The distribution contract between the Babcock International Group and DAF Trucks of the Netherlands has been renewed for a further five years.

The signing ceremony took place in Amsterdam at the beginning of September and was witnessed by a group of South African transport operators and executives from Babcock Africa’s Transport Solutions Division, who were in Europe as part of a “DAF Experience” fact-finding visit.

DAF, which originally came to South Africa in 2003 as part of the Tyco Group’s truck offering, granted its franchise to Babcock in September 2010.

Michiel Kuijs, MD of sales operations at DAF Trucks NV, said he was very pleased that his company was continuing its relationship with Babcock in Southern Africa.

Adding, “Reintroducing our brand to this competitive market was not as easy as we thought it would be, but real progress is now being made. DAF believes in three strong pillars to ensure success: the organisation, the product and the people.”

“We know DAF is a good product, while Babcock is a successful, internationally renowned organisation that is gathering a strong team of trucking people together to keep the sales momentum moving. We look forward strengthening our partnership in the future.”

Wilna Steyn, CEO of Babcock Africa’s Transport Solutions Division, acknowledged that it had taken a few years for Babcock to get to grips with the DAF brand, relying heavily on its experience as a leading supplier of Volvo construction equipment in South Africa.

Steyn states, “We are now reaping success from the foundations we laid and sales are showing a marked improvement. The manner in which we have engaged with our customers and listened to their requirements has made a significant contribution, not only in terms of the specifications of our range of trucks, but also in respect of the after-sales service we provide.”