Lockdown: Daf network to remain fully operational

Commercial fleets will have continued access to the Daf dealer network as England prepares for new ‘lockdown’ restrictions.

Daf Trucks managing director, Laurence Drake, said that all of its 130 sites “will remain fully operational to provide essential support for operators”.

With the transport sector expected to fall under the spotlight again as a key component for NHS, food distributors and other front-line public services, he stressed that Daf Trucks will continue to operate sales, service and parts activities.

Social distancing guidance and other restrictions are already being observed, with Daf Trucks able to fulfil a complete aftersales function courtesy of its back-office staff at Haddenham and around the network fully connected online and working from home.

Drake said: “We delivered on our customer support promises during the first lockdown and we will do so again.

“We are at an advantage in that many of the processes and protocols are already in place. We are prepared, and we will remain fully operational to provide essential support for operators. Daf customers and mixed fleets can rely on our benchmark aftersales portfolio.”

He continued: “We will continue to monitor our Daf Genuine and TRP all-makes parts supply chains to ensure stock levels and delivery frequencies are maintained.”

The Dafaid control centre will also remain fully operational and priority will be given to calls relating to roadside breakdowns.

“The coming weeks will undoubtedly present challenges,” he said, “but I can reassure operators that Daf Trucks is ready once again to go the extra mile.”

In September, Daf Trucks was forecasting the truck market to end the year at 32,000 new registrations, down 34% on 2019’s 48,535 and 18,000 below its original estimate for the year.

However, it said it was experiencing a “reasonably V-shaped recovery”, underpinned by strong demand from most business sectors.

The truck manufacturer has also pledged that prices on all new UK orders for LF, CF and XF vehicles will remain secured for vehicles built by the end of February 2021.

The announcement has been made despite the threat of import tariffs brought about by a potential no-deal Brexit, and the potential of a devalued pound against the euro.