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The Plus Factor! DAF dazzles with new XF, XG & XG+
When DAF Trucks introduced the 95 Series in 1987, little did we know that its SuperSpace cab would serve the Dutch brand and its broad customer base so well into the next century. From the various incarnations and evolutions that followed, from the 95XF, XF105 and XF, the basic cab structure from the ‘95’ remained. In fact, the 95 cab was jointly developed with ENASA in Spain which supplied local manufacturer Pegaso with the same framework and panelling. British based Seddon Atkinson also used the cab for its Strato model. There was even a special military version, successfully sold in Europe and North America. No less than 650,000 XF trucks have been sold in total across 50 countries worldwide. Not only did the 95 and XF series win over the popularity of the long distance truck driver, it was widely recognised and honoured by the International Truck
of the Year Award jury on numerous occasions (1988, 1998, 2007 & 2018) and also received many accolades from various trade magazines and other transport related organisations. While the XF and its siblings proved most successful and stood the test of time like no other production series truck of its generation, the new range of heavy-duty trucks from DAF is setting FLEETTRANSPORT | AUG 21
the standards in truck design, safety and comfort features as well as instant driver appeal. In developing the New Generation, DAF Trucks took a number of steps forward and created three variants based on the newly designed XF – the XF itself, the new XG and the ultimate flagship model, the XG+. From an operational viewpoint, a further 10% in fuel savings have been achieved. DAF Trucks is the first manufacturer to create a truck line up that takes advantage of the new European masses and dimensions regulations. Class-leading quality, efficiency, safety and driver comfort come together in the game-changing New Generation DAF. A 160 mm front elongation enables industry-leading aerodynamics and safety. Only the finest materials have been used in the new DAF. Lightweight, high strength steel is used for the cab structure, and premium soft touch materials and leather are used extensively throughout the interior.
‘New Generation DAF underwent over 20 million kilometres of functional, durability, reliability and customer testing to ensure the new trucks meet DAF Truck’s exacting quality standards’
At the web-based launch, DAF Trucks NV Executives proudly stated the new XF Series achieved a further 10% gain in fuel efficiency and an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions due to a number
of measures taken. Thanks to sleek, slippery aerodynamics of the shapely cab, together with a curved windscreen, digital cameras (instead of exterior mirrors), improved under cab air-flow and engine modifications, this ambitious objective was met. Further advances include tweaks to the well-proven PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines, smart exhaust-after-treatment systems, low vehicle weights, standard TraXon automated transmission, and sophisticated driver assistance systems. The advanced DAF Connect fleet management system provides for time saving over-the-air software updates. And service intervals have increased to an industry first 200,000 kilometres or once a year. The new DAF XF/XG line-up has been designed for the latest bio and renewable e-fuels to further decarbonise road transport, and the trucks are a ready platform for future zero emissions powertrains, such as battery electric and hydrogen.
