Traders say the market for trucks, particularly used ones, is expected to shoot up considerably in the coming months.

By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

The boom in infrastructure development activities across Qatar, particularly the works taking place in the southern region, is expected to give a further push to the demand for trucks and trailers, sources have told Gulf Times.
“Newcomers are making a foray into the market and there is a growing demand for second-hand trucks as well in most parts of the country,” an operator in the truck and trailer business explained.
While the demand for new trucks and trailers is somewhat steady, with an annual growth of 5-6%, indications are that more trading is taking place in the used trucks market these days as an increasing number of new players are trying their luck in the field.
Most of the new players are expecting a windfall as the first phase of Hamad Port is expected to be commissioned in a few months, facilitating a surge in cargo movement across the country.
Similarly, augmented infrastructure development works being carried out as part of the multi-billion Orbital Highway, starting from the southern side, are also expected to boost the truck market.
Another area where truck dealers hope to cash in on is the development of the Logistics Village on the southwestern side of the Industrial Area.
“Qatar’s logistical requirements are bound to shoot up in the coming years. Without trucks of different sizes, no movement of cargoes is thinkable,” said a veteran in the truck market. He feels small trucks will also have a good presence in the market in the future.         
As in previous years, there is a big demand for used trucks entering the country, especially from Europe. While relatively good-quality used “truck heads” coming from outside are available for prices ranging from QR145,000 to QR175,000, the new ones could cost almost double that amount, enquiries found.
The “truck tails” manufactured in Saudi Arabia are locally available for prices varying between QR45,000 and QR70,000, while the same could cost more than QR75,000 if it is locally assembled.
Sources in the market said used trucks arriving from Turkey also enjoy relatively good patronage among buyers.