MILESTONE

International Truck of the Year marks 45 years of hi-tech engineering and innovation

From humble beginnings in England, the International Truck of the Year award has become an essential feature of the European truck industry. Since its inception the basic criterion has been “for a truck introduced into the market in the previous 12 months, which has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency’. The adjudication panel has now grown to 24 and the judging criteria currently include technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental footprint and total cost of ownership. There have now been 45 previous winners, documenting the tremendous advances made in European road transport. here, Fleet Transport, in association with UK publication representative Road Transport Media chronicles the winning brands and their trucks over the past four

and half decades.1977 – Seddon Atkinson 200

Oldham Athletic – Seddon Atkinson’s first and last win, from 1977 With the MAN 280 the Truck of the Year became International

Volvo’s great little load-carrier, the F7

The Truck of the Year award was initiated in 1977 by the late Pat Kennett, editor of Truck Magazine, and his choice for the “best new truck of 1976” was the Seddon Atkinson 200. The 200 was a single model for 16 tons GVW, powered by the unfamiliar International D-358 straight-six engine, matched to an Eaton 5-speed box, Eaton drive axle, and fitted with a day cab derived from its larger brother – the successful 400 Series.

1978 – MAN 280

For the second year of the award, Pat shared the decision-making responsibilities with colleagues from four Northern European countries, with the panel duly electing the MAN 280 as the winner, with its “commendably simple design having the ability to earn revenue at low cost, perform adequately with the utmost safety and to keep on working with minimum interruption” pushing the new Volvo F10/12 into second place.

1979 – Volvo F7

With the jury now comprising of seven nations, the award was made to an entire truck range – the Volvo F7 – for the first time. At the heart of the two, three and four axle rigids, and two axle tractors, was the 6.7 litre TD 70 engine, which was the first production Volvo to be offered with intercooling. This, and the stylish new cab, helped the F7 triumph over the F10 which was still eligible for consideration.

1980 – MAN 321

The continuing refinement of MAN’s D2566MK engine found favour with the judges in 1980, with the introduction of a resonant charge system to allow greater air induction, and higher torque development, at much lower engine speeds. The ease of driving, MAN’s extensive European service network and the multiple cab specifications offered through the “VarioSystem” all contributed to the 321’s success, but models did not arrive in the UK until late 1982.

1981 – Leyland T45

In a very difficult year for truck builders, Leyland scored a narrow victory to take the 1981 award with the T45 range. The Roadtrain model, featuring a brand-new aerodynamic cab styled by Ogle Design, appealed to the 10 judges who favoured the thought given to problem diagnosis and the need for rapid servicing. The truck represented Leyland’s last role of the dice to maintain a role amongst Europe’s major players.

1982 – Ford Cargo

In 1982 the Cargo comfortably knocked the new Scania G, P, and R models into second place. The judging panel, now including 12 countries, were impressed with how the Cargo had been engineered to suit conditions in each of their countries, and ride and handling characteristics also found favour. The judges drew attention to the wide variety of options available, so that the award was for the entire range which constituted, “the nearest thing yet to a world truck”.

1983 – Renault g260

Regarded as the first new model developed by Renault Vehicles Industrial (RVI), rather than being an updated Saviem or Berliet design, the G260 was perhaps an unlikely winner, but it distinguished itself with its versatility. The judges claimed the G260 created a “new market sector” with a truck capable of medium and long haul, maximum weight work, yet also light and compact enough to be suitable for local distribution duties. Excellent fuel economy also worked strongly in the G260’s favour.

1984 – Volvo F10

Having missed out on the award in 1978 and 1979, the revised Volvo F10 triumphed in 1984. The “Facelift 83” Volvo featured a cab extended by 6 inches in length, and also in height above the bunk, and an intercooled version of the 9.6 litre TD101F engine rated at 299 bhp. Superior performance and improved consumption achieved at lower engine revs, longer springs for a better ride, and a quieter cab contributed to the win.

