EXPORT SALES
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The export market for second-hand trucks is opening up again after a long slump, says Richard Hall, vehicle remarketing manager at Scania. "We've just done 20 to Malaysia," he reports. "Countries may not have the money to buy new vehicles but they are able to buy good used ones, and quality is becoming an increasingly important issue for them. In the past certain UK dealers shipped out a lot of rubbish, but some countries have recently tightened up on the age, condition, and exhaust emission levels of the trucks they're prepared to allow in."
Although P113 4x2 Scanias remain popular, there is also rising demand for R114 6x2s, as buyers become more sophisticated. "They're looking for twin-steers and tag axles, for instance, and they're willing to take them with air suspension too," he says.
So what happens if an air bag gets punctured on a rough road in the developing world? "They tend to leave it just as it is, although we always send some spare airbags over with the vehicles," Hall explains.
China and India both have potential as markets for used exports, he believes, but that's for the long-term. "At present you have to pay vast sums in import dutyto get the vehicles in there," he warns.
DAF SALES
Ford & Slater has opened a dedicated used Oaf trucks sales centre at its service and parts outlet in Coventry. It will market exlease and contract hire trucks in the Midlands.
Used truck sales manager Eddie Knights expects to be selling them to family-owned hauliers in the main.
"The Daf 85 Series is a modern fleet tractor and has a good performance with no electronics, so it is simple to maintain: all of which appeals to the used truck buyer," he says. "Customers don't have much confidence in the auctions and prefer to deal with a reputable dealer."
Ford & Slater generally keeps about 25 heavy commer cials in stock, and has access to nearly 100 more through the Oaf Endurance on-line system.
INTERNET SALES
City Trucks is to use the Internet to dispose of its ex-fleet vehicles. Visitors to the web site will be able to see details of each truck available, including its engine size, type of cab, age, and whether it's a 4x2 or a 6x2. It is unlikely that prices will be shown, however.
Vehicles will be held at the company's depots around the country—it has 32 in total—so prospective buyers can inspect them.
AUCTION SALES TruckAuctionsUK has responded briskly to reservations expressed by Martin Rhodes (pictured), Renault VI general manager of used truck operations, over its long-term future in the face of stiff competition from older-established outlets (CM 31 Aug-6 Sept).
The company is holding a regular auction at the Donington Park race track near Castle Donington in Derbyshire.
"We appreciate his concern, but he can rest assured, we're here to stay," says operations director Andrew Walker. "Our opening events have proved remarkably successful, achieving sales of 75% of all vehicles entered. This is a sales record of which any auction house would be justifiably proud.
"TruckAuctions was launched in response to market demands, and the support and feedback from both vendors and buyers has been extremely positive," he adds. "Interest in the auction series continues to grow, and we are totally confident that we will become a leader in the sector within the next 12 months. We have brought a new, fresh, professional approach to commercial vehicle auctions, and it's paying off handsomely."