Babcock is taking used DAF trucks to a brand new level with the recent launch of DAF Premium Select. Incorporated in Babcock’s used trucks division, DAF trucks are fully refurbished, certified and given the DAF seal of approval before getting a second lease on life in the pre-owned trucks market.

Only A-grade used DAF trucks make the cut after undergoing thorough mechanical and cosmetic inspections, full service history verification and roadworthiness tests. To qualify as a DAF Premium Select vehicle, trucks have to be less than five years old and have no more than 650 000 km on the clock.

Babcock has made it easier for customers to sell well maintained trucks back to Babcock through competitive buy-backs and trade-in deals on all makes of trucks. This enables owners to consistently upgrade and rotate their fleet whilst expanding their operation. Second economic line owners get peace of mind, knowing they are purchasing a superior quality DAF truck with an affordable price tag.

Conversely, new customers, including start-up businesses, are able to buy a reliable, superior-quality DAF truck at a price that suits their pockets.

DAF Premium Select customers have access to the same comprehensive aftermarket support from Babcock that comes standard with new DAF trucks. This includes tailor-made maintenance plans, 24-hour breakdown services and nationwide availability of workshops. 

As part of the DAF Premium Select offering, Babcock also provides optional extras, such as financing solutions, 12-month warranties and tracker systems. Any vehicle defects not related to operator error or lack of maintenance are covered by Babcock for up to six months.

Sales manager – Used Trucks, Elliot Twani, heads up the DAF Premium Select portfolio. He says Babcock always has its customers’ best interests at heart, which is why the company’s used truck offering is all-inclusive. “For example, our finance solutions take away the stress of seeking out external funding, while our maintenance contracts, warranties and aftermarket service mean we’re able to give customers fully inclusive support.” 

Twani says that all the trucks sold meet international standards governing used vehicle sales, and all trucks are sold with full service and maintenance histories. Every used vehicle also undergoes rigorous one-on-one checking by Babcock technicians before being given a clean bill of health.

By investing in a reliable, quality used DAF truck, customers can be confident they are purchasing a vehicle that’s tried, tested and ready to hit the road. Babcock customers also benefit from reduced total cost of ownership without compromising on the brand’s key features, such as fuel efficiency, driver comfort and reliable performance which has made it Europe’s leading truck brand.   

“Our customers’ success ultimately becomes our success as our priority is to forge long-lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial,” says Twani. 

Twani adds that a number of Babcock’s long-standing customers have already taken advantage of the DAF Premium Select offering, which is especially attractive to short-haul customers and those running secondary routes that don’t require new vehicles. 

Babcock has been the sole distributor and importer of DAF trucks and parts in southern Africa since 2010. New and used truck options include the fuel-efficient DAF CF and XF series, specifically designed to meet the demands of South Africa’s local road conditions and offering owners an average of 10% reduction in fuel costs.

Other notable features of the CF and XF series includes aerodynamic designs, optimised drivelines, smart electronics and high efficiency rear axles. Multi-torque PACCAR MX-13 engines provide extra torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm), which minimises noise and reduces CO₂ emissions.

In addition, all DAF vehicles are fitted as standard with Executrax, Babcock’s Driver Management System. This gives operators real-time location information, for transparency and safety. It also provides valuable feedback on each driver’s driving style, which helps to reduce total cost of ownership on all DAF models.