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LIGHT TRUCKS
Page 34
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The 7.5-tonne sector remains the second largest in truck registrations and is holding its own despite being written off in the past. Andy Salter reports.
1f the column inches dedicated to the demise of the 7.5-tonne sector were anything to go by then this sector would have been dead and buried years ago. However, with the arrival of speed limiter legislation, driver licensing laws and digital tachographs the trend in this sector appears to be giving the 7.5-tonne soothsayers some fuel for the fire. Everyone we talk to in the industry, particularly those in the rental sector, appears to be re-appraising 7.5-tonners as long-term purchasing prospects.
In the short term, though, it remains the second biggest single sector of truck registrations, behind tractors, and an edge-of-the-cliff fall in registrations would appear to be unlikely. Light trucks continue to offer unrivalled operational flexibility and there are clear efficiency gains to be made by running at the lower speed limits.The sector is traditionally dominated by Daf's LF45 and lveco's E urocargo, and while MAN and Mercedes have made ground up in recent years the normal state of affairs continued last year.The ubiquitous LF and Eurocargo offer good payload and driveability, which continue to appeal to the costconscious UK operator.
Elsewhere, Mitsubishi's Canter has felt the effect of Daimler's investment, gaining significant improvements and therefore respect, while Ivcco's Daily chassis-cab has switched from an also-ran to a viable alternative to a small truck, thanks to its commendable road manners and sharp packaging. Another two in the class that champion the panel van cause are Renault's sturdy Mascott and Mercedes' ageing Vario, with the last included due more to nostalgia than anything else.
The only newcomer during 2007 in this sector was the Hino 300 Series, which made its debut in Birmingham. We've still to see it make its mark on UK roads in any significant numbers.