COVER

DAF continues its ‘Start the Future’ rollout in Distribution & Construction with ITOY winning XD series

They’ve got to be perfect! In designing a new medium to heavy duty truck series, the new product has to be perfect for national and regional distribution, urban deliveries and construction operations. And also be an improvement on its predecessors. No pressure therefore! That was the business case for DAF Trucks NV when replacing the popular CF series. A hard act to follow but all credit to the DAF design team, they got it right. Already their creativity and efforts have been acknowledged by the industry, as the new XD series was honoured with the International Truck of the year Award 2023 (ITOy) at the recent IAA Transportation show in hannover, Germany.

‘There are some common and modular parts on the new XD that are shared with the DAF XF/XG/XG+ series’

To aid and speed up the new development of the XD, DAF’s design

team took some of the framework and body styling elements from the new DAF XF/XG/XG+ series (ITOY winner in 2022), and made modifications to suit this all-purpose, multi-tasking rigid and tractor-unit range.

The sleek aerodynamics on the new cab are similar to that of its bigger brethren, while the 16cm elongated frontal area meets the new EU cab design regulations. The same principles apply when it comes to safety, efficiency and driver comfort. Notable with the new cab sizes, which include High Sleeper, Low Sleeper and Day versions, is the lowering of the engine hump from before, now measuring at 170cm.

In addition, the full width of the cab now extends to 2.5 metres, therefore saying goodbye to the narrower 2.3 m cab used on the CF for generations (and on Fodens in their day). That smaller cab may be missed by drivers on selected applications such as fuel deliveries and urban/rural distribution. But then again, the extra interior space inside will be appreciated. Better ‘move-around-ability’!

Actually, the Day cab benefits from an extra 15cm, which will be liked by drivers in these sectors. Coinciding with the introduction of the XD series, the construction segments will be catered for by a dedicated XDC model range, while the DAF Electric model line extends to the XD and XF families. Significant safety elements are among the main enhanced features of the new XD, with its large windscreen, side windows and low ‘belt-line’. These and the optional kerb side window with a foldable passenger seat, together with DAF’s Digital Vision (camera) System with Corner View and City Turn Assist, go a long way to protect the vulnerable road user and reduce stress on the driver. A fully adjustable steering wheel and a variety of seat configurations allow for good cross cab access. These modern fittings, along with a fully digital dashboard with customisable displays, help to produce the ‘perfect’ package.

What about the powertrain? Well, owners can rely on the continued investment by DAF/PACCAR in engine developments that guarantee efficiency.

On the XD/XDC, a new selection of power outputs (from 330 to 450hp) on the proven MX-11 (litre) block have been introduced, mated as usual to ZF’s 12-speed TraXon automated gearbox.

Two, three and four axle variants apply to both the XD/XDC, coming with single or double drive traction systems.

On the inaugural drives around DAF’s Eindhoven home patch, the ergonomic layouts of the vehicles tested were found to be excellent, with all related driving functions operated from the steering wheel and column stalks. Secondary elements are engaged by physical switches, a short stretch on the dashboard. The 12” display is standard but for further navigation and infotainment choices, a 10.1” second touch

screen can be selected.

Cab accessibility is good due to only two entry steps for the majority of the distribution versions and a steering wheel that can be moved in an upright parking position. The spaciousness of the cab is notable, with interior volumes of up to 10 m3 on the Sleeper High Cab for example, while on the roomier Day Cab, a third seat or large fridge are available as ex-factory options.

XD EV

With the New Generation DAF XD Electric and XF Electric, DAF Trucks is taking full electric transport to the next level. These innovative vehicles are powered by the efficient and reliable PACCAR

EX-D1 and PACCAR EX-D2 permanent magnet e-motors, which offer outputs from 170 kW/230 hp to 350 kW/480 hp. To perfectly tailor these electric vehicles to the customer’s needs and application, DAF offers a full range of battery packs with 2 up to 5 cells, capable of delivering zero emission ranges of over 500 kilometres on a single charge.

The DAF XD and XF Electric trucks will be assembled on a brand-new production line in Eindhoven and this advanced DAF Electric Truck Assembly will start series production in 2023.

‘With the all-new modular EV-powertrains, DAF Trucks once again takes the lead in zero emission transport, offering premium fully electric truck solutions to its customers’

XDC & XFC

At the IAA Transportation 2022, DAF presented the new construction specified XF, called the XFC, alongside the XDC. These also feature single or double drive variants with two, three and four axle configurations to meet specific requirements. New XDC with 10.8 litre PACCAR MX-11 engine, and XFC with 10.8 litre PACCAR MX-11 and 12.9 litre PACCAR MX-13 engine, offer high payloads thanks to low kerb weights. These construction models are designed to handle the toughest work under the harshest conditions and have a robust bumper, a sturdy grille and a

steel radiator protection plate. Their large approach angle and high ground clearance will be noticed for superior on-road and off-road performance. XDC & XFC will enter production in early 2023 and are available to order now.

‘The new 2, 3 & 4 axle DAF XDC and XFC trucks are the perfect vehicles for vocational and construction applications, combining high payloads with excellent on and off road performance and a sturdy design’

From what we have seen and felt, the whole DAF design and engineering teams have got the new XD series right, perfect in fact, something which was endorsed by the ITOY jury and recognised by recently installed DAF Trucks’ President Harald Seidel: “Winning the International Truck of the Year Award 2023 is a wonderful recognition for our DAF employees and dealers. It proves that the premium DAF XD sets the new industry standard for customers in vocational and distribution applications, offering first-class safety, efficiency and driver comfort.”

HIgHLIgHTS OF THE NEW DAF XD SERIES, IN BRIEF:

n Completely new DAF XD series sets new standard in distribution segment n Sharing DNA with ITOY award winning

DAF XF, XG & XG+

n Offering best in class safety, efficiency and driver comfort

n Highly versatile product range n Start of production in Autumn 2022 n New DAF XDC and XFC for municipal and construction applications n 3 & 4 axle configurations n Robust design with a unique grille and bumper n Excellent approach angle and high ground clearance n New DAF XD and XF Electric showcase environmental leadership n State-of-the-art PACCAR e-motors with outputs up to 350 kW (480 hp) n Wide choice of efficient battery packs n ‘Zero emission’ ranges from 200 to over 500 kilometres

n New DAF Electric Truck Assembly plant at Eindhoven

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie