Fleet Truck of the Year

Daf Xd

For 2023 DAF Trucks put forward its XD range, the latest model in its New Generation line-up, rather than the multiple Fleet Truck of the Year winner, the XF.

The development of the XD was focused on safety, efficiency and driver comfort. While not a direct replacement for the long-running CF, the XD is aimed at the distribution sector, though with a range of cab options including a high-roof sleeper and an MX11 engine rated up to 450hp it can also handle long-distance tramping.

Launched in September 2022, it is 17cm lower than the XF and can score up to five stars under the London DVS. The XD is fitted with a corner-view camera as standard and operators have the choice of conventional mirrors or the mirrorless DAF digital vision system. DAF is fitting all the extra safety equipment that will be required in July 2024 under the EU General Safety Regulations 2 to all new vehicles from December 2023.

The XD includes a range of safety features to protect the driver including its patented programmed cab displacement system, which allows the cab to move back 40cm in the event of a front-end collision. Improved aerodynamics and drivelines contribute towards a 10% fuel saving compared with the CF.

Man Tgx

MAN Truck and Bus UK chose the latest TG3 version of its TGX tractor first launched in 2020, which represents MAN’s four “pillars of excellence”: Excellent driver fit; great efficiency and economy; optimised uptime; and strong partnerships.

The 2023 TGX can be specified with MAN’s new OptiView mirror replacement system and the 2.5m-wide sleeper cab has three height options, including the flagship high-roof GX and 90-degree opening doors. The cab is fitted with a digital instrument cluster that displays a wide range of intelligent driver assistance systems, all controlled by the MAN SmartSelect touch pad.

The latest D26 engine comes with three ratings up to 520hp and, together with other improvements to the vehicle, gives up to a 6% fuel saving over the previous version. Based on a TGX 26.480 6x2 doing 150,000kms a year over three years with an R&M contract, MAN calculates that the TCO works out at 47.7ppk.

MAN’s 67 UK service locations are a mix of OEM and privately owned and many operate 24/7, as does MAN’s Mobile24 breakdown service. All new customers deal direct with the OEM for sales and R&M contracts.

Partnered with

Renault Trucks T480

The Renault Trucks T was launched in 2014 and the latest T480 features the fuel-efficient 483hp DE13 turbo compound engines introduced in 2022 that can help cut fuel consumption by up to 10%.

The cab has also benefited from refreshed interior and exterior design, which helped Renault increase sales by 18% in 2022, almost double the market rate of growth.

With up to 2,700Nm of torque available from 900rpm, Renault has developed SmartTorque Control which, when coupled with Optivision cruise control, applies just the right amount of torque to maximise efficiency and performance.

Most of the 74 dealer locations across the UK and Ireland are privately owned, with Scotland and the east and west of England covered by Renault Trucks’ in-house dealerships. Dealers are supported by parts deliveries from warehouses in Rugby and Lyon, with first time pick rates of 92% and 99% by 10am the next day.

Volvo FM

The Volvo FM has been around for 25 years in various incarnations and is looking to the future with alternative drivelines including LNG, battery electric and hydrogen.

Today the FM and FMX ranges represent 30% of Volvo’s UK sales and, with a wide range of engine and cab options, is the OEM’s most flexible vehicle. Engines range from 330hp 11-litre to 500hp 13-litre diesels, plus 420hp to 500hp LNG versions. The 13-litre 460hp engine was the most popular powerplant in 2022; last year 9% of sales were LNG and 0.2% were battery electric.

There are three interior trim levels and six cab designs available, with the top of the range Globetrotter the most popular among UK buyers. The FM13 with a lightweight pusher axle weighs in at just 7.5 tonnes with 400 litres of fuel, giving a payload capacity of up to 36.5 tonnes.

The cab interior has been improved after feedback from drivers, with easier access, a new digital dash display and 50% more storage space. The FM comes with a wide range of passive and active driver assist systems, including a left corner camera, and can achieve three stars under London’s DVS. Volvo is already compliant with the General Safety Regulations 2 and has just launched a built-in side detection system to warn of objects down both sides of the vehicle.