As we enter a new quarter, our industry continues to navigate an unpredictable landscape evolving regulations, rising costs, supply chain pressures and shifting customer expectations. Despite this, transport and logistics remain essential in keeping businesses and communities moving. What stands out is the professionalism and dedication across our teams. Every day, people use their expertise to support customers, solve challenges, and keep operations running smoothly.
At HTC Group, we remain focused on delivering reliable service, building strong relationships, and providing the right vehicles and expertise for our customers. By staying focused and working together, we can approach the months ahead with confidence.
Thank you to everyone for your commitment I’m excited for what we can achieve together.
Luke Mason
Luke Mason 3
The Gemstone Collection
As DAF approaches its centenary in 2028, it is marking the milestone with the
Gemstone Collection, a limited series inspired by precious stones that reflect the strength and refinement that have defined the brand for nearly a century.
Following the Sapphire Edition in late 2025, DAF now introduces the XG⁺ Emerald Edition This flagship model combines luxury, performance and exclusivity in equal measure
For 2026, DAF builds on that foundation with the XG⁺ Emerald Edition, limited to 100 individually numbered vehicles Finished in Forest Dawn green with high-gloss black detailing across the grille, logo bar, chassis and wheels, it delivers a confident, premium appearance.
FInside, leather upholstery and premium fabrics
create a refined living space An Emerald-pattern
mattress, matching topper and curtains enhance comfort, complemented by the Night Lock system
A microwave, Climate Pack and DAF Infotainment System ensure the cab functions seamlessly for work and rest
Powered by the PACCAR MX-13 engine producing
480 hp (355 kW), the Emerald Edition pairs
performance with efficiency The DAF Digital Vision
System and Corner View enhance visibility, while low rolling-resistance tyres support fuel economy.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including
Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning, support safety and reduce driver fatigue
Each vehicle is delivered with an exclusive
merchandise package, reinforcing its flagship status 4
International
Truck of the
year 2026
DAF’s New Generation XD
Electric and XF Electric
have been awarded
International Truck of the
Year 2026, one of the most prestigious accolades in the commercial vehicle industry.
The International Truck of the Year
(IToY) award is presented annually by a jury of leading commercial vehicle journalists from across
Europe to the truck introduced in the previous 12 months that has made the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency.
The XD and XF Electric stood out for exceptional energy efficiency, advanced technology and driver comfort Judges praised the refined
yet powerful electric driveline, the
modular battery and axle
configurations that offer operators
flexibility, and the impressive
zero emission range of over 500 km on a single charge.
Additional strengths highlighted
by the jury included a
well balanced technical
architecture that delivers both
performance and operational
flexibility, plus class‑leading comfort and safety features
making these electric models
highly suited to both regional distribution and longer distance transport
“Winning International
Truck of the Year 2026 not only underscores DAF’s
commitment to innovation and sustainability, it
reinforces the brand’s
leadership in shaping the future of zero emission
road transport.
To find out more:
E
T LENT
Steering Shoreham Forwar
d
HTC Shoreham Danny Needham
Aftersales Manage
Music in the Family
While Danny spends his days
helping customers keep their
fleets moving, creativity runs in the family.
His daughter Evangeline is a
25-year-old indie-funk artist
based between Bath and
Bristol. After completing a master’s degree in Commercial
Music and Songwriting at Bath
Spa University, she has been developing a distinctive sound
influenced by artists such as
Hayley Williams, Arlo Parks, Yebba, Talking Heads and
Sault.
