Van venture under pressure • The future of the Leyland
Page 16
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Daf/Renault van joint venture is in doubt because of Daf's financial problems.
The project was set up to develop replacements for the ageing Leyland Daf 200/400 Series, Renault's Trafic and some Master models. But Leyland Daf's problems could force leaving Renault to seek a new partner.
Contenders would include Japanese manufacturers, keen to establish a European manufacturing base.
Under proposed EC crash regulations, the forward-control designs favoured by the Japanese will be outlawed by the end of the decade. The Leyland Daf/Renault project is well advanced, so a share in it could be tempting.
There are also suggestions that Volkswagen could be interested in ways to reduce the cost of replacing the 17-year-old LT A replacement is not scheduled for at least two years.
Despite the age of the Leyland Daf van range, sales have held up well in recent years. The company sold 13,234 vehicles in 1992, a market share of 15.6%, compared with 13,033 in 1991. Most van manufacturers have suffered declining sales.
But with the crisis facing Leyland Daf the future of its current van range must be in doubt. See headlines, pages 2-3.