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Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) welcomes Deon de Vries as the new General Manager for Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa. De Vries, who has a solid background in sales and management within the automotive sector, is set to lead the division with a focus on sales, parts, services, marketing, and network steering. This appointment follows Jason Brunninger’s promotion to Head of Sales and Marketing for Coaches in North America. Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO of DTSA, expressed her enthusiasm for De Vries’ new role: “Deon has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability, expertise, and dedication during his tenure at DTSA, significantly contributing to our company’s success. I am thrilled to have him take the helm of our bus division.” De Vries holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Diploma in Marketing. His career began in 1997 with various roles in parts and aftersales operations. By 2004, he had become Parts Manager and later advanced to National Parts Manager in Botswana in 2008. His expertise spans the Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Buses, and Power Generation sectors. Joining DTSA in 2015 as a Regional Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, he eventually became Head of Sales for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in 2019, contributing to the brand's market share leadership for three consecutive years. Looking Ahead Expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm, De Vries said, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa. I eagerly look forward to engaging with our customers and contributing to the division’s ongoing success, supported by the DTSA team and network.” As De Vries steps into his new role, the Southern African bus market can anticipate continued innovation and growth under his leadership. The transition also marks an exciting period for DTSA as they build on the strong foundation laid by Brunninger, whose significant contributions have set a high standard for the future. Final Thoughts DTSA’s commitment to excellence in the commercial vehicle industry is evident in their strategic appointments and continuous focus on leadership development. De Vries’ appointment as General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Buses is a testament to this commitment, promising a dynamic future for the division in Southern Africa.