In an industry where reliability and performance are paramount, UD Trucks stands as a beacon of innovation, setting new benchmarks in the commercial vehicles sector across the MEENA region. As a brand committed to pushing boundaries, UD Trucks’ strategic vision goes beyond just delivering vehicles — it’s about creating viable solutions that drive customer satisfaction, elevate driver experiences and safety, and build lasting community impact.
When it comes to integrating advanced service practices, driver recognition and a steadfast focus on safety, UD Trucks is already a market leader. The Japanese brand’s approach reflects its dedication to innovation and reliability in every aspect of its operations, reflecting its mission to deliver on its promise of Going the Extra Mile — a principle deeply embedded in every aspect of UD’s operations.
The narrative of UD Trucks’ success can be seen through three cornerstone initiatives: the Gemba Challenge, Extra Mile Challenge and Driver Guard Series. Each of these initiatives plays a distinct role in reinforcing the brand’s leadership in service excellence, driver empowerment and safety advocacy.
The Gemba Challenge underscores the importance of technical expertise and teamwork, the Extra Mile Challenge celebrates the skill and dedication of drivers, and the Driver Guard Series addresses the critical need for safety and well-being in the industry.
These initiatives are more than just programmes — they are a testament to how UD Trucks is not just keeping pace with industry trends but actively shaping the future of transportation in the MEENA region.
UD Trucks Gemba Challenge: Advancing service excellence
The Gemba Challenge is central to UD Trucks’ commitment to service excellence. Inspired by the Japanese term “Gemba”, which means ‘where the action takes place’ — whether a workshop, on the road, or at a customer’s office — this competition allows service market teams to enhance and showcase their skills on a global stage.
Named after the Gemba Spirit, a core value at UD Trucks embodying passion and dedication, the competition provides an opportunity for Customer Service Representatives, Parts Operatives and Technicians to demonstrate their expertise and commitment.
The challenge features a mix of technical, commercial and brand-related exercises, designed to test and refine the skills necessary for exceptional service. The top teams from this annual challenge advance to a global final, which will this year be held in November in Ageo, Japan, at the headquarters of UD Trucks.
The Gemba Challenge is crucial for skill development and team dynamics. Participants engage in simulations that mirror real-world problems, gaining practical experience that applies directly to their roles. This approach prepares service personnel to manage complex issues effectively while promoting strong communication and teamwork. It encourages innovative problem-solving, aligns with UD Trucks’ commitment to continuous improvement, and sets a high benchmark for service excellence by recognising winning teams.
Extra Mile Challenge: Honouring driver excellence
The Extra Mile Challenge is UD Trucks’ flagship event focused on enhancing and recognising driver expertise. The competition rigorously tests skills in precision, fuel efficiency and safety — directly supporting customer needs for reliable operations. By rewarding top performers and promoting best practices, the Challenge elevates industry standards while fostering community engagement. Recent stages across MEENA highlighted the region’s top talent, with champions from these events moving on to compete on the global stage at the finals in Japan.
In Qatar, the challenge at Al Ijarah Driving School with Jaidah Motors featured 42 drivers competing for the Extra Mile Champion title, demonstrating their proficiency with UD Trucks’ technology.
The Abu Dhabi event, conducted in partnership with Al Masaood at the M40 facility, saw 35 drivers pushing their limits, highlighting the high standards within the regional driving community.
In Dubai, the challenge with United Diesel at the Dubai Driving School included 40 drivers excelling in precision driving and fuel efficiency tests.
UD Tucks Driver Guard Series: Enhancing driver safety
The Driver Guard reflects UD Trucks’ commitment to driver safety and well-being, benefiting customers and drivers alike. Through partnerships with distributors like Al Masaood in Abu Dhabi, Al Moayyed in Bahrain, and Boodai Trading in Kuwait, the series focuses on essential aspects of driver safety and well-being.
The Driver Guard series emphasises best practices for ensuring safe and efficient driving for the driver while maintaining the customer’s interests. It focuses on thorough pre-drive inspections and promoting safe driving behaviours while addressing critical issues such as aggressive driving and vehicle neglect. Complementing this, the Truck & Fleet Management initiative educates drivers on performing daily vehicle inspections and using maintenance checklists, ensuring timely reporting of any deficiencies. This helps maintain vehicle safety and prevents issues that could disrupt customer deliveries.
The Telematics & Connected Services programme introduces drivers to advanced technology that enhances driving safety and fuel efficiency, contributing to a more reliable service experience. Lastly, the Health Clinic initiative underscores UD Trucks’ commitment to driver well-being by providing regular health check-ups. Together, these initiatives aim to foster a culture of safety, efficiency and health within the driving community.
Supporting resources include a microsite, informative flyers, goodie bags and a UD Trucks app designed as a comprehensive safety guide. This holistic and comprehensive approach addresses various aspects of driver safety and well-being, ensuring that customers benefit from enhanced safety and reliability in every interaction with UD Trucks.
UD Trucks is strengthening its position in the commercial vehicle industry through key competitions, driver safety initiatives and an aggressive expansion plan. By addressing critical safety issues and fostering a responsible driving environment, these efforts are enhancing the transportation experience for drivers and customers alike, and driving the future of the industry.