As the sole supplier of DAF Trucks in southern Africa, Babcock has over the past nine years propelled the brand into a leading market position. An increase in demand for these reliable, robust and cost-effective trucks has seen sales of both new and used vehicles soar to record heights. Helping to meet this demand is Babcock’s newly established, dedicated DAF Used Trucks division, availing the world-leading brand to a wider local market.

The high demand for pre-owned DAF Trucks has resulted in many vehicles not even seeing the sales lot before re-entering the market under new ownership, as more customers take advantage of Babcock’s exceptional aftermarket support coupled with well priced, second-hand machines. Collaborative customer relations are the driving force behind Babcock’s sales philosophy, and even pre-owned DAFs have access to full after-sales support, as well as optional third party warranties and maintenance contracts.

Mark Gavin, Sales Director for Babcock’s Transport Solutions business, says that every DAF Truck purchased from Babcock goes far beyond a sales transaction. “When selling a DAF Truck, whether new or pre-owned, Babcock enters into a relationship with the customer, supporting them with excellent aftermarket service and business ethics.”

Gavin says that due to the increased demand for second-hand DAF Trucks, Babcock is actively stocking pre-owned machines. These are sourced from training vehicle pools, trade-backs, financial repossessions and trade-ins. “Between December last year and February 2019, approximately 100 used DAF Trucks passed through our sales lot and we are now at the point where demand is close to meeting supply.”

Gavin believes that the high demand for used DAF Trucks is largely based on their reliability, affordability, ease of use and excellent fuel consumption, making the trucks a popular choice in the southern African market.

Chris Weber is the newly appointed Sales Manager for Babcock’s Used Vehicle division, a recent position created to complement the evolution of the DAF Trucks brand. The used trucks are graded from First Choice to Category C, offering a number of options related to the service life of the machine. This also assists customers in deciding which optional warranties and service plans to select.

Babcock Transport Solutions wrapped up the 2019 financial year in high form by surpassing its previous sales record of new DAF Trucks in a financial year by 10%. During the same period over 100 pre-owned DAF Trucks re-entered the market, through both pre-owned sales and rental agreements.

In addition to the new and used vehicles, Babcock provides financial services, technical support and parts exchange, allowing customers to reduce the operational costs of their trucks. DAF Trucks service centres are available on-call to assist if drivers experience a breakdown on the road, reducing down-time, while a range of service plans available assist with managing costs.

Designed for long-distance haulage and regional transport needs, DAF’s range of trucks is known globally as premium medium, heavy and extra heavy-duty vehicles. Babcock is the sole importer and distributor of DAF Trucks, parts and services across southern Africa and has partnered with DAF Trucks to ensure that all clients have ‘best in industry’ services on hand when they are required. The DAF Trucks range available in southern Africa includes the XF series for long-distance haulage and the CF series for regional and construction transport.