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Roll up, roll up for Euro-3
Page 10
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With 30 September 2006 as the final date for registering a Euro-3 truck, the anticipated surge in orders has begun. Louise Cole reports.
TRUCK MANUFACTURERS say buyers are starting to place their final orders for Euro-3 vehicles, leading to the highest order figures they have seen to date.
Truck makers have been expecting an influx of orders from fleet managers keen to renew their trucks as late as possible while still avoiding the price penalty of Ettro-4. The last date for registering a Euro-3 truck is 30 September 2006.
However, until November there was no evidence of this happening, leaving the manufacturers unable to plan production capacity effectively for next year.
Dan Hoij, MD of Scania (GB), says: "We're seeing a surge of Euro-3 sales now. It's starting to take hold, but it will artificially boost figures because people are ordering earlier. I'm sure we'll see a corresponding fall in the industry's sales figures later next year."
Scania expected to sell up to 250 trucks in November but sales staff took 500 retail orders, mainly for Euro-3 tractors.
Renault has also benefited from a Euro-3 surge. Marketing director Bruce Allison says: "November is our best month to date. The Euro-3 factor is starting to take effect, although for us the new Premiums are also a factor."
He points out that some firms are choosing to go directly to Euro-4, despite the price penalty which adds £3,500 across the Renault range: "One customer recently placed an order for 10 Euro-4 Premiums even though they know they'll have to wait for several months."
Dars marketing director. Tony Pain, says their sales have not yet shown a dramatic change hut he urges customers to start planning now: "We'll be producing Euro-3 for the UK until mid-2006. We may accept orders after May, but customers are running a risk of limited availability."
He advises customers to make an informed choice: "For anyone running high mileages, it could be that Euro-4 is a better bet."
PROS Euro-3: Cheaper to buy Euro-4: Cheaper to run (3-5% fuel savings)
Longer service intervals Stronger residuals?
CONS Euro-3: Higher operating costs Final registration 30 September 2006 By 2010 will be banned from London's low emissions zone Euro-4: Costs 5-10% more