Evangeline’s debut
album, Observe, was
released recently and showcases a collection of energetic, self-affirming tracks blending
atmospheric
soundscapes with punchy guitar riffs and expressive
vocals
According to Danny, it’s
also perfect listening for anyone spending long hours on the road
“It’s the perfect
soundtrack for those long
journeys between the various HTC sites, ” he says
Danny Needham posing for a picture with daughter Evangeline
Life on the Water
Bob also helps maintain the club’s
equipment and has even built trailers
to transport lifesaving gear to events
The club regularly provides
lifeguarding support for local and national competitions, meaning Bob’s
spare time often involves helping keep
others safe in challenging conditions
It’s a role that requires calm decision-
making, teamwork and attention to
detail qualities that translate perfectly
into the workshop environment
For Bob, weekends rarely mean putting
his feet up. Instead, they usually involve
the sea
Bob is a long-standing member of the
Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and has
spent around 15 years involved with the
organisation
A qualified beach lifeguard,
coach, IRB safety boat driver and surf-
ski captain, he regularly helps train others
both at the beach and in the pool
“My weekends are usually filled with
coaching at the pool or the beach” he
says.
Bob in action on the sea as a member of Brighton Surf Life Saving Club
High-Speed Precision
For Ben Watson, mechanical
engineering is just as
fascinating outside work as it
is inside the depot
Ben is an enthusiast of vintage
steam rollers and can often be
found driving and maintaining
these historic machines
Working with steam-powered
engineering from another era
gives him a unique
appreciation of mechanical
design and craftsmanship, knowledge that complements
the technical expertise he
brings to his role as Master
Technician at HTC Shoreham
Over in the parts department,
Paul Dyson channels his
passion for engineering into a
slightly faster hobby:
motorcycle track days Riding
on track demands precision,
concentration and a deep
understanding of machinery,
the same attention to detail
required when ensuring
customers receive the right
parts to keep their vehicles
running efficiently
Paul Dyson, Parts Advisor at HTC Shoreham
Ben
The Power of a Strong Team
What ties all these interests together is a shared enthusiasm for engineering, teamwork and performance
Whether it’s navigating waves on a surfski, racing around a track, tackling mountain trails or maintaining historic machinery, the Shoreham team bring the same commitment and attention to detail back to the workplace and that’s exactly what makes the site so effective at supporting customers across the South Coast
Because behind every well-maintained truck leaving the HTC Shoreham workshop is a team of people who bring passion, skill and personality to everything they do, both on and off the job.
DAFaid Roadside Assistance
24 Hours a day
7 Days a week
365 Days a year
Reliability is having support when you need it most DAFaid is DAF Trucks’ dedicated
24/7 roadside assistance and recovery service, offering expert help to keep vehicles on the road across the UK and Europe.
Who
They Are
DAFaid provides roadside support, diagnostics, and recovery through a network of trained technicians and authorised DAF dealers Access to genuine parts and advanced diagnostics ensures issues are resolved quickly, wherever the vehicle is operating
By the Numbers
24/7/365 availability
Thousands of technicians across DAF dealers
Coverage in 40+ European countries
Support for trucks, rigids, and tractor units
DAFaid at HTC Group
All HTC Group sites offer DAFaid support, giving customers peace of mind both locally and across Europe. Combining DAFaid’s network with HTC Group’s expertise ensures safe, reliable, and efficient assistance whenever it’s needed!
Some partnerships are transactional, whereas others are built over time through trust and shared standards. The relationship between HTC Group and Minoli is firmly the latter
ith
’s
ship 26
DAF, M1 NOL, which inspired the bespoke artwork celebrating the company’s 65th anniversary
When Jonathon Minoli visited HTC Oxford to present a bespoke artwork celebrating Minoli’s 65th anniversary, it marked more than a milestone It recognised a partnership nearing four decades. The picture which was specially commissioned by Minoli and created by Joe Coade and the team at Road Race Rally, captures Minoli’s flagship 26-tonne DAF, registration M1 NOL The artwork reflects a fleet that supports the company’s nationwide tile distribution and its reputation for quality
“This isn’t just about supplying vehicles. It’s about supporting a business across generations and helping it move forward with confidence. ”
Jonathon Minoli presents Luke Mason w
Minoli
flag
-tonne
The moment held personal significance for HTC Truck Sales Executive Mark Gibson, who first worked on the team that supplied vehicles to Peter Minoli (Jonathon’s
father) back in the 1980’s. Few business relationships span generations. Fewer
continue to evolve
“Our relationship with Minoli is everything a partnership should be, ” Mark says
“Built on trust and a shared way of working We’re proud to be part of their story”
Today, Minoli runs 11 DAF trucks alongside Fiat Ducato vans and other support vehicles, delivering
more than 100,000 kilograms each
day. Every vehicle is specified
around the demands of
transporting ceramic tiles and
large-format porcelain while
presenting the Minoli brand with
confidence.
