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A flash of Ii
Page 14
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Brussels didn't produce as many surprises as some previous CV shows, but Daf gave UK operators something to look forward to with a raft of new tiddlers and middleweights. Robin Moues reports.
• It isn't often that a truck manufacturer launches two new ranges at once, but that's exactly what Daf has just done. Following the "pre-introduction" of the middleweight CF series at the Frankfurt show last year ( CA45-11 at 2000) it used the Brussels show for the CF's official launch—and gave a world premiere to the lightweight LF ( CM18-24 Jan).
It's a bold move because the LF and CF ranges are superseding the 45 and 55 Series that currently account for more than 90% of Daf sales in the UK. Nearly 6,000 units were supplied last year with sales of the 45 rising by some 20%, according to Daf Trucks managing director Kerry McDonagh.
Now, McDonagh's looking for similar success from the 6-18-tonne LF.
LF45s run from 6-12tonnes, with the LF55 taking over up to 18 tonnes. Initially all LFs will be 4x2 rigids, but a tractor and a 6x2 rear-steer rigid will be added later this year.
McDonagh says the new trucks are aimed firmly at the UK market: This isn't just a right-hand-drive version of some Euro truck.
"For instance, the floor well will be the same size on both sides, not like some other trucks. And the exhaust-brake control will be on the steering wheel, rather than down on the floor."
Series production will begin at Leyland in the spring, though McDonagh admits: 'We won't get volume LFs out until the back end of the second quarter." But when they do hit the forecourts he expects sales to be healthy: "The current Daf 45 has 25% of the market, but yes, we're looking to raise this.'