- Daimler Truck Southern Africa lit up the stage under the theme “Rising as One” as they honoured their top-performing network partners at the prestigious 2025 Dealer of the Year (DOTY) awards evening, recognising excellent performance with twelve awards across seven categories.
- DTSA dealers and general distributors were recognised for their unwavering commitment and performance throughout 2025 – arguably one of the toughest years the commercial vehicle industry has faced – calling for exceptional strength, adaptability, and unity from every member of the network.
- Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town rose above the rest, earning the title of 2025 Overall Dealer of the Year for the fourth time, and securing the title of EliteClass winner for Southern Africa for the second time.
The Dealer of the Year (DOTY) awards stand as one of Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s (DTSA) most anticipated annual traditions – a moment each year to pause and acknowledge the exceptional dedication, resilience, and service excellence of its dealer network and general distributor partners. More than a ceremony, it is a celebration of the people and partnerships that keep Africa moving.
DOTY honours those who rise above challenges, set new standards of performance, and embody the spirit of progress that drives the sector. Each year, this event reminds us that even in a demanding and ever‑evolving market, excellence continues to shine through, and it is the network partners who help propel the industry toward a stronger, more inspired future.This year Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s (DTSA) recognition carries a deeper meaning under the theme “Rising as One” – like the vast ocean, the commercial vehicle industry is shaped by powerful forces, currents that shift, waves that rise, and waters that can be calm one moment and unpredictable the next. Yet, when masses of water move together in harmony, they create momentum strong enough to reshape coastlines. In the same way, the dealers and general distributor’s collective effort, determination, and shared purpose carried DTSA through a turbulent year.
Lifting above the currents, Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town was once again named the overall 2025 Dealer of the Year and EliteClass winner for Southern Africa. This marks the fourth time that Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town walked away with the prestigious title Dealer of the Year and the second consecutive year that they are recognised as Southern Africa’s EliteClass winner, where they will represent the region at the global Daimler Truck EliteClub event, honouring and rewarding top performing partners across the globe, later this year.
“The ocean never questions its purpose – each drop simply moves with the next, proving that when every part works together, even the strongest tides find their rhythm and get the job done. Our purpose at DTSA is clear: ‘For all who keep Africa Moving’, and despite stormy waters in 2025, I am extremely proud of the DTSA dealer network and general distributors for coming together, doing their part and delivering on our collective purpose. However, in a sea of strong waves, one crest rose the highest, carrying the tide forward: Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town. This is not a once-off phenomenon, but Cornel Oelofse and his team consistently strive for excellence and deliver world class service to customers. A massive congratulations!” Says Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO of DTSA.
Mike Honiball, CEO of Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS) South Africa adds: “A massive congratulations to De Wit Motors Commercial Vehicles Ermelo and Ronnies Motors Commercial Vehicles East London for winning the category “Best Daimler Truck Financial Services” for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and FUSO respectively. DTFS is vital because it strengthens customer trust, supports sales, and ensures a seamless, end-to-end ownership experience for our customers. But this level of excellence is only achievable through the partnership and professionalism of our dealer network, whose collaboration remains integral to our success. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the entire dealer network for their performance in 2025.”
All award categories and winners:
Best Retail Sales Dealer for the recognition of the dealer group with the consistent highest monthly target achievement on Retail Sales.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Winner: Garden City Commercials Pietermaritzburg.
FUSO Trucks Winner: Garden City Commercials Pietermaritzburg.
Best Customer Service and Parts (CSP) Dealer for the recognition of the dealer with the consistent highest quarterly target achievement on parts sales and monthly service Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI).
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Winner: De Wit Motors Commercial Vehicles Ermelo.
FUSO Trucks Winner: Motus Daimler Trucks Rustenburg.
Best CSP & Overall Bus Dealer for the recognition of the Bus Dealer with the consistent highest monthly target achievement on Parts Sales and Service CSO as well as the Bus Dealer with the highest overall monthly target achievement on Retail Sales and CSP combined.
Mercedes-Benz Bus (CSP) Winner: Sandown Commercial Vehicles Bus Centre.
Mercedes-Benz Bus (Overall) Winner: Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town.
Best Export Partner for the recognition of the Export Parters with the consistent highest monthly target achievement on Export Sales and Parts Sales.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Winner: Technica Industrial – Mozambique.
FUSO Trucks Winner: Naledi Motors Gaborone.
Best Daimler Truck Financial Services Dealer for the recognition of the dealer group with the consistent highest monthly achievement on Finance Penetration.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Winner: De Wit Motors Commercial Vehicles Ermelo.
FUSO Trucks Winner: Ronnies Motors Commercial Vehicles East London.
Best TruckStore Agent for the recognition of the TruckStore Agent with the consistent highest monthly sales to target achievement.
Winner: Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town.