M1 NOL as featured in the artwork is a recent addition to the fleet, a DAF CF Series 340 curtain-sided rigid with Moffett forklift, shows this advanced thinking in action. The curtain side improves loading access for XL Format slabs packed in specialist crates up to 160 by 320 centimetres. Frequent London deliveries led to the inclusion of a lift-and-steer tag axle for manoeuvrability, while features such as rear air suspension and greatly enhanced lighting support safe operation.
Minoli’s flagship 26-tonne DAF, M1 NOL parked
This level of specification reflects the
long-standing collaboration. HTC has
helped Minoli select, source and
maintain vehicles that meet current
needs while preparing for future
demand Servicing support from HTC
Oxford keeps the fleet performing at its
best, allowing Minoli to focus on its
core business. Proximity helps too, with
HTC Oxford located close to Minoli’s
headquarters, service support is never far away.
“Few business relationships span generations. Fewer continue to evolve. ”
This level of specification reflects the
long-standing collaboration HTC has
helped Minoli select, source and maintain vehicles that meet current
needs while preparing for future
demand. Servicing support from HTC
Oxford keeps the fleet performing at its best, allowing
Minoli to focus on its core business
Proximity helps too, with HTC Oxford
located close to Minoli’s headquarters, service support is never far away.
The strength of the partnership also gained national and international recognition when Minoli took delivery of the 500,000th vehicle produced at Leyland Trucks, a milestone DAF LF handed over during a special ceremony. The relationship continues to move forward, with four new vehicles are due to join the Minoli fleet in the coming months, ensuring the business remains ready for growth. For Luke Mason, Managing Director at HTC Group, the artwork represents more than a truck.
“It symbolises what happens when two businesses grow together with trust at the centre, ” he says
That shared history is visible across the fleet, from bespoke cargo bay production by Wessex Vehicle Services to the distinctive branding by Dan Haines Signs Minoli trucks have become a familiar sight across London and the South-East. The bespoke artwork is now displayed in reception as you enter HTC Oxford, as a reminder that the
strongest partnerships are built over time. Because sometimes a truck is more than a vehicle It is proof of a relationship that continues to move forward
Minoli, Transport Way, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 6LX
info@minoli.co.uk 01865 778 225
Jonathon and Lucy Minoli attended a special ceremony at Leyland trucks where the 500 000 truck bu
heirs and
hey w
able
Beyond the Van:
Crafting a New Kind of Journey
For many, a van is simply a vehicle. For others, it’s the beginning of something much bigger. Across the UK, a growing number of customers are rethinking what a vehicle can be, not just a way to get from A to B, but a space that enables freedom, flexibility, and in some cases, a completely different way of living. At the centre of that shift are specialist converters like Sunbox Campe
, working alongside experienced vehicle providers
From Base Vehicle to Bespoke Living Space
At its core, the process begins with selecting the right base vehicle. Electric options such as the Fiat E-Ducato and the lesser-known but increasingly popular E-Scudo have become key choices for Sunbox.
“It's a big challenge in electric campervans, ” says Clara, joint owner of Sunbox Campers. “Finding heating is tricky, electric systems often don’t allow customers to use them whenever they want for extended periods But with the E-Scudo, the gas heater fits perfectly, the battery doesn’t get in the way of the chassis and there’s plenty of space to fit bespoke units The pricing is also very competitive and the van’s dimensions give us freedom to deliver what the customer wants ” For Clara and her team, transparency is essential. They openly discuss what will work, the pros and cons, and provide advice on pricing and feasibility, ensuring each customer’s experience is both informed and enjoyable.
