Iasi year the 7.51/12-tome market accounted for 1,108 vehicles; the

18th March 2004, Page 55

18th March 2004

Page 55

Page 55, 18th March 2004 — Iasi year the 7.51/12-tome market accounted for 1,108 vehicles; the

Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

sector from 12-15 tonnes accounted for a further 1,883. The three big players here are Oaf, Mercedes and lveco. Will sales of just 30 and 199 trucks respectively Volvo does not feature strongly at these middle weights.

Operators were expected to drift away from the lighter weights at 7.5 tonnes to 12 and 15 tonnes over the past few years but this has not happened. The 7.5-tonne market is still holding up: last year it accounted for 12.689 sales. Volvo is hardly visible at this weight; the few sales it does register are with downrated 12-tonners.

The reputation for a heavy build extends to these middleweights and it could be significant that payload was not important to any of the three operators we talked to. Rear air suspension adds about 45kg to the unladen weight so most used examples will be found specified with rear leaf suspension. The FL 12 and 15-tonners are robust and reliable but used examples will be hard to find.

The FL6's long production run ensures that the major components are well proven. The standard power option of 18011p may detract from its appeal in the used market as journey times become ever more important The cab is now an old design but recent trim updates give it a modern feel. It's small so the long cab is preferred by drivers to the top pod sleeper.

Operators can expect to get the some standa of service from tine dealer as they get with heavie trucks Volvos support is as good as any.

Iasi year the 7.51/12-tome market accounted for 1,108 vehicles; the

Page 55

Tags