ATE opens export route to Myanmar
ATE Truck and Trailer Sales has sold 11 pre-owned trucks to a customer in Myanmar – the former Burma – opening a lucrative export market as yet untapped by the Wolverhampton-based firm.
The 11 commercial vehicles – a mix of Scania R420 and R480 6x2 tractor units – marks ATE's first export deal to the Southeast Asian nation.
The trucks will take 40 days to arrive at the port of Yangon, after setting sail from Felixstowe – a distance by sea of nearly 10,250 miles.
James Jenkins, sales director at ATE, part of the Asset Alliance Group, said: "Myanmar is gradually becoming 'open for business', and we're pleased to have secured our first deal, as its appetite for commercial vehicles continues to grow.
"Southeast Asia is a key export market for European-made commercial vehicles, and when we got the call, the customer was delighted to hear just how quickly we could arrange to get the trucks loaded and shipped to Yangon, thanks to the considerable stock we keep on site in Wolverhampton."
Prior to the sale, the 11 Scanias were first inspected and serviced at the company's Wolverhampton workshop, where skilled technicians ensured the vehicles would be able to handle the new owner's heavy workload.
"Our full-service workshop means we can adapt any product to a customer's requirements," added James Jenkins.
"In this case, the customer required that the trucks be ready to work the second they rolled off the ramp at Yangon – a capability we were happy to provide."
ATE Truck and Trailer Sales, as part of Asset Alliance Group – which combines expertise in contract hire, finance and commercial vehicle sales – says it has access to a steady supply of well-maintained, ex-contract trucks and trailers, which can be refurbished and sold around the world.
Much like its extensive range of used trucks and trailers, ATE also maintains stock of approximately 40 new trailers at any one time, including dry freight boxes, reefers, skeletals, tippers and low loaders.
ATE engaged the services of IML Marine Management – a specialist in the overseas transport of trucks, cranes, construction and mining equipment – to ship the 11 Scania tractor units.
Asset Alliance Group says it is 'redefining' the way companies acquire commercial vehicles, through its brands Asset Alliance, ATE Truck and Trailer Sales, Forest Asset Finance and Total Reefer. The group uses its own funds and buying power to supply multi-brand vehicles on contract hire, operating lease, finance lease or hire purchase.
Asset Alliance Group is headquartered in Wolverhampton and was founded in 2010 by Willie Paterson, former director of commercial finance at Alliance & Leicester. Earlier this year the company put a £75m funding deal in place with the Royal Bank of Scotland to support future capital investments and growth.