The eScudo converted by Sunbox Campers to a bespoke specification
Every van is hand-built by a team of specialists, including skilled carpenters, an expert in electrical systems, and metalwork expertise from Clara’s husband. This allows them to tackle almost any custom request, provided it works with the chosen vehicle The goal is to deliver a high-end finish with materials that feel thoughtful and luxurious, not mass-produced
Electric, Without Compromise
bespoke camperv
Electric vans are often seen as a challenge for conversion. Weight distribution, battery placement and heating systems can all limit what’s possible Sunbox Campers has built its reputation by turning these challenges into opportunities.
Platforms like the e-Scudo, with its 75 kWh battery, accessible chassis and spacious interio, allow the Sunbox team to craft fully functional, year-round electric campers. Offgrid heating solutions, well-planned layouts, and careful consideration of weight make these vans practical for extended travel. “Many customers come to us already well-researched” Clara says “For some, this is a financial milestone, maybe a treat in retirement or a meaningful purchase after receiving money from loved ones We want to make sure we get it right ”
The Role of Experience
While Sunbox focuses on the transformation, the journey begins much earlier HTC Group provides the foundation, supplying both diesel and electric vehicles and supporting customers throughout the vehicle’s life. Their sales and aftersales teams bring decades of experience working with commercial vehicles, offering insight into which platforms work best for bespoke conversions and helping maintain them postconversion.
It’s an area where technical curiosity and hands-on capability converge Standard solutions don’t always apply to converted vehicles, but the teams at Sunbox and HTC share a commitment to problem-solving, creativity, and making things work
A Growing Movement
The rise in electric campervans reflects a broader shift in how vehicles are valued
Flexibility, sustainability, and individuality are now just as important as performance or payload.
Platforms like the Fiat e-Scudo are quietly transforming preferences. Customers who initially seek the “classic” brands often change their minds once they see what these lesser-known vehicles offer: more space, better adaptability for bespoke workshops, and a battery layout that doesn’t limit creativity.
With Sunbox Campers focusing on high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a client-centric approach, and HTC Group providing reliable vehicles and expert support, the possibilities for personalisation are nearly limitless
“Every van we build is shaped around the customer’s lifestyle, ” Clara explains.
“It’s not about fitting into a standard layout; it’s about creating something that truly works for how they want to live and travel ” - Clara Usiskin Excited to hit the open road with your very own home-onwheels? By combining HTC Group’s vehicle expertise with the artisan craftsmanship of Sunbox Campers, your bespoke electric conversion is closer than you think
Some shots of the interior of some of the e-Scudo coversions that demonstrate options availabile to customers
ur team
v
To Visit the website:
range of EV vans available to you at HTC Group, via info@htcuk com
sit the Sunbox Cam
or email hello
mo
e about their conversions.
Getting the parts you need just got quicker The is now available on WhatsApp, giving customers place orders or make enquiries, straight from th
Whether you’re in the workshop, on the yard, or
WhatsApp lets you message our team directly, s questions and get rapid responses without wait emails It’s parts support that fits around your w
We stock and supply TRP parts and with regula the day, using WhatsApp means faster commun ordering - helping keep your vehicles moving an minimum
Same trusted team. Same reliable parts.
Now with an even easier way to stay connected Now on WhatsApp – Parts
Ask The Expert
Flexible Power Systems
Turning EV Ambition into Operational Reality
Fo
flee
e
depends on more than simply choosing the right truck It requires detailed planning, operational insight and a strategy built on real-world data. Flexible
Power Systems (FPS), a partner to HTC Group, specialises in helping businesses navigate this complexity with
Dr Henry Clarke
Michael Ayres
Data-led transition planning that delivers results
FPS uses a proprietary suite of analytical tools to construct enterprise-wide EV transition plans By combining historic operational data with direct client insight, their team identifies future requirements and produces high-granularity models that assess feasibility, cost, energy demand, emissions, charger infrastructure and power impacts across every site and down to individual vehicle level.
These models allow operators to test multiple scenarios, each optimised for cost and resilience, before being sequenced into detailed, fully costed multiyear transition plans.
