStore is among the few OEM-backed used-truck solutions available locally,” says Edmayr. “Customers know they are buying a product supported by a trusted manufacturer.”
Gerber adds that TruckStore’s value proposition extends beyond the vehicle itself. “Our competitive edge remains the total value offering: a reliable product, access to captive finance, a professional dealer network across Africa, and service contracts and warranty support behind every vehicle,” she says.
According to Edmayr, DTSA offers one of the strongest OEM driveline warranties in the market – five years or 650 000 km – while TruckStore customers benefit from structured OEM-backed warranty solutions that extend protection beyond the first owner.
Quality guaranteed
TruckStore’s inventory is divided into four categories – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze – to ensure transparency and provide options for different customer requirements. Vehicles are classified according to age, mileage and the results of detailed technical inspections.
Platinum vehicles are less than three years old and have travelled up to 400 000 km. Gold vehicles are between three and five years old with mileage between 400 000 km and 650 000 km. Silver vehicles are between five and eight years old and have covered between 650 000 km and 800 000 km. Bronze vehicles are more than eight years old with mileage exceeding 800 000 km.
Security of supply
Although many operators are extending vehicle replacement cycles, TruckStore continues to benefit from a steady stream of low-mileage returns, ensuring a reliable supply of quality used trucks.
Speaking at the facility’s official opening, Mike Honiball, CEO of Daimler Truck Financial Services, said the company’s finance portfolio points to a strong pipeline of future stock.
“Based on our finance book, we expect TruckStore to receive a significant volume of trucks currently under finance agreements,” says Honiball. “We have direct visibility of their mileage and maintenance histories, giving both TruckStore and end-users confidence in the quality of these vehicles.”
Stable outlook
Despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their impact on diesel prices, Gerber remains optimistic about the outlook for both the used-truck and broader commercial vehicle markets.
“The market remains resilient and is returning to pre-Covid levels,” she says. “While economic challenges persist, transport remains a cornerstone of the South African economy, and we believe the truck market will continue on a recovery and growth trajectory for the foreseeable future.”
Gerber concludes: “TruckStore plays a vital role in supporting businesses across southern Africa by providing high-quality used-trucks that keep logistics operators, entrepreneurs and industries moving. The opening of the West Rand facility is more than a physical expansion – it reflects DTSA’s commitment to supporting economic activity and mobility across the region.”
