The second highest market share in the company’s history
2019 was a successful year for DAF Trucks. A market share of 16.2% in the segment of heavy-duty vehicles (16+ tons) allowed DAF to enter the top three largest manufacturers in Europe. DAF in the segment of low-tonnage transportation increased from 9.0% to 9.7%. “The combination of first-class trucks and service with a highly professional dealer network has allowed us to take a strong position for further growth,” comments Harry Walters, president of DAF Trucks.
In 2019, the European market in the 16+ ton segment amounted to 320,000 cars, which roughly corresponds to the volume of the year before last. “The favorable economic situation in Europe last year ensured a high demand for freight transportation, and thus for new trucks,” says Harry Walters.
Market leader in 6 European countries
DAF still remains the market leader in the segment of heavy-duty vehicles in the Netherlands (31.8%), Great Britain (29.4%) and Poland (22.0%), Hungary (23.8%). In 2019, cars from the Netherlands also gained leadership in the markets of Belgium and Luxembourg (19.4%) and Bulgaria (23.6%). In the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Greece, DAF took the first place in sales of heavy-duty tractors, and in France – the second, becoming the most popular import brand.
Significant increase in market share in the 6-16 ton segment
The European medium-tonnage market (6-16 tons) grew from 51,900 to more than 53,600 cars last year. DAF’s market share increased to 9.7% (2018: 9.0%). DAF is the market leader in the medium-duty vehicle segment in the UK (34.8%) and the best-selling European brand in Ireland (19.1%).
Continued growth outside of Europe
DAF sold 7,900 trucks outside of Europe. The company introduced a new generation of Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Latin American countries, Australia and New Zealand.
In Taiwan, DAF remains the leader in the segment of heavy-duty vehicles among European brands. In South Africa, sales increased by more than 20%. The production of DAF CF universal vehicles was also launched in Bayswater (Australia) at the plant of the parent company PACCAR. More than 3,000 PACCAR engines have been sold to leading manufacturers of city and tourist buses and specialized vehicles worldwide.
“Record after record”
“In 2019, we sold a record number of DAF MultiSupport repair and maintenance contracts, delivered the DAF Connect online management system to a record number of customers and handed over a record number of DAF vehicles with mileage to new owners,” says Richard Zink, member of the board of directors and head of marketing and sales. 1,100 professional dealerships and service stations. For example, last year we established our own dealership north of Paris, and our independent dealers opened a total of 50 new dealerships in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.”
Ready for further growth
In 2019, 52,746 CF and XF series cars and 11,344 LF series cars were produced. “Demand for trucks in Europe remains strong thanks to stable economic growth,” explains Harry Walters. “We expect 2020 to be a good year for the European commercial vehicle market as well, albeit less successful than 2019. The market volume is forecast to be 260,000-290,000 trucks. And we are also poised for further growth in all aspects – market value, reliability, low operating costs and a high level of comfort for the drivers of our fantastic vehicles. Moreover, our versatile range of tractors and specialized trucks offers individual solutions for any transport task.”
