Daf NV holding alliance talks
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• Loss-making Daf NV has admitted that it is in deep discussion with another major truck manufacturer which could buy into the Netheriands-based company leading to future product co-operation.
In a statement issued with its financial results, the parent of Leyland Daf in the UK talked of a "strategic alliance". "These discussions could lead to a structural strengthening of the company on the basis of mutual participation in products, product development and the production process," it said, "A strengthening of the equity position is also being considered."
Daf refuses to comment on reports of talks with MercedesBenz. Leyland Daf and Renault are currently co-operating on a panel van project.
In the first half of 1992 Daf NV made a loss of NLG 97.4 million(t31.42m) on a turnover of NLG 2,180m (703.2m), — a significant improvement on the loss of NLG 179.1m (E58m) made for the same period last year, Daf attributes the improvement to restructuring, improved efficiencies in manufacturing and distribution, and increased market share.
Daf says its UK market share for trucks over 3.5 tonnes increased from 23.8% to 24.8%. However, the total market was around 10% lower than the first half of 1991. Its market share for vans in the UK increased 2.2% to 14.6%.