Daf Trucks has promoted fleet sales director Ray Ashworth (pictured) to managing director following the retirement of Stuart Hunt. Ashworth officially takes over from Hunt on 31 March.
His promotion comes at a critical time, with the market in steep decline and the weak exchange rate putting even greater pressure on truck manufacturers' profit margins.
Ashworth says: "One of the biggest challenges we face is adapting to the changing market conditions. To ensure long-term profitability, we need to work even more closely to our customers and offer them the total solution as and when they need it.
"The dramatic fall in the value of the pound hasn't helped matters, and we've seen a 20% drop in annual sales when comparing 2008 to 2007. That's why it's vital for me and the company to continue to build on Daf's stable dealer network, solid customer relations, market share and loyal customer base."
Mark Oldbury succeeds Ashworth as Daf's fleet sales director.
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