Closed as a marque in 2007, ERF trucks are still the vehicle of choice for some of the UK's biggest businesses.
Closed as a marque in 2007, ERF trucks are still the vehicle of choice for some of the UK's biggest businesses. The used ERF trucks for sale on TruckLocator.co.uk are still reliable when it comes to local and regional distribution and ERF's heavy goods vehicles remain popular on the second-hand market as they provide great value for money.
ERF's heavy trucks were built for purpose in Munich, with lighter vehicles built at its factory in Sandbach, Cheshire until 2002. The final range of ERF lorries were based on trucks produced by ERF's owner MAN, which means that buyers looking for ERF models newer than 2007 should take a look at Truck Locator's MAN page.
ERF was purchased by MAN AG from the Canadian group Western Star in 2000, after increasing pressure from the PACCAR-owned DAF. MAN closed the Cheshire factory in 2002 and relocated ERF's operations to its own factories in Germany and Austria, with ERF continuing to operate as a marque in the UK until 2007. The MAN badge was used in other markets long before this point and the retirement of the ERF brand was more about consolidation than the standard of the trucks, which are still some of the most reliable and efficient ones on the market.
In fact, ERF has maintained a reputation for quality throughout its history, opting to buy in the best parts on the market rather than produce them in house - apart from the distinctive cabs and chassis. ERFs are still amongst the most popular British lorries ever produced, being cost-effective and still comfortable.
Trucks in the E Series were named by their engine size, with the models available being the E9 (9ltr), E10, E12 and E14. The same naming convention was continued after the launch of the EC series.
The EC Series was the last true British design from ERF, with subsequent trucks coming in the form of rebadged MAN trucks from Austria. The EC Series is arguably the best choice for local and regional drivers who specifically want a British truck. It's worth bearing in mind, though, that the newer ECs did begin to incorporate more MAN parts, which, while still of high quality, were produced in Austria and Germany.
The ERF ES series of tippers and tankers is one of the most popular in its class and is a good choice for local and regional haulage.