1985 – Mercedes-Benz LN2

The Mercedes-Benz LN2 won the award in 1985, by the largest margin seen to that point. Although principally thought of as a 7.5-tonner in Britain, the LN2 was a range of vehicles suitable for up to 21 tonnes GTW. Like the Ford Cargo, the sheer adaptability

Best of British – The Leyland T45

Ford’s Cargo from 1982 For medium and heavy work – the Renault G260

Volvo’s intercooled F10

The highly-adaptable Mercedes LN2

of the 418 basic models on offer meant that each of the judges could find a variant ideally suited to their local requirements.

1986 – Volvo FL Series

Development work started on the Volvo FL range as soon as the F7 had been introduced, and by 1985 the new models appeared. Sharing the entirely-new, low-mounted, easy access cab, the FL7 was powered by the new TD71 engine, whilst the FL10 used the same engines that were well proven in the award-winning F10. The judges were again impressed with the scope of the comprehensive range which was bolstered by the FL6 4x2 distribution chassis.

1987 – MAN F90

For 1987 the 13-man jury chose the MAN F90’s impressing the judges with “its first-class engineering, both in concept and detail, supported by its broad versatility in suiting almost every major market with the base design”. The F90 marked a major move forward for MAN with a wholly new, high-quality cab, new chassis, and a new suspension augmenting revised versions of the proven 330 and 360 hp engines.

1988 – DAF 95

DAF’s first win came with the 95 and a concerted effort to improve the brand’s image. The 95 featured the Cabtec cab with an intelligent warning system, a completely new chassis frame and revised versions of the 11.6 litre engine rated at between 310 and 380hp. With an eye on the forthcoming European Single Market, and anticipated increases in pan-European truck journeys, a space cab option was available from the start.

1989 – Scania 3 Series

In a very strongly-contested competition the Scania 3 Series emerged victorious over the new Mercedes SK models. Scania’s first new range since 1981 consisted of detail improvements on the previous GPR models, with a better spread of power outputs, improved interiors and the option of a 220mm “Topline” roof extension for the R cab vehicles. Overall, the judges felt that the evolutionary approach of the Scania designers topped the new Mercedes-Benz.

1990 – Mercedes-Benz Sk

By 1990 operator satisfaction with the Mercedes-Benz SK’s in service had convinced the judges that the range was worthy of recognition. The truck’s attention to detail regarding electrical installations, instrumentation, and finish all won plaudits, and of particular note was the new smoother-running, lightweight OM 441LA V6 engine with a re-designed combustion chamber and crankshaft. The improved EPS gear system, ABS, automatic lubrication and 45 000 km service intervals all won commendation.

Easy – access with the Volvo FL

MAN F90 represented quality engineering A good truck further-refined – The Scania 3 Series

Mercedes Heavy Class conquered in 1990

The mould-breaking Renault AE

Comprehensive range – the IVECO Eurocargo Volvo’s 1994 FH

Powerhaus – the MAN F2000

1991 – Renault AE

Having been spotted during operational testing as far back as August 1987, the Renault AE with its four-point air suspended cab, flat floor, and imposing presence was a head-turner from the outset. Initially offered with either a 380hp Renault six-cylinder engine, or the Mack EE9 V8 with 503hp, the gearbox and drive-axle were taken directly from the R Series. Although the name, Magnum, was introduced for the deluxe cab package, it became synonymous with all models.

1992 – IVECO Eurocargo

IVECO needed to replace three of its own medium truck lines, and an inherited one from Ford when it began development work on the Eurocargo. £2.5 billion later, the Eurocargo range of 6 to 10 tonne lightweights, and middleweights up to 24 tonnes GTW were launched. Known as the New Cargo in the UK, the resounding win recognised the trucks’ 540 standard variants, exceptional standards of handling and safety, new approach to chassis wiring, and Euro One engines.

1993 – IVECO Eurotech

In an unprecedented move, IVECO scored a second award in two years with its impressively wide-ranging Pininfarina designed Eurotech models. From 4x2 distribution trucks up to 6x4 tractors, IVECO offered three in-house engine choices matched to ZF or Eaton Gearboxes and (mainly) Rockwell drive axles. The judges were impressed with the rationalisation between the Eurotech, and the Eurocargo, and this commonality between ranges helped the IVECO squeeze past the new DAF 75/85 to secure victory.