Project Alignment
FPS begins by working closely with
stakeholders across the fleet to build a clear picture of current operations and long-term objectives. This includes reviewing:
Upcoming organisational deadlines
·Key sources of operational data
Transition goals and EV operating strategy
Operations Discovery
A deep dive into existing data creates a comprehensive operational baseline, covering:
Fleet composition
·Vehicle mileages and duty cycles
An interactive Fleet Explorer dashboard for enhanced visibility
Electrification Simulation
Using this baseline, FPS tests
electrification through granular simulation with preferred EV models and charging solutions, including:
Duty cycle feasibility analysis
Charge-on-arrival load modelling
Identification of immediate “drop-in”
electrification opportunities
Optimisation
More complex operations are refined
using proprietary simulation tools that
actively manage EV deployment to
improve feasibility and reduce cost This
includes:
Intelligent pairing of duties to vehicles
Smart charging analysis to manage
site capacity
Re-routing opportunity assessments
Scenario Investigation
To future-proof deployments, FPS
develops counterfactual scenarios that
account for potential operational changes
such as:
Site openings or closures
Fleet composition rebalancing
Catchment area and service
proposition changes
Looking beyond the charge point
Dr Henry Clarke, Head of Platforms at Flexible Power Systems, stresses that managing an electric fleet requires a broader operational perspective than many businesses initially expect.
“It’s very difficult to run an electric fleet from a charge point management system alone because it doesn’t give you full visibility of your operations With better control of power loads, businesses may not need to expand sites, which can be expensive and sometimes impossible. In many cases, you can operate with fewer chargers, reduce reliance on high-power charging, and even use fewer vehicles to service your operations.”
FPS Operate has been designed with this wider ecosystem in mind enabling
“You don’t always need more chargers or bigger infrastructure. With the right insight, you can do more with less.”
“We start by identifying the vehicles and chargers required through a detailed consulting project By taking a deep dive into fleet data, we understand the complete scope of need, not just the average That insight helps avoid costly mistakes, such as specifying vehicles with unnecessarily large batteries or installing very high-power chargers where lower-cost AC charging would be more appropriate. ”
These are sophisticated supply chain problems that must be orchestrated by intelligent software, connecting assets end-to-end so logistics remain optimal while energy costs are minimised. Every asset in the chain should be sized and utilised to keep operations running as smoothly as possible and that philosophy underpins how we design our platform. ”
Expert support for the electric journey
For HTC Group customers, partnering with Flexible Power Systems provides more than just a roadmap to electrification, it delivers the operational clarity needed to make confident investment decisions and build resilient fleets for the future As the industry moves steadily toward zero-emission transport, data-driven strategy, intelligent infrastructure planning and advanced operational control will define the fleets that succeed With the right expertise in place, the transition to electric becomes not just achievable but commercially sustainable.
Project Jolt
Rethinking Value in the Transition to Electric
Project JOLT continues to build a clearer
picture of what electric HGVs mean for
operators, as the industry moves from early
adoption into real-world commercial use.
So far, uptake has largely been
driven by large corporates with
long-term sustainability goals.
Now, the focus is shifting
towards SMEs, operators who
are more focused on cost,
reliability and day-to-day
performance. Encouragingly,
early findings show that on
certain routes, electric HGVs
are already economically
viable
In the diesel world, the model is well understood. A typical 44-tonne tractor unit costs around £114k new, runs for 8–12 years and may pass through multiple owners
before being sold overseas, retired to shunting or scrapped. Its first life has been
around 5 years but after 7 years, residual value can fall to as little as £10k A
noticeable recent trend has been increasingly, operators are choosing to run vehicles longer, prioritising reliability and return on use rather than resale value.
Electric HGVs challenge that model. With upfront costs closer to £240k and no established secondary market, concerns around residual value are natural However, research suggests this may be less significant than first thought Around half of an electric truck’s value sits in its battery, which can be reused or repurposed at the end of its life Combined with lower maintenance requirements, this shifts the focus towards total cost of ownership rather than resale.
