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Automatic boxes a t urn
Page 67
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Trucks with electronic boxes fetch no more than trucks with manual ones
The track record of auto and semi-automatic gearboxes fitted in trucks has meant their residual prices are no better than manual transmissions, according to research carried out by CAP Cynicism from used truck buyers over the reliability and operational benefits of automatic gearboxes means they prefer to pay less. CAP Red Book heavy CV editor Barrie Travis says with so few fully automatic trucks available in the open market, any pricing research must take into account not only sold prices, but operators' views and the sentiments of buyers and sellers in the trade.
"Market sentiment is what ultimately dictates values and the current evidence is that automatic boxes are not worth any more than manuals," he explains."Examples of fully electronic systems have been observed in recent months, achieving the same prices as manual-equipped trucks, but significant shortfalls have also been noted for trucks with semi-automatic gearboxes — up to £2,000 in some cases."
Travis believes scepticism about previous attempts at producing reliable automatic trucks means there is a long way to go before the assumption can be made that additional up-front costs, where they are demanded, will carry through into the used market.
"All that can be declared with confidence at present is that, depending on the type and age of gearbox, research reveals a range of possibilities, from major price penalties all the way up to parity, with no sign so far of any premiums," he says.