1994 – Volvo FH

IVECO’s hopes of a three-in-a-row with the Eurostar were dashed by the Volvo FH which secured a then-record fourth award for the Swedish manufacturer. The new D12 engine featured an overhead camshaft and electronic injectors and was fitted into a newly-designed chassis topped with a brand-new and striking cab. The innovative engineering, advanced design, high standard of driver environment, and the consistent quality achieved from advanced production techniques all contributed to a sound win for the FH.

1995 – MAN F2000

The F90 evolved into the F2000 which was offered with both Euro 1, and Euro 2 models featuring a new electronically controlled 12.8 litre engine, launched at Hannover’s IAA in September 1994, enabling operators to choose between the new technology or to wait for it to be mandated by legislation. In the most closely-contested IToY to that date, the F2000 beat DAF’s 95.500 Super Space Cab by two points.

Scania’s 4 Series represented a change in direction

1996 – Scania 4 Series

In a radical stylistic departure from previous designs, the 4 Series featured a cab with wide-radiused corners and a Topline version featuring a bunk above the windscreen. The radically-different design was supported by a new chassis system, revised V8 engines, and a brand-new 12 litre 400hp straight-six unit. The award itself was made for the L Class of long-haul trucks, which scored more than double the number of points of the runner-up, the DAF 55.

1997 – Mercedes-Benz Actros

The Mercedes-Benz Actros won ’97’s prize thanks to “setting new standards of operating efficiency, using an unprecedented level of technology that actually delivers results to operators”. Aside from a smart new cab and new V6 and V8 engines with 120,000 km oil drain intervals, the heart of the new technology was the electronic Telligent system which controlled 26 sub-systems from the all-round disc brakes to gear-shifting, and from engine management to the air suspension. retained mechanical control for the 12.6 litre engine in a bid to simplify maintenance. The judges were impressed by the cab and the driver environment – with plenty of storage space, good visibility, easy access and a very well laid out dashboard all figuring in their decision. The truck was well received in the marketplace with production initially struggling to supply demand.

1999 – Mercedes-Benz Atego

The Mercedes-Benz Atego received 5 more points from the 16-man jury to narrowly outscore the Volvo FM and deprive Volvo of a third win for their generation of low-cabbed trucks. The Atego was a cleverly-designed range whereby the newly-developed lightweights were produced up to 15 tonnes GVW, but the new cabs and engines were also fitted to Actros chassis to expand the Atego range up to 26 tonne six wheelers, although power was capped at 280hp.

2000 – Volvo FH

In an unusual turn of events, the Volvo FH won a second IToY award in 2000, despite having a cosmetically unchanged cab from the 1994 winner. Appearances can be deceptive though, as the revised FH featured an improved chassis, new 460hp-rated D12C engine, VT gearbox, 1344 rear axle and an all-new electronic control system called TEA – Truck Electronic Architecture, to rival the Mercedes-Benz Telligent system.

Technology abounds – The Mercedes-Benz Actros

DAF 95XF of 1998 Wide-ranging Mercedes-Benz Atego

2000’s deceptively-different Volvo FH

2001 – MAN TgA

The “Trucknology Generation” was a stunning design when unveiled in Spring 2000, and the all-new cab represented a radical move combined with the vehicle’s new chassis, transmissions, and the first Euro 3 engine in a heavy truck to be fitted with EGR. In a year when no other manufacturer launched such a significantly new design, the odds were always short on the TGA winning IToY, and victory was assured with a resounding 70-point margin.

2002 – DAF LF

In 2002 the award found its way to one of the unsung heroes of road haulage – the 6 to 18 tonne rigids. The DAF LF was the replacement for the 45 and 55 Series vehicles which had been so popular in the UK, but failed to really take off in Europe. The judges were impressed with how the makers had taken a Renault cab and a Cummins engine yet produced a truck which was undeniably a DAF.

2003 – IVECO Stralis

Following IVECO’s ambitious range renewal programme a decade before, the company used a different strategy for the Stralis, with a process of incorporating revised engines, chassis and suspensions into existing models, before finishing with a new cab for the new truck. For the driveline, only a new 540hp Cursor 13 engine was new, but the 19-man judging panel were very impressed with the cab and the “innovative solutions aimed at improving the driver’s comfort”.

