DAF starts field test of new generation distribution trucks
Final phase of development process
Together with leading customers, DAF Trucks has started extensive field tests as the final phase in the development of an entirely new generation of distribution trucks. These will share the unrivalled DNA of the New Generation XF, XG and XG⁺, featuring the highest levels of quality, safety, efficiency and driver comfort.
The launch of the New Generation XF, XG and XG⁺ has been a tremendous success all over Europe. After the first test drives, the series was widely praised by the trade press and crowned ‘International Truck of the Year 2022’ shortly after. With an impressive orderbook of nearly 20,000 units before production officially started in early November, the threesome broke all records in the 93-year history of the Dutch truck manufacturer.
Pushing boundaries
The field-tested New Generation DAF distribution trucks make use of the same platform as the award-winning, new long-haul and heavy duty trucks, the first commercial vehicles developed with the new European Masses & Dimensions regulations in mind. Obviously, just like their stablemates, the new series of distribution trucks will push the boundaries in terms of road safety, efficiency and low emissions, as well as driver comfort.
Start the Future
“With the game-changing XF, XG and XG+, DAF started the future of long and heavy haulage”, commented Ron Borsboom, executive director Product Development. “Now, we are on our way to start the future of regional and national distribution as well. Direct vision, seating position, ergonomics, fit and finish, it will all be of a new league, next to superior vehicle efficiency plus ride and handling.”
DAF will unveil its New Generation of distribution trucks in the second half of the year. The new series will become available in addition to the wide range of the popular and versatile DAF CF trucks.
South Wales-based haulier, John Pearce Glynneath, has become one of the first UK operators to take delivery of two New Generation DAF XF tractors. Supplied by DAF dealer, Watts Truck & Van of Swansea, the XF 480 FTG 6x2 tractors supplement the firm’s majority DAF fleet on curtain-sider pallet work in the UK and abroad.
Unveiled in June last year and crowned International Truck of the Year 2022 alongside its XG and XG+ stablemates, the New Generation DAF XF represents a significant step forward in design and efficiency. With DAF Trucks the first manufacturer to take advantage of the new EU Masses and Dimensions regulations, the XF sports a completely redesigned cab and can deliver up to a 10% improved fuel efficiency over the previous XF model.
For John Pearce Glynneath’s Managing Director, Clive Davies, opting for the New Generation DAF XF was an easy decision. “We’ve been buying DAF since the 1970s,” he explains, “and we have a long-standing relationship with the dealership. DAF is our preferred manufacturer because they’re always fantastic for reliability and the service from the dealership is outstanding.
“We’ve not long taken delivery of the new XFs but on first impressions we’re really pleased with them. The cab itself is a big improvement in terms of visibility with the lower dashboard, bigger windows, and camera systems helping the drivers out. Liveried up, they look fantastic. DAF has done a great job with the overall design.”
The New Generation DAF XF represents a totally new design over the outgoing XF model. Best-in-class aerodynamics are complemented by a range of new, highly efficient powertrains. Cab comfort and judicious use of space provides huge driver appeal while operational benefits include improved fuel economy, payload potential, with service intervals of one year or 200,000 kilometres, and over-the-air software updates. Enhanced safety systems for both driver and vulnerable road users also mean the New Generation DAF XF sets the benchmark for heavy-duty trucks.
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