Bargain prices at Polish show
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Icy trade relations with Russia led to a big dip in heavy vehicle registrations in Poland by the end of 1999. Combined with the end of a 10-year investment cycle to replace old communist-era stock, sales of vehicles are sure to remain well below the mid-199os' spectacular peak.
Last year tractor unit sales plunged by almost 50% compared with 1998 to 2,092 units, while the io.i-I6-tonne chassis sector suffered a drop of 25%.
Nevertheless, western exhibitors were out in force at the Poznan show with Volvo, Daf, Scania, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, MAN and Renault focussing on tapping into the market's huge potential. Ford and Volkswagen kept a lower profile, as did market leader Daewoo which takes 50% of this market with the Lublin Mkiii.
Ties between Polish and western manufacturers are well established and continue to prosper. Leyland's SW 68o engine enjoys a long history while last December MAN bought its way into the market with the purchase of truck builder STAR. Other home grown companies like Jelcz are also flourishing, using Euro-2 engines to .power their models, while East European manufacturers continue to peddle their wares for rock-bottom prices. Bill Godwin reports.