Marlin reels in the benefits with new DAF XF fleet

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Transport Engineer  /  February 13, 2017

Cable-drum supplier Marlin Industries has replaced its mixed artic fleet with 11 DAF XF Superspace cab tractors and says the new vehicles have resulted in an immediate boost to productivity and fuel efficiency.

Supplied by dealer Imperial Commercials, the Wrexham-based operator’s new additions are 10 XF 460 FTG 6x2x and one XF 460 FT 4x2, and were selected after a multi-brand evaluation and input from drivers.

“We employ highly experienced drivers,” says Stokes. “Almost without exception, they told us the DAF XF would be their truck of choice. If you factor in DAF’s whole life cost and the impressive levels of aftersales support from Imperial Commercials which we’ve already seen, then it’s a combination that’s hard to turn down.”

The trucks are supplied on a five-year funding deal with Paccar Financial – with Marlin reporting this to be the most competitive package on the market.

“Although we have a gvw of 44 tonnes, we only gross out at 34 tonnes and we’re already seeing 10-plus mpg from the new DAF XFs,” says Marlin’s group transport manager Mike Stokes. “That’s extremely encouraging in just the first few weeks in operation, and much better than the old Euro 5s.”

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