DAF Trucks has promised prices on all new UK orders for LF, CF and XF vehicles will remain secured for vehicles built by the end of February 2021.

Despite the threat of import tariffs brought about by a potential no-deal Brexit, and the potential of a devalued pound against the euro, DAF has moved to “deliver a level of certainty during a period of uncertainty” as UK operators prepare for the challenges of the Brexit transition.

DAF Trucks retains a unique built-in-Britain proposition among OEMs competing in the heavy truck sector. The vast majority of right-hand drive LF, CF and XF trucks are built at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, which, in the event of a deal not being struck, will mean DAF buyers would not face whole-vehicle import tariffs, DAF confirmed.

DAF said while its order books were already filled for 2020 production, this pledge “gives pricing certainty” for operators needing new vehicles in the first part of 2021. Importantly, they will also be able to configure specifications to their needs, rather than risk a compromise if taking a vehicle from pre-built stock.

DAF said it was also bolstering inventory at its UK parts distribution centre – also at Leyland Trucks – while also adding two weeks’ supplementary stock across the UK’s 130-location DAF dealer network to mitigate against any potential cross-border supply-chain delays.

Similar action is being taken at DAF’s parts centre in Eindhoven in anticipation of a no-deal outcome.

DAF reckons these pre-emptive moves will “inject some confidence” into the market for new vehicle acquisitions. “In addition to the fears brought about by the ongoing health emergency in the UK, operators also face Brexit anxieties,” said DAF’s truck sales director, Russell Patmore. “We hope our price assurance will deliver a level of certainty during a period of uncertainty.”

“As a UK manufacturer, if tariffs are imposed, they will be far less impactful than those experienced by our competitors on whole-vehicle imports. Despite the fact truck prices are expected to increase in the UK in general, we’re prepared to commit to firm competitive pricing.”

For more information, see www.daf.co.uk