Secondhandtrucks.co.uk enjoys ‘best start to a year it has ever had’

Maritime Transport’s used trucks business –Secondhandtrucks.co.uk – has reported “the best start to a year it has ever had” as demand for Euro-5 vehicles hit new highs in the first two months of 2014.

The Tilbury, Essex-based division of the container transport giant – which only sells the Maritime fleet in the used market – told Commercialmotor.com that the recovery was twofold.

First, the introduction of Euro-6 had sent buyers into the used market searching for Euro-5s without the price premium attached to the new emissions regulations, and Secondhandtrucks.co.uk had Euro-5 units available for quick sale. Second, it believes the market has turned in favour of used buyers, with operators having more confidence, increased volumes and better availability of finance.

Maritime Transport finance director Alan McNicol said people feel better about themselves and are committing. “Before, there were lots of discussions taking place, but people were not committing. So the first 10 weeks of the year have been spectacular.”

The operator purchased 400 Euro-5 units across its five main marques – Daf, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania and Volvo – last year, bringing half onto its fleet in the final quarter of 2013, with the other half under derogation available in the first and second quarters of this year.

“It’s only going to continue,” said McNicol. “The manufacturers will still be charging Euro-6 prices, but people will be looking to take trucks and replace trucks. We can take a truck off the road and we can prep it and they can have it in a couple of weeks. Even if you wanted to pay Euro-6 prices, you won’t get a truck in two weeks.”