“We have maintained strong customer loyalty throughout the downturn and have penetrated different market segments to acquire new customers and increase market share in the most difficult trading year in recent history,” says Relph.
The comments come on the back of LTNZ figures showing that with 135 registered vehicles* Scania had the fourth highest vehicle registrations across the entire 4501kg – max GVM class.
In the 23,001kg – max GVM class Scania was second only to Isuzu (for which CablePrice is the Master Truck Dealer in the Lower North Island) with 116 Scanias registered*. Scania also claimed the podium spot as the number one selling brand amongst all European and American brands in 2009.
“The 23,001kg – max GVM segment represents 86% of our total sales, and while Scania does not produce a vehicle lighter than 15,000kg (effectively not competing for 48.5% of the total 1,800 registered vehicles in 2009) the achievement is all the more outstanding”, says Relph.
These results come on the back of CablePrice deciding to offer Euro 5 engine technology before regulatory enforcement. Relph explains, “While it was a gamble because of a small increase in price that comes with the new clean burning technology and amidst the worst recession in over 70 years, the LTNZ year-end results have shown that the demand was there, further giving us evidence that the market has confidence in our product.”
Relph adds, “More than ever customers are looking for reliability and at lowering their operating costs. CablePrice and Scania are able to offer this through a multitude of highly efficient and reliable vehicle configurations to suit the application, high parts supply, industry leading service contracts and a nationwide service support network.”
“The newly released R-series - which was the only new commercial vehicle released by any manufacturer in 2009 - will position Scania perfectly for a recovery in the market,” says Relph.
The new R-series features an intuitive fully-automated Opticruise transmission, a new exclusive interior, improved engine cooling and driving economy through improved aerodynamics and the world premiere of the Scania Driver Support system – a unique onboard fuel saving driver aid, that along with the rest of the new R-series innovations has already won international acclaim by being awarded the International Truck of the Year 2010.
In presenting the award to Scania in a ceremony at the company’s research and development centre in Södertälje, Sweden, jury chairman Gianenrico Griffini said, “Scania has delivered a ‘state-of-the-art’ truck that sets new standards in terms of fuel economy, driveability and overall efficiency.”
Relph believes it is these factors that continue to grow in importance for vehicle and fleet owners here and says, “The new R-series holds Scania in good stead for a turnaround in market conditions,” which he believes will continue to improve throughout 2010.
*Source: NZTA Truck Sales Data 2000-2009
- End -