DAF Trucks has appointed Louis Jones (pictured) to the role of electric vehicle (EV) and connected services director.
Jones joins DAF’s growing EV department at the manufacturer’s head office in Haddenham, which includes Adam Bennett, EV and sustainability manager and Amy Carter, EV operations manager. The EV team report to Gareth Halliwell, business planning director.
In his new role Jones is responsible for the development of DAF’s EV programme covering aftersales; the DAF Dealer network EV strategy; and charging infrastructure roll-out.
He also heads-up PACCAR Connect, the revised connected services offering from DAF, supplied as standard on all New Generation DAF vehicles.
His appointment follows a two-year senior EV role with Scania (Great Britain), where he held the post of transformation lead for electric charging. Prior to that Jones was project manager for electric mobility at Mercedes Benz Vans.
Jones’ time with Scania saw Jones responsible for business readiness of EV products across the dealer network, including the electrification of the company’s internal fleet of cars and vans, and development of Scania’s charging proposition. He also worked on the development of key relationships with high-profile industry initiatives such as the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator {ZEHID).
Jones joined Mercedes-Benz after graduating from university, spending time overseas in the financial division. He went on to hold posts in fleet management and as an executive assistant to board level directors before moving to Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Jones said: ”It is such an exciting time for the industry and I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the market leader and its fantastic range of zero-emissions products. I’m already up-to-speed with the DAF product range, especially after a trip to Eindhoven in my first week and I’m looking forward to becoming re-acquainted with some important industry initiatives with the DAF marque.
”I’m especially excited to be engaging with the biggest and best dealer network in the business. PACCAR Connect too, represents the future of fleet operations and a unique opportunity for customers to benefit from some tangible efficiencies. I’m delighted to be given the chance to develop the DAF capability in this space.”
Halliwell commented: ”We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of such a high calibre individual in Louis, illustrating our ambition to be market leader for zero-emissions vehicles in the UK.
”Louis has a fantastic grasp of the commercial EV sector, boasting an extensive knowledge base and proven track record. This will be vital as we work in partnership with our dealer network to develop and drive forward our EV offering for operators,” he added.
