Commercial vehicle brand LDV has announced the appointment of Gerhard Moolman as CEO of its South African operations, marking a significant step in the company’s local expansion strategy.
Moolman, who officially assumed the role on 1 March, brings over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, including a strong track record in dealership leadership and performance. His appointment comes at a time when competition in South Africa’s automotive sector, particularly among Chinese brands, is intensifying. Despite this, he remains confident in LDV’s growth potential, pointing to the brand’s 130-year global legacy and its established footprint in commercial markets.
“LDV is a brand with a great heritage… it deserves its place in the South African market,” Moolman says, signalling a leadership approach focused on long-term positioning and credibility.
In his first three months, Moolman has prioritised strengthening relationships with LDV’s dealer network, which currently stands at 17 dealerships nationwide, with further expansion already underway. The focus, he notes, is on sustainable growth, balancing network expansion with dealer profitability while avoiding oversaturation.
Alongside leadership changes, LDV is reinforcing its operational backbone. Parts availability is currently at its strongest, supported by a Parts Distribution Hub and an upcoming Technical Training Centre in Gauteng. The company maintains service parts for every vehicle sold locally, with additional stock arriving this month as part of efforts to improve reliability and customer confidence.
“After-sales support remains a top priority to ensure continued trust in the brand,” Moolman adds.
LDV’s local lineup continues to expand across both commercial and lifestyle segments. This includes the recently launched LDV D90, positioned within the competitive seven-seater SUV category, alongside the LDV T60, the premium LDV Terron 9, and the LDV Deliver 9 built for commercial and fleet use.
The range is designed to serve a wide spectrum of South African consumers, from farmers and construction professionals to business owners and families, reflecting a broader strategy to align product offerings with local market demands.
With new agency partners now in place, LDV is preparing to roll out an extensive marketing drive, supported by product innovation, improved after-sales capabilities, and a growing understanding of customer needs.
Looking ahead, the company is focused on strengthening brand trust while expanding its footprint in South Africa’s dynamic automotive market.
“We are serious about the future of LDV, especially in the commercial space,” Moolman says. “So stay tuned for exciting things to come.”
