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Rigids in demand
Page 67
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It's time for the winter slowdown, but a shortage of good quality rigids is keeping values firm, while tractor prices show signs of falling.
George Alexander, chief commercial editor of Glass's Guide, reports that in recent weeks the truck market has "slowed noticeably yet dealers see little cause for concern as there is still a shortage of clean rigid stock at most weights.
"When the best iveco,Daf or other popular chassis surface they are snapped up at Guide Trade or better,he adds.-Although the tractor unit scene has come off the highs seen earlier this year, demand is still holding up both from domestic and export customers, yet prices have begun to move dovvnwards."
With the short supply of multi-axle rigids keeping prices firm it appears traders are keeping their cheque books in the pocket rather than speculating to accumulate.
Several dealers, both independent and franchised, are talking of weak marketing conditions, but they come up with a number of possible reasons. Franchised dealers with a steady stream of centrally controlled stock from the manufacturer are struggling to find fresh customers, while non-franchised dealers are having difficulty picking up consistently good quality stock.
The auction houses, meanwhile, report that business has slowed because of the looming festive season.
Either way it looks like the eggnog will be served sooner rather than later this year. •