UD Semi Truck Parts & Accessories

UD Trucks Corporation is a manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty trucks that are built for markets around the world including Japan, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Headquartered in Ageo, Saitama, Japan, the company began as Nihon Diesel Industries, Ltd., in 1935, which was later changed to Minsei Diesel Industries, Ltd. In 1950. In 1960 the company was acquired by Nissan Motor Company and so became Nissan Diesel Motor Company, Ltd. After its purchase by the Volvo Group in 2007, Nissan Diesel became a wholly owned subsidiary of that company, joining other renowned brands including Mack, Renault and Terex. Although Nissan Diesel trucks had already borne the UD logo for some time, the name was not officially changed to UD Trucks until 2010. UD now stands for “Ultimate Dependability”, but it originally stood for the “Uniflow Diesel” engine, an advanced 2-cycle diesel engine design developed by the company in 1955 that featured increased horsepower with light weight and less noise.

Although it was founded 4 years earlier, Nihon Diesel Industries did not complete the construction of its first diesel truck, the LD1, until 1939. However, this vehicle was truly a landmark as it was also the first Japanese made diesel truck. To prove its toughness and reliability, only a week after its completion the truck was driven on an 1864 mile (3,000km) test run. It would have been easier to conduct the test on city streets, but instead company management chose a route filled with unpaved roads, steep slopes, and narrow mountain passes so the truck could show its mettle and instill confidence in customers. Because of the tortuous course it took 13 days to complete this endurance trial, but the truck suffered no mechanical failures and ran perfectly throughout the journey. The test proved the soundness of the company’s advanced technologies and soon they entered into mass production of diesel trucks.

Most of Nihon’s production facilities were destroyed during WWII, and the company initially survived post-war by making cookware, but by 1946 they resumed building diesel trucks and then buses as well to meet transportation needs. By the 1950s Japan had mostly recovered from the war, and began engaging in infrastructure projects that included extensive road and highway construction. However, at the time no Japanese company made engines with the horsepower that was necessary for over-the-road trucks driven long distances. In response to this need, the company, now known as Minsei Diesel Industries, developed a large 2-cycle engine that featured uniflow scavenging. Instead of the conventional 2-cycle engine’s exhaust ports, in a uniflow engine the exhaust exits past a valve at the top of the cylinder. Although more costly to produce, this design was more efficient and made more horsepower. To indicate that a truck was powered by this high performance uniflow diesel engine, the UD logo was affixed to the body.

The first significant truck powered by a UD engine was the 6-cylinder 6TW, released in 1958 and highly praised for its outstanding highway performance. After its acquisition by Nissan, the newly minted Nissan Diesel Motor Co. entered the cab-over market in 1960 with the 8-ton TC80G. Cab-over trucks could have a longer loading platform without excessive overall truck length, enabling increased cargo carrying capacity. This type of truck became a mainstay of the company’s product line. Over the next several decades, Nissan Diesel developed and produced cab-over and conventional cab light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks powered by 2-cycle and 4-cycle diesel engines, for the Japanese and overseas markets. The company also sold its diesel engines to other firms for marine, industrial, and automotive use. In 1968 Chrysler became a customer and thus Nissan became the first Japanese automaker to supply engines to an American automobile manufacturer.

In 1984, Nissan Diesel Motor Co. established Nissan Diesel America, and the following year began selling Class 7 cab-over UD Trucks in the United States. In subsequent years they were joined in the lineup by Class 3 through Class 6 trucks. These trucks could be configured as box trucks, flat beds, stake bodies, dump trucks, tankers, refuse haulers, tractors and for other uses. The reputation for quality and durability that UD Trucks had earned in other markets carried over to the U.S. and in the ensuing years UD Trucks earned several J.D. Powers awards. As U.S. Federal emissions standards for diesel engines tightened, UD Trucks were ready to meet these requirements with advanced features including ultra high-pressure common rail fuel injection, variable nozzle turbocharger, urea SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) catalyst, and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to properly control both NOx emissions and particulate matter without negatively affecting power or fuel efficiency.

In 2010, Nissan Diesel America became UD Trucks North America, Inc. However, due to a combination of cost factors and decreased demand, just 2 years later the company announced that they were leaving the North American truck market. The final UD Truck lineup included the 17,995 lb. GVWR 1800; 19,500 lb. GVWR 2000; 23,000 lb. GVWR 2300, available in LP (Low Profile) and DH (Dock Height) versions; 25,995 lb. GVWR 2600, available in standard and LP versions; and the 32,900 lb. GVWR 3300. In addition to their powerful in-line 6-cylinder OHC 24-valve diesel engines and rugged chassis, all trucks featured spacious, comfortable cabins with excellent visibility, wide door openings for easy ingress and egress, easy to read gauges and centralized controls, and conveniences like storage pockets and cup holders. Along with standard features like air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, exhaust brake, cab suspension and driver’s air suspension seat, optional equipment was available for select models including power heated mirrors, air ride, power take-off and large capacity fuel tanks.

Although they are no longer sold in North America, there are many thousands of UD Trucks that are still plying the roads and providing dependable service to their owners. And with their proven reputation for durability, used UD Trucks can make sound investments for many businesses. A regular maintenance regimen will ensure that investment pays off and we have the fluids, filters, and other supplies needed to make it happen. However, even with the best maintenance a commercial vehicle driven many miles will occasionally require repairs, and we also have the quality parts that will quickly get your truck back in service. Finally, as your company’s representative on the road, you can make sure your truck always presents well when you maintain its appearance with our cleaners, waxes and other exterior care products.

Dress your vehicle up. Keep it running at its peak or unleash its hidden power. Make it look like it just rolled off the show room floor. Take care of it and maintain it. You name it, we've got it. We have gathered everything you need to make your UD perfect both inside and out. CARiD's job is to meet your every expectation and provide you with quality and durable accessories and parts designed with excellence in mind. Whether you're after luxurious style, brisk performance, or anything in between, our wide assortment covers all the bases.

Downtime means lost income. The faster you repair your semi-truck, the faster it gets on the road and keeps on moving your business forward. With that in mind, we have gathered high-quality UD parts and accessories that work the first time, every time. We have everything you need to maintain your UD in top condition to avoid truck breakdowns and get it operating properly again. Our goal is to support you and your business. Shopping with us, you get parts and accessories that work hard just like you, built tough just like your vehicle.