EXPORT FLUCTUATIONS

2nd September 2010, Page 169

2nd September 2010

Page 169

Page 169, 2nd September 2010 — EXPORT FLUCTUATIONS

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Trucks2Go has found the used truck export market very volatile in recent times. "It has been up and down," says Chris Hart, "and it's driven by the currency. One day, a change in currency gets people from Jordan wanting your truck, then it changes again and they suddenly back off."

Exports to Cyprus have been hit, with the company now sending around 25% of what it used to ship there. "The job has gone quiet with Greece the way it is. Russia, with its three-year-old import rule for used stock, means the stuff they now want [late-year Euro-4 and Euro-5], is worth more here than it is there.

"Nigeria wants older stuff, like the Mercedes SK, Ukraine wants old vans. Tanzania wants tractor units, Jordan wants tractors, Egypt wants rigids and tractor units," he adds.

The domestic market is still ticking over, but Hart admits that enquiry levels are very quiet.

"We still have our customer base, but they aren't buying as much," says Jefford, "they say it's a buyer's market, [however], stock is becoming harder to find, so it then becomes a seller's market."

She says that while franchised dealers have the aftermarket to fall back on with parts and service, Trucks2Go hasn't got that safety net, and to create that involves a lot of investment.

"You've got to walk before you can run, and we are definitely walking at the moment," she says.