Operationally, key questions remain Range continues to be a concern for new adopters, although motorway performance is often exceeding expectations Payload can be an issue for weight-sensitive operations, and charging time and infrastructure are still under review Electricity costs also vary widely, creating uncertainty for operators planning the switch.
There are clear advantages too Driver feedback has been consistently positive, with electric trucks offering improved comfort, reduced noise and vibration, and better
visibility In an industry that needs around 40,000 new drivers each year, this could become a significant but often overlooked benefit.
Simon Flint, Business Development Consultant
Backed by independent
academic research to ensure robust, evidence-based
insights, Project JOLT is
currently focused on three key
areas: analysing real-world
eHGV performance, modelling
the impact of electrifying
existing diesel operations, and identifying how a viable
secondary market can be developed.
The key takeaway is that the industry may need to rethink
how it values trucks altogether
Rather than relying on a strong
second-hand market, early
adopters of electric vehicles
are likely to run them for their
full lifecycle, extracting value
through operation, efficiency, and end-of-life components
As the sector moves through
the transition phase of decarbonisation, Project JOLT
is helping turn theory into
practical, commercially viable
reality
Used Truck and Van Sales
Driven by Demand: Used Vehicles Going from
Strength to Strength
Based at HTC Hemel, our used vehicles team can
Meet The Team
David Hawkins
Used Truck Sales Specialist
David leads HTC Group’s used truck offering, bringing years of experience in sourcing, preparing and matching DAF trucks to customer needs. From contract hire returns to part-exchange vehicles, he ensures every truck is ready to perform.
Alex Nagy Van Sales Specialist
Alex heads up HTC’s growing used van operation, helping customers find the right vehicle for every job With strong demand across multiple industries, he focuses on quality, value and practical solutions that keep businesses moving.
31
Alex and David share an office space, overlooking a forecourt lined with vans and trucks ready for sale or customer collection
At the centre of this success are David Hawkins, Used Truck Sales Specialist, and Alex Nagy, Van Sales Specialist Together, they are helping customers source the right vehicles for a wide range of operations, from national fleets to more specialist, niche applications
David continues to lead on used DAF truck sales, managing everything from contract hire returns to part-exchanges and ex-demo vehicles Each truck is carefully prepared to meet customer expectations, with many now being stripped back to clean white, ready for branding and immediate deployment
Alongside this, Alex has seen
strong growth in the van market HTC’s used vans are now supporting a diverse range of industries, including traditional milk deliveries and other specialist distribution roles Demand has been
particularly high, with one customer recently purchasing
100 vans as part of a major fleet investment
HTC Group’s expanding used offering now provides
customers with even greater choice, covering both trucks and vans in one place With a focus on quality, availability and practical specification,
David and Alex are on hand to guide customers through every step, ensuring each vehicle is
fit for purpose and ready to perform
To view available stock, visit here
eDELIVER 7
Larger electric van offering
increased range and load capacity
Suitable for businesses needing more space without moving to a fullsize van
Combines practicality with smooth, quiet electric performance
Rugged pickup designed for tough
workloads and off-road capability
Strong towing capacity and durable build for demanding environments
Comfortable, well-equipped interior for both work and everyday driving
eDELIVER 9
Flagship large electric van with
high payload and strong range
Ideal for logistics, fleet
operations, and high-demand usage
Spacious load area with multiple
configuration options T60 MAX
eDELIVER 5
Mid-size electric van balancing
payload, range, and efficiency
Designed for versatile business
use across urban and regional
routes
Modern cabin with driver-
focused technology and comfort
High-volume Luton body ideal
for removals and large
deliveries
Excellent load space with
practical access for bulky
items
Built for reliability and heavy-
duty commercial use
eDELIVER 3
Compact electric van ideal
for urban and last-mile
deliveries
Zero-emission driving with
low running costs
Easy to manoeuvre with
practical cargo space
DELIVER 9 DROPSIDE
Flexible dropside body for
easy loading and unloading
Perfect for construction, landscaping, and trade use
