On Friday 16 December 2011, at FASC—Formosa Automobile Sales Corporation—in Taiwan, the 1000th locally assembled DAF CF85 truck came off the production line. DAF has been active in Taiwan since 2006, and last year was the market leader among European brands in the heavy tractor market.
The Formosa Automobile Sales Corporation is responsible for the marketing and sale of DAF trucks in Taiwan, as well as the local production. On average, ten CF trucks are assembled each week using so called 'CKD' ('Completely Knocked Down') packages, which are shipped from DAF Trucks in Eindhoven to Taipei. DAF trained the assembly staff from FASC, which guarantees that the quality of a truck assembled in Taiwan is of the same high level as a vehicle manufactured in Eindhoven or Leyland.
DAF supplies two and three-axle CF85 tractors and rigids to the Taiwanese market. "These vehicles are ideal for heavy distribution due to their low unladen weight for high load capacities, excellent driver comfort and the unique combination of a compact cabin and high engine outputs", explains Seiko Chen, Chairman of FASC. "By working with DAF, our aim is to further enhance our market position, and our objective for 2012 is to register 650 CF vehicles, compared with the 450 this year. We are also investigating the possibilities to locally assemble the DAF LF distribution truck."
"We are proud of our collaboration with FASC", explains Michiel Kuijs, Managing Director for Sales Operations at DAF Trucks N.V. "FASC is a leading and professional partner that is determined to further enhance DAF's position in Taiwan. The company's experience and continuing success on the market will be of great help in achieving this goal."