This post is courtesy of DAF Trucks.
DAF Trucks has again topped 30% market share in the UK for trucks above 6.0-tonnes GVW. With a total of 31.1% in 2021, it is the third year in succession that DAF Trucks has exceeded 30% and is the company’s second highest ever share of the market after its 32% high-point in 2020.
The impressive achievement also means DAF Trucks continues with 27 uninterrupted years of market leadership in the UK.
Total UK registrations at 6t GVW in 2021 grew by 12.9% to 37,163 from 32,918 in 2020 when numbers were dramatically reduced by the pandemic. Despite this growth, the 2021 market is still down on average pre-pandemic levels however as material shortages have constrained the supply of new trucks.
“The market size of just over 37,000 belies a very strong demand for new trucks,” said Laurence Drake, Managing Director of DAF Trucks, “We continue to see very high levels of demand from operators looking to replenish, upgrade and grow their fleets. Our order intake during 2021 was at record levels and lead-times have moved out consequently. The New Generation DAF models are in demand due to their enhanced efficiency, safety and driver comfort. Our customers understand the benefits of investing in the latest technology on the total cost of ownership,” he said.
The strong demand for trucks is also affecting used truck availability and, accordingly, prices have risen dramatically, especially for Euro VI compliant DAF models which meet Clean Air Zone and Low Emission Zone requirements. SMMT figures reveal individual vehicle category successes with the built-in-Britain brand, leading the way in seven of eight key segments including in two- and three-axle rigids, and two- and three-axle tractors.
The release of the figures comes amid a hugely exciting start to 2022 for DAF Trucks, with significant numbers of the company’s New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG+ range now being delivered to customers, boosted by the 2022 International Truck of the Year Award.
The DAF Dealer network has also performed exceedingly well throughout 2021, with notable KPIs including 98.44% MOT first-time pass rate, completion of 400,000 DAFcheck vehicle inspections and a very strong 12-months for DAF Genuine and TRP Parts. DAFaid, DAF’s industry benchmark roadside assistance service, attended 80,000 call-outs, 80% of which were successfully resolved at the roadside within 90-minutes.
Preparing for a zero-emission future, DAF Trucks is readying its dealer network with specialist dedicated Technician training for the DAF LF Electric and CF Electric trucks now entering service with UK operators.
“Naturally, I’m thrilled with our sales successes, and to lead the UK market for 27-years is an outstanding achievement by the DAF Dealer network,” continued Laurence Drake, “but it is our aftersales performance of which I’m especially proud, and here again our dealers must take the credit. We have the strongest network in the UK with highly-skilled DAF Technicians,” he added, “with dedicated Service and Parts experts supporting customers day and night. This is where the DAF difference has its most significant effect with operators.”