The T45 saga
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LEYLAND VEHICLES is staking its future on T45.
For almost three years the vehicle has been all but ready for the road. There have been so many release dates that even now we cannot believe that the long-running saga is over. The industry has known for years that Leyland has something on the stocks but LV has refused to be rushed; this time they know they have to have it right.
The machine, its construction, production in volume, spares for after-sales service, documentation, education of sales and after-sales staff — it all has to be absolutely spot-on this time. The last thing LV wants, or indeed will get, is a sympathetic, sentimental market — those days are gone.
145 will need to be sold on its merits and as Johnny-come-lately it will need to fight hard for top ratings. Ex-customers are the most difficult to win back, but that is what LV now has to do.
Failure for T45 means simply, in our view, the end of LV. There's nothing concentrates the mind of a man more than the condemned cell.
We believe LV has the vehicle, the staff and the will to win. in the present economic climate, and with their recent record, they have a fight on their hands — but it is a fight worth winning.