ERN new parent looking at Cat and Detroit power
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• Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel engines could be fitted to ERF trucks in future, according to Mike Harvey, vice president international sales at Western Star Trucks, ERF's new parent company. Harvey, who spent 16 years with Caterpillar told CM: "I know the limit suppliers will go to to get coverage. We're looking to see which of our suppliers is ready for the road."
Speaking just before the first Western Star Board meeting which ERF directors will attend, Harvey said: "The game plan is to get to know one another, look at our supply commonalities and decide how can we improve things. We both build trucks with unique cabs— not drivelines-and we could save on purchasing."
ERF's European operation will also be reviewed with the ERF management. "Now we have not enough salesmen and too many administrators." Direct sales could be the way forward for French sales, believes Harvey, as the dealer network's expertise is in servicing.
Outside Europe, Harvey is looking at markets where ERF and Western Star could be sold side by side. So far, he has identified New Zealand and Africa. Generally, Harvey says there are no market share expectations for ERF: "We would be dead with that attitude."