DAF further expands market position in Europe

In 2015, DAF registered around 39,400 vehicles in the European heavy-duty sector. This corresponds to an increase of 26% compared to the approximately 31,200 trucks sold in the previous year. In the same period, the entire European market for heavy commercial vehicles grew by around 19% (226,000 vehicles in 2014 to 269,000 vehicles in 2015). This year, DAF expects the European market for heavy-duty trucks to remain at a level of around 260,000 to a maximum of 290,000 vehicles.

Light commercial vehicles on the upswing across Europe

In the light commercial vehicle segment - in which DAF offers the LF series - the European market volume increased by more than 5% to 49,000 vehicles in 2015 (2014: 46,500 vehicles). DAF's market share in the class between 6 and 16 tons increased slightly from 8.9% in 2014 to 9.0% last year. DAF's success in the UK makes an important contribution: There, the company currently has a market share of over 36% in the LF segment.

Further growth outside the EU

DAF has also further strengthened its market position outside the European Union. For example, Malaysia and Colombia have also been tapped into as attractive sales markets. A new assembly plant was opened in Taiwan to double production capacity for XF, CF and LF models. With a market share of 17.8%, DAF is already the strongest European brand in Taiwan. The DAF plant in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, has also increased its production and started assembling both the CF series and the PACCAR MX engine in 2015. In addition, DAF launched its complete Euro 6 product portfolio in Turkey. The new emissions regulations came into force there on January 1, 2016.

"We are proud to have further strengthened our market position in Europe and beyond in 2015," says Richard Zink. "Over the past year, DAF has introduced significant product innovations that have reduced the fuel consumption of our popular XF and CF models by up to 5%. In line with our DAF Transport Efficiency philosophy, in 2016 we will introduce many innovations for the distribution range that will lead to an even higher return per kilometer. Together with comprehensive service packages and the professional DAF partner organization, DAF's broad product range forms the basis for sustainable growth. Our medium-term goal is a market share of 20% in Europe." red