DAF Trucks has retained market leadership in the UK truck industry for a record 30th year. Following the SMMT’s publication of 2024 registration figures, the DAF brand captured 28.4% share of the truck market above six-tonnes GVW, representing 12,780 vehicle registrations.
The achievement ensures that DAF Trucks continues its leading position despite a marginal decline from its consistent above-30% market share over the last five years. It is understood that the milestone means that DAF Trucks is the only company in the UK, and from any industry, to have maintained market leadership over such an extended period. This sustained period atop the truck market began in 1995, when Euro I was the legislated emissions standard, and the DAF 95 Series was the premium model in the DAF range.
The vast majority of UK-registered, right-hand-drive commercial vehicles are built in Britain at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, including XB, XD, XF, XG and XG+ ranges, along with a rapidly growing range of electric models.
The overall UK truck market above 6.0-tonnes GVW saw a slight reduction of 2.7% in 2024, with 44,988 total registrations compared to 46,227 in 2023. Despite this minor downturn, 2024 remains the second-largest market since 2019.
Rigid vehicle registrations grew in 2024 with the medium-duty sector from 6.0- to 16.0 tonnes GVW, expanding by 7.9% to reach 9,104 units (up from 8,441 in 2023). Meanwhile, the larger heavy-duty rigid sector above 16.0-tonnes GVW saw a 5.0% growth, with registrations totalling 16,805 (compared to 15,988 in 2023). The tractor unit sector recorded a notable contraction, with registrations dropping by 12.4% to 19,079, down from 21,788 in 2023.
Managing Director at DAF Trucks, David Kiss, said, “Naturally, were very proud of our long and ongoing success. However, it is not simply down to our great products. It is a result of the efforts of our people – from right across the business – and particularly from our fantastic dealer network that supports our customers. And,” he said, “we thank those customers who entrust their business to DAF, many of whom have been working with us for the past three decades and longer. Our relationship with those customers is collaborative, with our products and our support services in place to help power their success.”
DAF Dealer network and aftersales performance sets new standards
DAF Trucks continues to set the standard for aftermarket service through its expansive UK Dealer Network – the largest in the industry. Outstanding aftersales performance figures for 2024 further demonstrate DAF’s unwavering commitment to customer uptime and support:
- MOT first-time pass rate– 98.91%
- Number of dealers achieving 100% FTP– 24 dealers (114 dealers achieving ≥97.5%)
- Total MOTs handled by DAF dealers– 47,337 (highest ever figure)
- Total DAFaid jobs in 2024– 107,613
- Average call answer time– 6.5 seconds
- Average time to arrival at the scene– 60.0 minutes
- Percentage of roadside repairs completed– 81.0%
- Dealer parts availability– 94.7%
- First-time pick at Leyland PDC– 99.9%
- DAFcheck jobs completed– 509,623 (including repair-only jobs)
- New DAF MultiSupport contracts in 2024– 7,345 contracts
- Total MultiSupport portfolio size– 25,142 contracts
Huge investment in DAF Dealer network
DAF Trucks continues to invest heavily in the UK’s largest commercial vehicle dealer network, with 2024 seeing the opening of two brand-new locations at HTC Greenford and Adams Morey Bridgwater. Investment commitments since 2023 now exceed £100 million, underlining the network’s dedication to enhancing operator support.
Since 2018, the UK DAF Dealer network has expanded its workshop capacity with the addition of 132 new workshop bays. Positioned end-to-end, they would extend to a distance in excess of 2.5km.
Industry-leading DAF Apprenticeship Programme takes next step
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of DAF Trucks’ 30 years as market-leader, the company’s pioneering DAF Apprenticeship Programme is also 30 years old in 2025.
This year, the programme relocates to a new, purpose-designed and built DAF Apprentice Academy; a new, state-of-the-art complex in Nottingham which was officially opened last week during National Apprenticeship Week. Facilities include a full-length 18-bay workshop with advanced tooling and equipment, 11 fully equipped classrooms, a cafeteria to cater for 100 people, a gym-standard locker / washroom and a large recreational area.
The DAF Apprentice Academy will deliver dedicated, next-level training for DAF Apprentices from across the DAF Dealer network. Importantly, it provides training exclusively to the DAF brand and no other automotive marque. Training pathways will be provided across Technician, Parts, Service, Business Administration and Departmental Manager disciplines.
