Electrical retailer Comet is buying 50 DAF LF FA45s to operate from its Chorley, Maidstone and Nottingham home delivery platforms. Fitted with Don-Bur box bodies and Ratcliff tail-lifts, the new trucks are the first DAFs to join the retailer’s fleet.
Attracting and retaining the right calibre of driver and crew (each truck is two- or three-manned) is critical, as this is the final contact that Comet has with its customers after product purchase. It is here that the LF, with its spacious, quiet and comfortable cab, has proved particularly attractive.
Another key factor in Comet’s decision process was DAF’s overall support package, including parts supply and aftersales service. Truck reliability has been a major issue and Comet believes its new DAFs, supported by its nationwide dealer network, will do much to minimise or eliminate vehicle downtime.
The retailer’s total vehicle fleet numbers some 1,750 vehicles, including 225 7.5-tonners, with a further major fleet replacement order expected in 2005, making the new DAF contract all the more significant.
The DAF order coincides with Comet taking on 35 Volvo FM12 tractor units (Logistics Manager last month).
