Sébastien Leyval, Administrative and Financial Director of DAF Trucks France at the time of the interview, discusses the positioning of the brand: European leader in highway tractors, DAF relies on the solidity of PACCAR, the proximity of an independent network and recognized expertise. This development is supported by Nexia S&A, a key partner in accounting and fiscal issues.

What is DAF's positioning in the truck market and what are its strengths?

Sébastien Leyval: DAF is the European leader in the motorway tractor segment and is now looking to strengthen its presence on carriers, a more technical and more lucrative market where the brand is expanding its range. Our assets? The power of our shareholder PACCAR, which allows us to invest in research, connectivity and engines related to the energy transition. A network of independent dealerships offering proximity and responsiveness, supported by a complete range of services (financing, maintenance contracts, parts available quickly) that guarantee the continuity of activity of carriers. Finally, recognized industrial know-how, with the ability to deliver almost “tailor-made” trucks, adapted to the specific needs of customers, while offering drivers acclaimed comfort. Our bunk is cited as the best on the market.

What are the needs that Nexia S&A helps you meet?

FLOOR: Nexia S&A first supported us in the preparation and review of our annual accounts. Today, its missions have expanded: punctual assistance, support during tax closings and audits, support on fiscal and regulatory issues... The strength of the firm lies in the responsiveness and proximity of the teams. This combination of technical expertise and adaptability makes Nexia S&A a solid partner in meeting market and regulatory challenges.

Why is the international dimension of Nexia S&A important to support you?

FLOOR: Our exchanges extend to the Netherlands, the United States and other countries, each with its own uses and requirements. You have to be able to understand the differences and adapt the information. With Nexia S&A, we have this assurance: their employees know how an international group like PACCAR works, its tools, its processes. This guarantees us continuity of service, regardless of the country or context.

DAF Trucks

European leader in highway tractors

In France, the heavy goods vehicle market represents 50,000 registrations per year. It is dominated by Renault Trucks and Volvo (nearly 45%), ahead of Scania, which is up sharply, then Mercedes and Iveco. With 12% of the market, DAF is in a solid position compared to historical leaders. In Europe, DAF has grown from 4% to 14% in 30 years, with the ambition to reach 18%. Number one in the motorway tractor segment, DAF is the leader in the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom (more than 30% market share).

DAF begins its electric transition

The transition to electric mobility is under way at DAF. In France, 50 electric trucks were to be delivered in 2024 out of 6,000 expected sales. In Eindhoven, a dedicated production line started in December 2024. DAF is banking on an energy mix: electric for urban and regional trips, while waiting for the hybrid and perhaps hydrogen, diesel remaining essential over long distances. The challenges are real — expensive batteries, limited autonomy, insufficient charging infrastructures, the impact of rare earths — and the formation of networks will be decisive in supporting transporters in this evolution.

In a few figures

• 1996 acquisition of DAF Trucks by PACCAR, a group founded in 1905 in Seattle
• 3 production plants in Europe: Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain
• 100 dealerships in France (including 98 independent), 1,100 in Europe (4 own branches)
• 14% market share in Europe, 12% in France