DAF strengthens position on European truck market
In 2010, DAF further strengthened its position on the European truck market. In the heavy class (above 15 tonnes), a 15.2% market share was achieved in the European Union*). In terms of volume DAF now takes a solid third place among the European truck manufacturers and is well on its way to its medium term goal of 20% market share.
Only about ten years ago, DAF was the smallest of the seven truck builders in the heavy segment in terms of volume. Now, with a market share of 15.2%, DAF has achieved a strong third position (2009: 14.8%). In the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal and Hungary, DAF is market leader. In Germany and Italy, DAF is the largest import brand.
Last year in the 27 countries of the European Union (plus Norway and Switzerland), around 183,000 trucks were registered in the above 15-tonne class. This represents an increase of more than 9% compared with the previous year, when around 168,000 trucks were registered. It is estimated that industry sales in the above 15-tonne truck market in Europe will be in the range of 220,000 to 240,000 units in 2011.
In almost all countries of the European Union, DAF realised growth in 2010. In the Netherlands its market share in the heavy class increased from 33.3 to 34.7% and in Belgium it increased from 18.5 to 22.2%. In Germany, Europe’s largest truck market, market share rose from 10.6% to 11.1%, while market share in France and Spain increased to 14.6% and 14.4% respectively. And also in countries in Central and Eastern Europe, DAF further strengthened its position; in the Czech Republic, market share in the above 15-tonne class rose from 15.5 to 20.9%, while market share in Poland was 19.3%.
Keys to success
“Our success is the result of a modern product range and a very professional dealer organisation”, says Ron Bonsen, member of the Board of Management of DAF Trucks N.V. and responsible for Marketing & Sales. “At least as important however is the complete range of services behind the product, to guarantee maximum vehicle availability and low operational costs under all circumstances for optimum customer satisfaction. Examples are financial services by PACCAR Financial, MultiSupport repair and maintenance contracts and the services of PACCAR Parts, which offers a service degree of more than 97% and further enhanced its delivery reliability to 99.98% in 2010.”
DAF Trucks N.V. – a subsidiary of the American PACCAR Inc, one of the largest producers of heavy trucks in the world – is a leading manufacturer of light, medium and heavy duty trucks with a market share of 15.2% in the above 15 tonne class in Europe*). DAF produces a complete programme of tractors and rigids, with the right vehicle for every transport application. DAF also leads in the area of services behind the product: Multi Support repair and maintenance contracts, financial services of PACCAR Financial and first-class parts supplies. DAF also develops and produces components such as axles and engines for bus and coach producers throughout the world. DAF Trucks N.V. has factories in Eindhoven (The Netherlands) and in Westerlo (Belgium) and more than 1,000 dealers and service points in Europe.
*) The market shares for 2010 apply to the countries of the European Union, plus Norway and Switzerland (EU27+2)
