Downton Dafs

CM Downton has placed a £9m order for 120 Daf XF 460s.

The 6x2 tractor units have Daf’s Super Space Cab and will take the marque’s share of the Downton fleet to 95%. The first batch of vehicles have arrived at the firm’s Gloucestershire HQ and will be put into operation in its nationwide fleet.

CM Downton finance director Richard Downton said demand for the operator’s services is increasing as economic recovery gains pace. It last year won a £500,000-a-year deal with DS Smith's plastics division.

“Because Downton ran lean and remained profitable during the recession, we are now well positioned to invest in our infrastructure – ensuring that we have the capacity and flexibility to meet our clients’ requirements, no matter what,” he said.

The operator placed an order for 50 tractor units, a combination of Daf XFs and MAN TGXs, last November. It also ordered 60 Tiger Trailers.