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New tradors in town
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Page 69
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CM tests more Gis than anyone else; now we are using our extensive database to highlight popular used vehicles. This week we
spotlight a newcomer to the used market — the MAN TGA tractor. Vehicle: MAN TGA UK launch date: 24 March 2000 Revisions since launch:April 2004 — new D20 engine, trim and bunks Due to be replaced: No immediate intentions Engines available: Old —310,360, 410,460,530hp; new — 310,350, 390,430,480,530hp Best-selling power rating: 410hp Transmissions available: ZF 16speed manual with Comfort shift, 12-speed Tipmatic automated UK units sold: More than 7,000 Main market: 4x2 and 6x2 tractor Official used dealers: 37 CA4Roadtest: 19 October 2000 Model: MAN TGA 18.410FLT mediumroof XL sleeper-cab 4x2 tractor Engine: MAN D2866LF32, Euro-2 charge-cooled diesel, four-valves-percylinder, electronically controlled fuel system Capacity: 11.97 litres Maximum power: 403hp (301kW) at 1,90Orpm Maximum torque: 1,850Nm (1,3631bft) between 900-1,300rpm Average fuel consumption: 7.95mpg (35.511t/100km) (Scottish three-day route) Average speed: 65.9km/h (41.0mph) The lowdown: Truck operators have every reason not to believe the hype that surrounds every new truck, but in this case the reality comes very close to the billing. If you're looking for a solidly-built artic that can handle 40/41 tonnes with ease, and can deliver good economy and payload into the bargain, then the new MAN ought to be on your shortlist— not least because of its attractive list price when compared with rivals from Daf,Volvo
and Scania, plus a three-year R&M package.
But if you want a truck that a driver will go out of his way to get into, and will be happy to do a day's work with, then your shortlist might well shrink to just one. Building a truck to please both the driver and his gaffer has never been easy. But, with the TGA, MAN has managed to hit the target dead centre, with both barrels.
steadily increasing. In fact, expansion seems to be a running theme. With new sales on the increase the knock-on effect to the used market is looking good. "The BCA light commercial vehicle programme is always looking to expand, and with record registrations there are more vans
on the market today that will have to be recycled," he says. The company has started the year strongly and an emphasis on presentation has helped. In-house services include a national logistics service, mechanical reports displayed on windscreens, bodywork appraisal and valet
service. Ward insists that it's all about getting the best from each product. "'Whether it's good, bad or ugly we will handle it, but it must be priced to sell. It is essential that it is presented at the right price.The customer has to place themselves in the buyer's shoes," he says.They seem to be doing that well enough. Pre-sale preparation makes a difference
The weekly van auction at Belle Vue was very busy, with 67% of the vans available going under the hammer. The line-up included LeasePlan vehicles, of which 88% converted to sales at 102.8% of the Cap recommended retail price.
UK business development manager Duncan Ward says the flow into the marketplace is generally very good. "But there remains a dearth of clean, late-year examples to tempt both professional buyers and end-users.
"Consequently, demand is high and prices likewise —even with the many terrific deals on new vans, the late year used example is much sought after," he says.
Ward reiterates the importance of vehicle presentation to trade and end-users. "Both want a van that is ready —either for retail or to go to work, as appropriate. Trade name deletion is a must and should be done to a professional standard.
"A good level of pre-sale preparation can make a hard-worked van look highly desirable and —yes — it is worth investing in paint and detail work on commercial vehicles. Make sure the vans have a long MoT, the V5 is present and that all the relevant service history is available," he adds.
Sharp rise in demand for tippers and other construction vehicles
British Car Auctions at Belle Vue, Manchester, holds an HGV auction fortnightly. In its last heavy sale numbers were slightly down, but the quality of stock was good.
The sale provided evidence of a strong upturn in lightweight tippers. A 1998 DAF 45.130 tipper from a leasing company sold for £6,000 (all prices ex-VAT). Its sister vehicle went through in January at £800.
Other construction vehicles were also snapped up. A 2001-registered Iveco Eurocargo 75E15 dropside fetched £8,750 ,while a 1997 Daf 55.210 dropside went for £5,400. An 18-tonne 1997 Mercedes-Benz 1820 skip loader made £7,000and a 1995 Daf 45.150 skip loader went under the hammer for £4,500.
HGV operations managerJohn Connolly says the property boom is having a very positive effect in the used commercial market.
The generally favourable economic conditions also help smaller businesses and owner-operators, who are strong buyers in the used market," he says. In al 1,65% of the available stock was sold.