Hidden costs in Continental bargains, says Scania
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Scania has defended the price disparity between trucks bought in the UK and on the Continent, claiming there are some surprises in store for those hauliers shopping abroad. The truck manufacturer has investigated the case of an operator who claimed he could make a saving of £8,500 on a Scania R124.400 bought in Holland (CM 21-27 Augustl.
"There are several factors anyone hoping to buy abroad should be aware of," says Tony Ballinger, Scania GB's director of retail operations. "First, UK vehicles come with a two-year full repair and maintenance contract, which alone is valued at £5,300. UK prices also include a night heater (£585), cab paint in any colour (£750) and delivery and registration
On top of that, says Ballinger, is the £400 cost of converting the continental tachograph, graduated in km/h to UK specification.
Since July 1997, all vehicles have had to be Type Approved in the country of registration, costing £500. Plus there is the £1,000 cost of changing the brake chambers on the drive axle, as the UK GVW for a 4x2 tractor or rigid is 17 tonnes, compared with 18 tonnes on the Continent, adds Ballinger.
"And operators would be well advised to consider the intangibles," says Ballinger, "the time, trouble and general hassle involved when it comes to purchasing abroad and organising 6r all the conversion work to be carried out. The whole exercise is a potentially costly business indeed."