SALES of DAF Trucks in southern Africa have grown over 3 000 percent in the decade since Babcock became the Dutch brand’s sole importer and distributor of trucks, parts and services across the region.
That’s according to David Black, Operations Director of Babcock’s Transport Solutions business, who said the company was quick to realise the potential of representing a market-leading European truck brand in South Africa, offering customers in the logistics and transport sectors a competitive, fuel-efficient truck built for the long haul.
DAF Trucks would also complement Babcock’s construction equipment and power generation divisions by providing a transport link in the mining value chain.
Following the establishment of Babcock’s first DAF Trucks dealership in Johannesburg, a second outlet was opened in Durban to support the busy N3 long-haul route.
To meet the needs of customers operating in the mining sector, Babcock then established a DAF Trucks dealership in Middelburg, and there are now DAF Trucks dealerships located along all the country’s major long-haul routes to support a wide range of industries.
“Today Babcock represents DAF Trucks across southern Africa, including Mozambique and Zambia, while strategically located service centres provide support to Babcock’s DAF Trucks dealers. All our DAF Truck customers have access to best in the industry services, and Babcock is fully committed to maintaining customer relationships long after sales are made,” said Black.
This commitment to customer service earned Babcock the accolade of DAF Sales Operations Best Service Dealer of the Year award in 2019, two years after being named the DAF Best Sales Dealer Sales Operations for 2017, a year in which Babcock doubled the sales of DAF Trucks in the country.
In 2014 Babcock Financial Services was launched and has expanded over the years to include an extensive range of competitive financing options for DAF Truck owners. These include various legal structures, flexible payment terms, competitive interest rates, and quick decisions for credit approvals.
All trucks financed via Babcock Financial Services are sold with a repair and maintenance contract tailored to suit the specific application. This, said Black, has helped Babcock establish a strong and loyal customer base, including a number of blue-chip transportation companies.
“DAF was founded in 1928 as a Dutch family owned business, and although its face has changed over the years, together we remain committed to retaining close and personal relationships with DAF Netherlands and our DAF Trucks customers,” Black said.
He added that one of DAF Trucks’ standout features is their ability to perform optimally and efficiently in a wide range of climates and applications, with the trucks specifically designed to suit individual terrain conditions.
Black said that although the COVID-19 pandemic had slowed economies worldwide,” exciting new developments” from Babcock and DAF Trucks were on the cards in South Africa.08