Africa’s biggest truck test gets even bigger

Twenty trucks, 13 manufacturers and one landmark event: Truck Test 2026 is officially Africa’s biggest truck test ever, setting a new benchmark for real-world commercial vehicle (CV) evaluation on the continent. 

Truck Test 2026 has reached a major milestone, with 20 trucks now confirmed for the event. It is a record not only for FOCUS, which organises the test, but for the African CV industry.

Running from 10 to 12 November, the event will bring an extraordinary line-up of vehicles together for rigorous evaluation under real-world operating conditions. The scale of the field reflects the significance Truck Test has achieved. What began as an ambitious industry initiative has grown into a major industry test that attracts leading manufacturers, respected industry organisations and specialist partners.

The world’s manufacturers line up

The 20 participating trucks come from some of the biggest names in the global CV industry. Daewoo, DAF, FAW, Foton, Hino, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Powerstar, Scania, Shacman, Sinotruk and Volvo Trucks will all be represented.

That breadth makes Truck Test 2026 exceptional. Established European manufacturers will share the road with major Asian brands and rapidly growing challengers, creating a fascinating snapshot of the exceptionally competitive South African truck market.

For fleet operators, transporters and buyers, the scale matters. Twenty trucks mean more data, broader comparisons and an unprecedented opportunity to see how a diverse field performs under the same real-world conditions.

Industry support grows

The test has also secured an impressive level of industry endorsement. Truck Test 2026 is endorsed by the Road Freight Association, Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa, Transist Bureau, Federation of East and Southern Africa Road Transport Associations, African Union of Transportation and Logistics Organisations and SAPICS.

Together, these organisations represent important sections of road freight, logistics, supply chain management and cross-border transport. Their support reinforces Truck Test’s relevance far beyond the vehicles themselves; the event is about the performance, productivity and efficiency of the equipment on which Africa’s economies depend.

A formidable partner team

An equally strong ecosystem of official partners is supporting the test. Engen is the fuel and lubrication partner, TruckScience the technical partner, Afrit the trailer partner, Bandag the tyre partner, ZF the aftermarket partner and Ctrack the telematics partner. WearCheck will provide condition monitoring through oil analysis. Each has a specific role in helping to create a professional, credible and carefully controlled testing environment.

More than a test

Truck Test 2026 is designed around the realities facing transport operators every day. Trucks do not earn their keep in laboratories; they work on highways, tackle gradients, carry loads, consume fuel, wear tyres and operate against the clock.

That is why real-world evaluation matters. The objective is not simply to line up 20 impressive machines. It is to generate meaningful information that the transport industry can use while showcasing the extraordinary depth of technology now available to African operators.

Africa makes truck-testing history

With 20 trucks, 13 manufacturers, major industry endorsements and a formidable group of specialist partners, Truck Test 2026 has become something truly historic.

From 10 to 12 November, the eyes of the CV industry will be locked on proceedings as FOCUS stages the biggest truck test ever held on the African continent. The event will deliver three days of testing, valuable insight and unprecedented attention for an industry that keeps Africa moving and economies growing.