News

UK lead times for new tractor units still stretch into next year but, as the credit crunch bites, the situation becomes less predictable and more likely to change.

"Lead times for a 'regular' 6x2 tractor from Mercedes-Benz – Actros or Axor – are easing," says spokesman Ian Norwell. "The second quarter of  2009 is a reasonable estimate [for orders placed now], so we have seen some improvement. Broadly speaking, the lower the GVW, the shorter the lead times. The area where supply is getting a lot easier is construction, because demand is slowing rather than supply increasing. This sector is getting very nervous."

He adds: "In the past year, European markets have been strong, Russia and Eastern Europe particularly so, resulting in competition for production capacity. UK order take is a little down on this time last year."

However, as Nigel Emms from Iveco points out, the Spanish market – a large Iveco customer – has fallen by nearly 60%, which may have a knock-on effect on availability, although not in this year where earlier orders are still being fulfilled.

"Stralis lead times for factory orders are six months. This year will run as forecast," says Emms. "But the order bank is likely to be lower in January 2009. Regarding smaller chassis, Dailys are at dealers for immediate sale and the new EuroCargo, launched in the UK during September, will also be available."

For its part, Swedish manufacturer Volvo paints a mixed picture. "Volvo FL and FE rigids have limited availability in the last quarter of 2008," says spokesman Nigel Hanwell. "Volume orders would be available for delivery in early 2009. There is limited availability for both Volvo FM and FH tractor units, but volume orders will not be delivered until Q2/Q3 2009."

He adds: "The degree of fluidity in the market caused by the economic climate has changed the situation over the past weeks and is predicted to continue to do so; some cancellations are possible and may result in availability levels between now and the end of the year increasing."