2004 – Mercedes-Benz Actros

In hindsight, some of the ground-breaking technology of 1997’s Actros was troublesome in early models, despite similar systems being adopted by the other manufacturers by 2004. With the Actros MP2, the judges were impressed by the extent to which the technological issues had been addressed, and also the degree to which the quality and styling of the cab interior had been improved. The new 460hp V6 engine was also highly regarded.

2005 – Scania R Series

For 2005, the judges re-appraised their opinion of the 4 Series and concluded it perhaps wasn’t Scania’s finest ever product, but they were satisfied that the modifications made for the R Series restored Scania’s reputation. A number of design enhancements to the face-lifted vehicles saw a higher-mounted cab with a nearly-flat floor, a new and improved interior with the bunks back to the rear wall, and a new higher-roof sleeper positioned beneath the Topline option.

DAF LF - built at Leyland

First win for the IVECO Stralis in 2003 Mercedes-Benz Actros MP2 with proven electronics

A return to form with the Scania R Series

2006 – MAN TgL

MAN’s sixth IToY award was secured with their first for a light/ middleweight vehicle, and was also achieved with a thumping majority of votes. The 19-man jury were particularly impressed with the 7.49 to 12 tonne range’s robust design, attractive exterior styling and driver environment, highlighting the deep windscreen and mirror arrangements as of particular benefit for city deliveries.

2007 – DAF xF 105

The introduction of the new MX 12.9 litre engines rated at 410, 460 and 510hp and fitted with a high-pressure fuel injection system with SCR for Euro 4 and beyond made DAF the one to watch for 2007. Detail changes to the chassis and the cab, including a 180mm reduction in the engine hump height and a fold-flat gearstick, or alternatively, steering-wheel based auto controls, helped secure the win for the Dutch manufacturer.

2008 – MAN Tg Series

The TG Truck Generation Series – encompassing TGX long-distance, and TGS distribution and construction models - were launched as a replacement for the TGA at the Amsterdam Truck Show in October 2007. Although continuing with the existing driveline, the trucks featured 35% new parts and their improved appearance, with refined aerodynamics, and a stylish new interior won over the 20-strong jury in a tough competition against the IVECO Stralis.

2009 – Mercedes Actros

Another five years and another Actros. Although a distinct case of evolution rather than revolution, the Actros MP3 had been sufficiently improved and refined to secure its third IToY in 2009. The facelifted model – with fewer and deeper bars in its grille - featured two-pedal automated transmissions as standard on road-going vehicles, with further improvements made to the PowerShift 2 system. New safety options included brake assist, lane departure warning and stability control with roll damping.

2010 – Scania R Series

A second win for the R Series in five years came courtesy of the 22-man jury who found favour with a comprehensive list of revisions in the new models. The new R Series featured improved aerodynamics and better air flow through the engine compartment for cooling, a revamped Opticruise automated gear system and an upgraded interior. The judges also liked the Driver Support System with its star-ratings for drivers.

2011 – Mercedes-Benz Atego

Regarded as a bit of a dark horse, the Atego scored its second win thanks to some innovative engineering and a cab interior to match that of a heavy truck. Sporting a grille to match the Actros style, the new trucks featured steering-wheel controls and the 12-tonner was available as a hybrid with stop-start anti-idling technology. The heavier models for drawbar use also offered the Mercedes integral retarder and all trucks were available with comprehensive three-year support packages.

MX13 powered DAF XF105

MAN TG with improved appearance Further evolution – the Mercedes-Benz Actros MP3

The revised Scania R Series

Mercedes-Benz Atego was offered as a hybrid

The Mercedes-Benz Actros MP4 was even more aerodynamic

Taking the Hi-Way – the 2013 IVECO Stralis

I-winner – the Volvo FH High tea, the Renault way!

IVECO’s Eurocargo – an office on the move

2012 – Mercedes-Benz Actros

Unsurprisingly, the all-new Mercedes-Benz Actros MP4 swept the board in 2012. Designed from “a blank sheet of paper”, the new Actros replaced not just its predecessor, but ultimately, the Axor too. The stylish, aerodynamic cab was offered in seven variants and a new engine – the 12.8 litre OM471 in-line six cylinder - was offered with either Euro Five or Six certification. The specification was completed with the third-generation PowerShift automated transmission.

