One of Qatar’s leading equipment sellers, Mannai Heavy Equipment Division (HED), believes there is growing demand for heavy transport vehicles on the island state, and is expecting solid sales growth for its line of DAF trucks.

The DAF truck brand, started in Holland in the 1930s, is well regarded and sought after in the construction, distribution and long haul sectors. In 2013, DAF achieved a record market share of 16.2 percent in the above 16-tonne European market.

The trucks could also become a more common sight on Qatar’s road, if Mannai’s ambitious plans come to fruition. The dealership has been working to build up levels of sales service and support for the truck brand, said Ziad Shuaib, senior manager at Mannai Trading Company HED.

“Mannai HED and DAF have ambitious plans to serve our partners in Qatar. In addition to delivering the most advanced range of trucks, Mannai HED has been working behind the scenes to ensure excellent after sales standards both through the quality of the facilities we have as well as the highly trained staff who cater to your customers’ needs.

“We have qualified, factory trained professionals and a technical team capable of providing the best customer service. In addition, HED Parts has a fully computerised and ably manned spare parts inventory, with easy access and support provided to ensure optimum utilisation.”

Mannai HED’s partnership with DAF allows them to deliver both standard production trucks customised to suit clients requests, whil DAF is a global leader in ‘Build to Order’ deliveries, with vehicles built to satisfy each customer’s specification

Shuaib believes that the wide range of DAF vehicles available is well-suited to the demand for transport applications from the construction industry.

“From light 4×2 tippers for small-scale work, to four-axle concrete mixers with a capacity of 8 cubic meters or heavy transport tractors for a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of up to 120 tons or more, DAF offers the right transport solution for every application,” he said.

Key product attributes include low costs per kilometre, high quality, driver comfort, low fuel consumption, minimal impact on the environment and high transport efficiency, noted Shuaib.

DAF is increasing its international market presence, and in 2013 its vehicle deliveries outside the EU numbered 9,400 units, a 13% increase compared to 2012.

DAF also earned the UK’s Motor Transport award for “Fleet Truck of the Year 2013,” for the seventh time in the last 10 years.