Capital Equipment News February 2020

PROFILE

Filip Van den Heede, new MD for UD Trucks Southern Africa.

New era for UD Trucks Southern Africa

past eight years, been part of the team that revamped the UD Trucks’ product line. I have been, from day one, been part of the Quester launch. I have also been part of the Croner, Kuzer and new Quon launches here in South Africa. FVdH: Our mission for 2020 is to continue providing smart and modern products and services to support smart logistics. That strategy is built on five key pillars, namely Smart Driveability, Smart Fuel Efficiency, Smart Safety, Smart Productivity and Smart Uptime. How are we going to achieve this? Last year was an extraordinary year for UD Trucks Southern Africa as we got to introduce three new model ranges in the region – the New Quester, Kuzer and the new Quon – giving our customers access to an extensive new, modern and smart, model line-up in all market segments. The new models speak to our strategy of providing products and services to support smart logistics. For example, the new Quon gives transport companies some relief with a range of features that speak directly to fuel efficiency. With productivity in mind, every component in the new Quon has been refined to realise MS: What are your key priorities during the first year of your tenure?

Munesu Shoko [MS]: Who is Filip Van den Heede? Filip Van den Heede [FVdH]: I am a Belgian national who has been with the Volvo Group for the past 22 years, of which the past 12 years have been with UD Trucks in Asia. In my previous role as vice president of Vehicle Sales and Marketing for UD Trucks International Sales for the past four years, I got to know and work closely with the South African team as southern Africa was part of my area of responsibility. My responsibility in this role covered a total of 60+ countries where UD is present today, including Australia, New Zealand, as well as South East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Latin and Central America. Before that, I was MD of UD Trucks Malaysia for two years. These roles have exposed me to all aspects of the business, including aftermarket, business development, new product introductions and sales. I have, for the Filip Van den Heede has been appointed new MD of UD Trucks Southern Africa. He takes over from Gert Swanepoel, who is retiring after 32 years with the company, and is currently fulfilling a senior advisory role as part of the handover process till the end of March this year. In a one-on-one with Munesu Shoko, Van den Heede explains some of his immediate priorities, as well as the intricacies of the ‘strategic alliance’ between the Volvo Group and Isuzu Motors Ltd, which will ultimately see the ownership of UD Trucks being transferred to Isuzu Motors Ltd, once the deal is approved end 2020.

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2020