2013 – IVECO Stralis Hi-Way

The 2013 Stralis featured larger capacity engines, with the Cursor 8 and 10 being superseded by the 9 and 11, and common-rail fuel injection being used with SCR-only to achieve Euro Six emission standards. The chairman of the 25 jurors praised the truck in negating the effects of the new legislation on fuel consumption, and this was assisted by improved aerodynamics which reduced the drag co-efficient by 3%. styling and interior of the Volvo won praise, in particular for the less-raked windscreen which afforded an extra cubic metre of internal space, and the revised mirror designs which improved visibility around the A post. Technology such as the latest I-Shift transmission, I-See terrain-mapping software, Telematics Gateway communication and the option of Independent Front Suspension sealed the FH’s win.

2015 – Renault Range T

Another new cab design secured Renault’s IToY win in 2015 - their first since the AE of 1991. Like the AE, the new Range T featured some bold-styling which was not initially appealing to some. Built around the Volvo-related DTI 11 and 13 engines and Optidriver transmissions, the Range T tractors replaced the Premium models, with the flat-floor High Sleeper replacing the venerable Magnum as part of “one of the most significant launches in the last few years”.

2016 – IVECO Eurocargo

The new Eurocargos spanned the 7.5 to 18 tonne rigid segment and came with the Daily family smile-like appearance and city-friendly contours that appealed to the judges. Also meeting the jury’s approval were the HI-SCR single exhaust after-treatment system, four and six-cylinder engines with CNG option, the AS-Tronic transmission and the new centre console. This new “office on the move” was pre-configured to integrate with smartphones, tablets and GPS-based navigation systems, in addition to advanced telematics solutions.

Next Generation – the towering Scania S

2017 – Scania Next generation

There were short-odds on the winner in 2017 when Scania took the IToY award. The new models were praised for their improved aerodynamics, comfort and ergonomic design, and the new driver positioning which improved visibility. The new 13 litre in-line six 500hp SCR-only engine compatible with HVO fuelling, shorter gearchanges with the Opticruise transmission’s new layshaft, and tailor-made fleet management and service-contracts all assured the win. The S cab was the icing on the cake.

2018 – DAF CF and xF

The new DAFs triumphed largely due to the refinements made to their drivelines, and the MX11 and MX13 engines, in particular. The engines featured improved combustion technology, reduced internal friction loss and engine down-speeding and were felt to be well-integrated with the ZF Traxon automated gearbox and new DAF axles. Energy efficiency was further enhanced by new electronic architecture and the GPS-based Predictive Cruise Control function.

2019 – Ford F-Max

In a first for the IToY, a manufacturer from outside Western Europe achieved the accolade, with the Turkish Ford F-Max pipping the Scania L and P Series to the winning post. The F-Max is powered by the 12.7 litre 500hp Ford Eco-Torq in-line six-cylinder Euro 6 engine matched to a ZF Traxon ‘box. The judges approved of the Ford’s driver-friendly long-haul cab, and special mention was made of the adaptive and predictive cruise control functionality.

2020 – Mercedes-Benz Actros

Continuing the tradition of cutting-edge technology – and IToY success – the Actros picked up an unprecedented fifth win in 2020. On this occasion, electronic technology was truly at the forefront of the judges’ decision – with the MirrorCam and Active Drive Assist Systems, Predictive Powertrain Control, and the totally-digital multi-media cockpit all impressing the panel. IToY Chairman Gianenrico Griffini declared the Actros “a state-of the-art heavy-duty truck that paves the way towards autonomous driving vehicles of the future”

2021 – MAN Tgx

MAN’s new TGX was awarded the IToY at a virtual ceremony, but featured the traditional characteristics the judges love – an improved version of an existing design bolstered by the latest technological wizardry. In the MAN’s case, the improved interior and digital instrument cluster were recognised, and the superior aerodynamics of the face-lifted TGX cab with the D26 and D38 Euro 6d engines matched to GPS-assisted cruise control and optimised drive axles were appreciated for their frugality.

DAF XF and CF – refined drivelines

Young Turk – the Ford F-Max Here comes the mirror-cam – the new Mercedes-Benz Actros

MAN TGX, more than a virtual winner