Even if all other factors were equal, it makes sense to buy a product that has been assembled locally. So, when the new DAF XG came out top on bulk powder product haulier, Arclid Transport’s whole life cost analysis, the fact they are built in Lancashire was the icing on the cake.
The company has just switched back to the DAF brand with its recent intake of three DAF XG 480 tractor units with DAF’s ‘FTP’ lightweight mid-lift axle configuration. Two of the units go onto Arclid’s powder fleet to support sister company, Bathgate, with the remainder joining the company’s growing liquids operation on UK and European work.
The trio of DAF XGs represents the first time the DAF brand will be seen in Arclid’s distinctive purple colourway since 2015, with the company keen on a return to a British-built acquisition policy. Since 2017, and under its new management team, Arclid has doubled its turnover to £9 million annually, while substantially improving utilisation with only a slight increase in fleet size; now totalling 46 trucks.
The trucks are supplied, and will be supported by, local DAF Dealer MOTUS Commercials in Stoke. Through the DAF Driver Training Voucher scheme, MOTUS is providing all Arclid’s new DAF drivers with a comprehensive training programme, including a 90-minute vehicle handover plus a 60-minute on-road familiarisation session.
Whole Life Cost Analysis
Arclid concluded that its whole life cost analysis (based on a six-year repair and maintenance package, plus a forecast on residuals) fully supported a move back to DAF. The company also says it is impressed with DAF’s commitment to producing a totally new truck range which focuses equally on productivity and driver appeal.
“Naturally, we conducted a whole-life cost analysis,” says Arclid Managing Director, Andy Brookes, “but there also exists a desire to get back to buying British. I’ve seen the high quality of manufacturing first-hand at Leyland Trucks where I saw one of our vehicles being built. New Generation DAF vehicles have clearly made a positive impact with other operators,” he adds, “and this has influenced us too. The XG looks stunning, and, with the promise of improved productivity and a fantastic workplace for our drivers, we’re looking forward to seeing the new DAFs really deliver out on the road.”
Praise for Dealership
MOTUS Commercials came in for particular praise from Brookes, “I can’t speak highly enough of the support and professionalism we’ve experienced from MOTUS,” he says, “and especially their sales executive, Matt Durose. His expertise and attention to detail was key, and he was fully supported by the teams at MOTUS and DAF.
“The trucks have only just entered service,” Brookes points out, “and we’ve already seen an up-tick in fuel economy, and this is only going to improve once bedded-in. Feedback from drivers has been wholly positive, with one individual emailing me to confirm how impressed he is with the new kit.”
