• There are only half as many truck dealers in
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the UK as there were in 1981, according to statistics published by Iveco Ford.
Of the 1,138 dealers in 1981 only 577 remained in 1987, although a slight increase is forecast for this year.
Despite this dramatic downturn, Iveco Ford maintains that manufacturers and their dealers are still not earning enough for long-term viability. To complicate the situation, Iveco Ford says that trucks are being built to last and to offer longer service which means that the profit per vehicle has shrunk.
David Gill, managing director of Iveco Ford, says that the UK truck market is still growing, but fierce competiton has not necessarily benefitted the operators of the UK's 409,000
ticks. The reduction in dealer imbers has increased dealer ad kilometres from an aver;-e of 300km to almost 6001cm. his has meant that servicing xi repairs have become a -oblem for hauliers.
A replacement for the ,eco Ford Cargo is being deloped by British and Italian lgineers and should be ready T launch in the early 1990s. espite the expected market 7owth, Iveco Ford says it has ) intentions of increasing Car) production at its Langley, erkshire plant.