Buy this superb British product
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WITH REFERENCE to the letter from Mr E. P. Foden (CM September 12), I am glad Mr Foden is an optimistic fellow because the market seems to be against his 100 per cent British company at the moment. I heartily agree with all his comments regarding the ERF product range, but I think he could shout a lot louder about his virtues.
I cannot understand the reasoning behind British companies buying foreign vehicles to transport Britishmade goods when suitable light, economical and reliable vehicles are already manufactured in the UK.
The ERF vehicle is built for a long life; there are no badly corroded cabs after a couple of years — instead, easily replaceable plastic panels, no unnecessary sophistication or gimmicks — and the vehicle has just a rugged long-life chassis built with the widest available choice of specifications of engines, gearboxes and axles.
They are much sought after on the secondhand market and command higher than average prices. Compare the prices of some foreign vehicles when they are two/three years' old.
Probably one reason for the foreign vehicles' increasing market share of the heavy truck market is their professional and aggressive sales and marketing; eg, one Continental franchise dealer without being approached quoted us for the supply of a 42-ton sleeper tractor unit at list price less 15 per cent discount less a further £3,000 lump sum. Not much profit left, but another sale to mark up during the month and another nail in the British coffin.
Come on hauliers and ownaccount operators, buy a superb British product and help one firm survive this recession. We all depend on Britain retaining a manufacturing industry, one way or another. Let's all help Mr Foden prove "Small is beautiful".
J. D. ASHMORE Transport Manager NE! International Combustion Ltd Derby