MAN launch aims to cut operator costs
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steve.hobson@rbi.co.uk MAN WILL USE the CV Show to launch two new parts initiatives designed to reduce operators’ running costs – Valueline and Trailerline.
Valueline has been developed to counter market perceptions that MAN parts are more expensive than other truck builders by lowering prices on a range of 800 parts, including a basket of 130 key service, repair and maintenance spares, by about 40% to bring them in line with, or below, key competitors. It is expected Valueline will be extended to a total of up to 300 of the most frequently bought parts by the end of 2011.
Andrew Taylor, MAN head of parts, says: “This is not a promotion – it is a long-term change in direction by MAN. We are preserving our dealers’ margins, and this represents a £1m investment by MAN.” The drive to reduce running costs by cutting the prices of genuine parts is part of the company’s push to make total cost of ownership of an MAN truck among the lowest on the market. The cut in prices of spares will be relected in repair and maintenance contracts, in which parts typically account for 50% of the price.
“R&M contracts are usually 50/50 parts/labour, so there will be signiicant savings in the second half of 2011,” says Taylor.
Trailerline is a comprehensive range of popular fuel tanker and trailer parts that have been pulled together in one catalogue for the irst time. Operators will be able to order their truck, trailer and tanker spares from their MAN dealer in a one-stopshop, says Taylor, saving them time and money.