The Owens Group has purchased 36 XF480 6x2 mid-lift tractors from Watts Truck & Van in Cardiff, the first DAFs to enter its fleet in more than a decade.
“We had some engine problems with DAF in 2007, so started to leave them out of our purchasing decisions,” explained commercial director Eurof Owen. However the Llanelli-based operator decided to give the company another chance following a successful trial against other marques.
“The latest DAF XF was a clear winner,” said Owen. “The 480hp engine and Super Space Cab combination appealed to our drivers and their expert opinion features strongly in the ultimate buying decision.”
The trucks, which join a mixed MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Scania fleet, are returning an average of 9.8mpg. According to Owen this compares favourably with its fleet average, which is in the low nines.
The latest purchases, half of which are additions to the 550-stong fleet, will operate out of Owens’ locations in Wales and the West Midlands. In addition some will be based at its newest site in Carrington, Manchester, following its acquisition of BTS Haulage in July last year. Owens runs an 80% Euro-6 fleet.
