Heavyweights battle for UK title
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• Newly merged Leyland Daf is slugging it out with Iveco Ford Truck in the battle for the number-one slot in the truck and artic sector above 3.5 tonnes GVW — a market which has remained virtually static, according to the latest registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
During the first four months of 1987 Leyland Daf solf 4,266 trucks to take a 22.5% share of the market, fractionally ahead of second-placed IFT with a 22.07% stake (4,222 trucks).
Equally interesting, however, is how well the two constituents of Leyland Daf appear to be doing as individual companies. During the first four months of 1987 Daf sales fell by 16.9% compared to the first quarter of 1986, Leyland, too, suffered a slight drop of 1.94% in its sales up the end of April.
With IFT pushing even harder to gain pole position, the battle for market leadership is certain to hot up.
Mercedes-Benz has held on to its third place position with a 13.5% share (2,602), despite a slight drop in April's sales.
Steadily improving Volvo Trucks finished the first four months with a 10.4% share (1,988), followed by Renault Truck Industries with 9.02% (1,730).
Scania is in sixth place with a 5.3% (1,027) overall share, while MAN VW's share is 4.02% (772). Despite no longer selling in the sector, there are still a few Bedfords being registered: GM currently holds a 4.04% stake (776) although this is falling rapidly.