The power of three pays dividends
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Looking for a late-year, Euro-5 used truck? Well, don't go anywhere until you have read our top three tips on what to look out for If you are on the hunt for a late-year Euro-5 used truck, there are three key factors you need to take into account. One: numbers. New sales plummeted in 2009 before recovering (if it can be called that) to 27,588 registrations above 6 tonnes in 2010. It will be from this pool that the majority of late-year used trucks will be drawn.
Two: numbers (again). Operators have finally realised that trucks can cope with half a million on the clock, and then some more.
With only London employing a low emission zone (although Edinburgh is also considering it), most hauliers aren't affected and will stick with what they've got.
Three: numbers (yet again). Euro-6 is coming. Word is that trucks are heavier, thirstier, and more expensive.
Operators are caught between a rock — spending money to replace the fleet — and a hard place — spending money later on to replace the fleet.
Number one is a problem. A shortage of available trucks pushes up values.
Number two is less of a problem because it will help reduce the number of buyers for late-year trucks, keeping check on demand.
Number three is the solution. As Euro-6 approaches, more hauliers will buy new Euro-5s, and put their rolling stock out to pasture.
So, where does this leave us? It's likely 2013 won't be easy — but with Euro-6 on the horizon, the used truck market will see just enough stock freed up to meet the diminished demand, thus maintaining strong prices for late-year stock.