INTERVIEW

The recent launch of the New Generation DAF trucks may have been a well kept secret, but there was also a lot of other business going on behind the scenes at DAF Trucks, mainly to improve customer services and satisfaction.

The launch of the new trucks meant that DAF Trucks’ plants in Eindhoven and Leyland had to be upgraded, assembly employees trained and the dealer network prepared, while technicians had to be updated on the new technologies on board the new truck family. In addition, an expansion of DAF’s TRP parts and components sales outlets was undertaken together with an ongoing rollout of the TRP Service network. All these topics and more were discussed with the two senior DAF Trucks representatives while attending the recent ITT Hub event in Farnborough.

With the introduction of the New Generation DAF Trucks, many areas and aspects were focussed on – fuel efficiency, driver comfort and appeal, safety, and above all, future proofing. For instance, the 10% reduction on fuel consumption has been achieved through a wind-cheating, streamlined cab design and modifications to the whole drivetrain, from engine tweaks to axle ratio changes. With three new models introduced - the XF, XG & XG+ - road transport companies, fleet operators and owner drivers now have a great selection to choose the most suitable version to meet their particular needs. Indeed, DAF Trucks enters a new dimension, literally, with the new XG+. Meeting the new EU truck design regulations with additional space for the driver will be appreciated by drivers, especially for long haul operations.

“The XF name was retained and expanded on, as it is identified globally as a DAF Truck,” explained Laurence (pictured right).

“There are three distinct sections with the new cab design; the driver’s area, rest area and mobile office, with plenty of space and storage all round.”

DAF Trucks had the Brexit issue well covered with production plants in both territories – UK and Europe. The Leyland factory, inherited by DAF from the merger with Leyland Trucks has benefited from substantial investment over the decades. “At the Lancashire facility, the LF series is produced for all markets and over the years, right hand drive versions of the CF and XF have rolled off the production line also. Our home market (Britain) is DAF’s biggest customer, topping the truck sales charts consistently, year on year,” said Laurence.

The whole question of new and used truck sales were discussed. The extended waiting list for new trucks has led to increased residual values for fresh used units. Traditionally many hundreds of used units headed across to Ireland each year, but Brexit has halted this convenient market for now at least, as its now loaded with additional and paperwork. Laurence stated that 50% of all used trucks sold in Ireland over 7.5 tonnes came from the UK. Otherwise, Brexit issues have not affected trade all that much, mentioned Mike, apart from lengthy Customs processes required for the distribution and delivery of its overnight spare parts service. “Additional costs have had to be implemented as a result. Despite these implications DAF and TRP managed to maintain a 97% offthe-shelf availability for next day delivery into its dealer and service network, which includes Ireland. TRP is continuing to grow and is an important element for DAF’s overall business,” he said. Through TRP Parts, TRP Service & TRP Service+ networks, the DAF Truck owner, be it of a new vehicle or one on its second or third ownership, is guaranteed top quality repair and maintenance, expertly carried out by highly trained technicians.

The plaudits and positivity generated towards the transport fraternity during the early Coronavirus lockdown periods was not capitalised upon, according to Laurence. “We need to look at how the drivers’ job is viewed and how a better work-life balance can be achieved, with less focus on driver regulation.” As Mike pointed out, the introduction of in-cab cameras, telematics systems and driver CPC requirements has made the plight of the driver ever more difficult, more so than any other occupation. “There is no easy solution, but there needs to be more proactive engagement from all sides, to highlight the benefits of the sector to the economy and let everyone know about the value involved. For example, 85% of goods produced are carried by a truck from source to consumer.”

The general viewpoint from the DAF executives was that more could be done and should be done to alleviate the chronic driver shortage. The various State bodies, trade organisations and media should combine their collective efforts and energies to address the situation. For example, the truck brands can promote the high levels of technical engagement between the truck and the driver, while the authorities should look at improving facilities for the driver’s daily activities, something that could be promoted through the dedicated press.

Laurence made a valid point and suggestion which would be a wake-up call for internet consumers. To highlight the carbon footprint involved in sourcing and delivering web-based shopping, he said introducing a pence (or cent) per mile/km on the product ordered that is calculated from source may be required to somewhat stem the eCommerce tide that is rising every day. “The increased demands by customers for instant delivery is putting enormous and un-necessary pressure on the logistical aspect of the process, which could be slowed down if brought back to the retail outlets,” he concluded.

INTERVIEW with Laurence Drake, Managing Director, DAF Trucks UK and Mike Atkinson, General Manager Ireland, DAF Trucks UK

With Jarlath Sweeney – jarlath@fleet.ie

Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77

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