Truck sales set to grow in 2011 as economy recovers
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christopher.wationfarbi.co.uk
DAF 15 WORKING on re-establishing the true price of trucks next year as the market moves out of recession, according to MD Ray Ashworth.
The truck manufacturer forecasts a slight dip in overall truck market volumes in the UK this year, with total registrations finishing the year at approximately 27,000 units, compared to 28.000 in 2009. By comparison, 2008 saw 49,000 vehicle registrations.
"Last year we said [the market] would be about the same this year," says Ashworth. By March, we had reached the bottom and we have been climbing out of it since.
"Our forecast for next year is between 32,000 units and 34,000 units."
Ashworth adds that "the market has lost a view of the price of a truck" because of the recession.
"We are trying to re-establish what the true price of a truck should be; we are trying to lead the market on this."
Furthermore, given the recent turmoil in the UK rental market, Ashworth says: "Tractors are going into the market, rental compa
nies are buying. and used-truck prices are starting to rise. Put these three things together and those are the precursors to an emergence from recession."
• Meanwhile, DArs LF parallel diesel/electric hybrid has gone into production at its Leyland factory. The 12-tonne hybrid weighs just 300kg more than a standard model, offering a payload of around 7.5 tonnes. The EEV diesel engine produces 160hp and is mated to an Eaton automatic six-speed gearbox, while the battery pack allows the truck to travel up to 2km without needing the diesel engine.
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