UD Trucks has developed two disaster relief trucks to support Ageo City disaster relief programs. The trucks will provide humanitarian assistance for residents of the city in the event of a natural disaster. Such programs are part of the company’s Better Life purpose, to make life better for people and the planet.
UD Trucks began discussions on how the company could support disaster relief with local community leaders following a powerful typhoon in 2019. The typhoon led to flooding on the banks of the Arakawa River, resulting in the evacuation of nearly 1,000 residents in Ageo City. UD Trucks held workshops on how its products and resources could provide relief for disaster victims. This resulted in the commitment to build two customized trucks for disaster relief purposes.
Trucks that provide assurance and privacy in times of need
UD Trucks developed two different trucks.
The first is a light-duty truck designed to support evacuation centers and disaster sites. The vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner, refrigerator, kitchen sink, recharging cabinet, and AED equipment. In addition, the truck has two private rooms that can be used for nursing infants and for providing physical care for the disabled and elderly – all in a private and secure environment.
The truck is also equipped with a solar power generation system, diesel generator, and lithium-ion storage battery. This allows the truck to be a power source and lifeline in the field. It also provides mobile phone recharging services.
The second is a flat-body light-duty truck, which will be used mainly to transport materials and essential goods to the disaster site. It is also equipped with a tailgate lifter and a winch for loading heavy items.
Going forward, UD Trucks will work with Ageo City and other related organizations to determine when and where to dispatch the vehicles.
 An area to change diapers inside the truck |
 Solar panels on the roof of the truck |
The first stage of the disaster relief program is for UD Trucks to operate the trucks within Ageo City to assess their effectiveness. The company will explore the possibility of expanding the use of the trucks to other areas in the future.
Towards Better Life
UD Trucks is committed to community outreach programs that make life better for people, in line with our Better Life purpose. Since 2013, UD Trucks has been sponsoring the Ageo City Marathon, an event that encourages health and fitness. The company has also been conducting traffic safety awareness programs for elementary school students since 2016.
Recently UD Trucks also acquired the naming rights for the Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium, which will be renamed “UD Trucks Ageo Stadium”. UD Trucks will pay 3 million yen annually to Ageo City for the naming rights. These funds will go to supporting the Ageo City "Sports Promotion Plan", which works to improve the access and opportunities to participate in sports.
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UD Trucks is a leading Japanese commercial vehicle solutions provider, active in more than 60 countries on all continents. Since its inception in 1935, the company has been an innovation leader with a clear vision to provide the trucks and services the world needs today.
The company is committed to go the extra mile for smart logistics with the most dependable solutions for demanding customers. To best support across applications and geographies, UD Trucks offers a full range of heavy-duty trucks - Quon and Quester, medium duty trucks - Condor and Croner, and light-duty trucks - Kazet and Kuzer, as well as associated operational and financial services.
UD Trucks is a proud member of Isuzu Group.
