UD logo

UD Trucks Corporation is a Japanese company that specializes in the manufacturing and sales of diesel trucks, buses, bus chassis, and special-purpose vehicles. The company was founded in 1935 as Nihon Diesel Industries, Ltd. and has gone through several changes in ownership and name over the years.

In 1950, the company was renamed Diesel Motor Industry Co., Ltd. and then in 1960, it became Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd. During this time, the company focused on developing diesel engines and trucks for commercial use. It was in 1973 when the company introduced the first Condor truck model, which became a popular choice for urban transportation in Japan.

The 1980s and 1990s saw Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd. expand globally, with production facilities in various countries around the world. In 2007, the company was acquired by the Volvo Group and was renamed UD Trucks Corporation. Under Volvo Group ownership, UD Trucks continued to expand its global presence, with a particular focus on Asia.

In 2010, UD Trucks launched its new brand identity and slogan, “Ultimate Dependability”. This was aimed at highlighting the company’s commitment to providing reliable and high-quality products and services to its customers. In the same year, the company also introduced its new Quon truck model, which was designed to meet Japan’s stringent emissions standards.

In 2012, UD Trucks announced its strategy to expand its business in emerging markets, such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The company established new production facilities in Thailand and Indonesia, and in 2014, it opened a new assembly plant in South Africa.

In 2020, the Volvo Group announced that it had reached an agreement to sell UD Trucks Corporation to Isuzu Motors. The acquisition was completed in 2021, with Isuzu Motors becoming the sole owner of UD Trucks Corporation.

Today, UD Trucks Corporation continues to focus on providing high-quality products and services to its customers. The company’s product lineup includes a range of medium and heavy-duty trucks, as well as buses, bus chassis, and special-purpose vehicles. With its new ownership under Isuzu Motors, UD Trucks looks to continue its growth and expansion, particularly in the Asian market.