Radar19:
That Ford unit looked pretty cool. Why don’t we have them here? Didn’t Ford used to run Iveco?
Not quite as I understand it, I believe Ford sold their European heavy commercial vehicle division to Iveco, although I think the only thing they were making was the Ford Cargo. Then the Iveco’s that were sold here were badged as Ford for a time.
Ford kept selling trucks in Turkey, I assume they still had some Ford ownership to allow them to use the Ford badge, you see loads of them of all ages when you go to Istanbul.
muckles:
The thing that concerns me is when we are all driving trucks made China, delivering containers full of goods made in China, how do we make the money to buy them?
We flog 'em Range-Rovers at the moment along with some other British luxury brands. I’m sure they’re partial to a wee dram too.
I have had good experiences both working on and driving King Long coaches. Whilst earlier examples had minor build quality issues, later ones seem much improved. I know a few local companies who bought them for both local & regional contracts and found them very satisfactory and trouble free in operation. Very cheap to buy, surprisingly satisfactory to operate and not too bad to drive with the ■■■■■■■ power plant either.
I think the market is ready for a follow on to the ■■■■■■■ powered ERF…economical to purchase & operate and not a bad drive either.
Dongfeng, Tata and the 2014 Ford Cargo are all possible contenders… It would be nice to see it assembled in the UK though…
It will happen eventually, Chinese markets will make everything cheaper than the Europeans can even with import costs, it’s just a matter of time till they can match the safety and quality standards of the big names.
Wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t buy the intellectual rights to some old manufacturers name, SA or ERF, Foden or something and slap their badges on them.
A bit like these new MG car jobbies. No significance to the originals, but far more likely to sell some without the word DONG in the name.
damoq:
I’d be quite happy to drive one of these. They look very smart. Seems there’s a big MAN influence in them too.
Looks are one thing, but surely its down to how it drives and the quality of the product.
No. It’s wages and hours.
Fair point, but I was more replying to the comment about being happy to drive one.
Also for me job satisfaction isn’t just about wages and hours, it’s about how you feel at work and how you feel when that alarm goes off and you got to get up and leave for work. It’s a horrible feeling going to a job that does your head regardless how much it pays.
