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Despite new legislation that covers speed limiters and driving licences,
Page 32
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the ubiquitous 7.5-tonner continues to survive against the odds. Colin Barnett
assesses the market sector that stubbornly refuses to lay down...
Despite the many factors that seem to suggest the days of the 7.5-tonne sector are numbered, the market still refuses to lay down and die.
Indeed, the latest figures available before this guide went to press actually demonstrate a 7.5% increase in registrations in the year to date.
Measures such as the introduction of speed limiter legislation, much tougher driver licensing laws and use of digital tachographs don't appear to have harmed the appeal of the 7.5-tonner in any way shape or form. In fact, as our road tests throughout 2008 demonstrate, the reduced speeds have brought some quite significant improvements in fuel economy, albeit at a small cost in journey times.
Daf's LF45 continues to dominate this particular market sector, while Iveco's heavily revised new Eurocargo will be presenting a strong challenge.
This determination is no doubt motivated, by the company's highly ambitious market share targets.
Meanwhile, MAN and Mercedes-Benz continue to keep the market leaders on their toes, especially the former with the facelift it has carried out on its Euro-5 models.
And Mercedes' undeniably elderly — but still handy—Vario will still make a significant contribution to the company coffers.
Last year's newcomer, the Hino 300 Series seems to be settling down to a three-figure total in its first full year, which is no mean feat.
The market for large vans that are around the six-tonne mark, such as the Renault Mascott and Iveco Daily, continue to make a steady and solid impact, offering 7.5-tonner payloads in what are deemed to be more manageable packages