DAF Trucks’ MD insists operators need more support from Government to transition to zero emissions

their trust in the DAF brand,” added Drake, “and in all the members of the DAF team who continue to work incredibly hard to deliver the best trucks and the best back-up in the business. Last year was one of the most challenging, but also our most successful in terms of market share,” he said. DAF customers also signed up to over 6,500 DAF MultiSupport Repair & Maintenance contracts, taking the overall portfolio to over 21,500.

There were significant dealer investments, including Greenhous DAF consolidating its investment in the DAF brand with the acquisition of North West Trucks, while Ford & Slater added three franchise locations in the north east; in Sheffield, Leeds and Stockton. DAF Dealers have continued to invest and grow capacity with the equivalent of an extra 90 20-metre workshop bays now available to support DAF customers. Pointing out that such investments not only focus on delivering extra capacity, Drake says, “Our people are our best asset, and they deserve a workplace that, like our trucks, offers an ideal working environment – combining efficiency, safety and comfort.”

PACCAR Financial enjoyed a very strong year with its highest ever annual volume of new business, while DAF Parts achieved record sales, including for TRP as increasing numbers of customers select the all-makes brand for their truck and trailer requirements. The Parts Distribution Centre maintained an impressively high level of 97.2% first-time pick availability against the backdrop of a disrupted supply chain. Meanwhile, DAF Dealers have, collectively, worked hard to achieve a 98.57% MOT first-time pass rate – up on 2021.

DAFaid handled an all-time record number of calls for assistance – over 107,000 – in 2022 with over 80% of jobs completed at the roadside, and reflecting the fact that very nearly one-third of the total UK vehicle parc comprises DAF vehicles.

Around the DAF Dealer network, over 414,000 DAFcheck inspection records were undertaken in 2022, while 46,500 MOTs were completed with a first-time-pass-rate of 98.59%.