Mercedes-Benz Buses: shaping public transport

During the Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) Convention, Mercedes-Benz Buses showcased its ongoing commitment to the region’s public transport sector. For Deon de Vries, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Buses, the event was far more than a networking opportunity.

“Mercedes-Benz Buses regards SABOA as an important strategic partner and appreciates the high level of attention and professionalism,” De Vries says. “It serves as a vital platform for engaging directly with key stakeholders across the public transport ecosystem, including policymakers, operators, and industry leaders. By being part of SABOA, we reaffirm our commitment to making progress in public transport and supporting the communities that rely on it every day.”

That optimism is grounded in market reality. As Maretha Gerber, CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa, recently put it: “Bus is back!” De Vries agrees, pointing to “surging demand in both the commuter and intercity segments, driven by renewed confidence in public transport and infrastructure investment”.

He lists further signs of recovery: year-on-year market share growth, robust partnerships with customers expanding and modernising their fleets, a resurgence in government support, and “increased engagement at industry platforms like SABOA, where the energy and optimism around buses are unmistakable”.

On the product front, De Vries is enthusiastic about the evolution of the company’s locally relevant range. “We’re particularly excited about the continued success and evolution of our OF1726 and OF1730 chassis range,” he says. “These models are engineered specifically for Southern African conditions, centring around fuel efficiency, safety, passenger comfort, and seamless compatibility with local bodybuilders.” In the coach sector, the recently introduced O500 2445 Euro 5 chassis is, he says, “a leap forward in long-distance travel”, delivering cleaner emissions, superior ride comfort, and a platform for future-ready technologies.

Safety remains at the heart of the company’s philosophy, and De Vries stresses that it is a shared responsibility. “While government efforts are clear, especially with the renewed focus on public transport, it is not something that can be achieved alone. Ongoing collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with sustained investment and stronger enforcement, is essential to truly move the needle on safety,” he notes.

Mercedes-Benz Buses works with carefully selected local bodybuilders to deliver “maximum safety, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency”. This, De Vries says, is what underpins the brand’s slogan: “The standard for buses.”

Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s wider mission – “For all who keep Africa moving” – informs its commercial strategy. Beyond robust, regionally optimised products, the company offers tailored finance packages through Daimler Truck Financial Services, making it easier for operators to access modern, reliable vehicles. “Managing bodybuilder lead times and highly customised specifications can be complex,” De Vries admits, “We see this as an opportunity to collaborate closely with our partners.”

Strategic alignment on production planning, shared forecasts, and coordination with the dealer network all help streamline delivery. “Long-term relationships and value-driven partnerships with all our customers are strategic pillars,” says De Vries. “We’ve built our relationships based on mutual respect, transparency and commitment to safety.” Feedback from all customers has been “encouraging”, particularly regarding product reliability and aftersales support.

Looking ahead three to five years, De Vries’ priorities are clear: “Our goal is to grow sustainably by deepening customer relationships, enhancing aftersales support, and continuously strengthening our footprint in the Southern Africa region.”

From product innovation to partnerships, De Vries’ message is one of steady, strategic progress. As SABOA gathered the industry together once again, Mercedes-Benz Buses positioned itself not just as a supplier, but as a committed partner in shaping the future of Southern Africa’s public transport.