Mark Gavin: Babcock-DAF’s newest recruit

DAF’s southern African operations will receive a new burst of energy as it welcomes its newly appointed national sales director, Mark Gavin.

With 20 years in the trucking business under his belt, Gavin has a depth of experience in all operational aspects of the local industry, which he gained during his time spent working at other European truck distributors.

“I have a tremendous passion for European trucks and I regard DAF as a world-class brand. It’s the market leader in the United Kingdom and is among the top three in Western Europe. Although DAF presently has a small market share in Africa, I intend to challenge this,” he says.

“The local market will be receiving the best of both worlds as DAF trucks feature European efficiency, safety, comfort and reliability and are well suited to African conditions,” explains Gavin. He plans to consolidate existing strengths in sales and after-sales service in order to grow DAF’s market share.   

Babcock, as the sole importer and distributor of DAF trucks in the South African market, conducts truck sales and support through an extensive regional network, which is made up of Babcock-owned and independent dealerships, service centres and breakdown support points. The company also represents Paccar parts; guaranteeing parts availability and supply for DAF vehicles throughout the region.

According to Gavin, Babcock will continue to back the DAF brand in the long term. He adds: “We’re here to stay as a player in the African trucking industry. My immediate focus will be on ensuring that new and existing customers are offered the right products, at the right price, for the applications in which they operate, and that they receive a consistently first-class after-sales service.”

As part of the heavy emphasis on the after-sales platform, systems and procedures have been implemented and mechanics, drivers and personnel who interface with customers have undergone training. “This new emphasis is steadily encouraging customer confidence. We intend to establish and maintain the high levels of after-sales service DAF customers expect,” he concludes.