DAF in Action
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Previous editions of DAF in Action magazine:
“New state-of-the-art cab plants in Westerlo, Belgium”
New DAF XF, XG and XG⁺ usher in new era:
By Rob van Tilburg
DAF’s new generation of trucks for long haulage is setting the standard in many aspects. They are the first trucks on the market to have been developed with the new European regulation for vehicle dimensions in mind, regulation that aims to make an important contribution to further improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. If truck manufacturers are literally afforded more room when designing their vehicles, it will help to boost not only aerodynamics but safety too. And of course, the driver will also benefit from more working and living space and an unprecedented level of comfort.
Distinguishing features
Whoever studies the European Commissions’ aims with regard to the new regulation does not need much imagination to see where the New Generation DAF trucks distinguish themselves: vehicle efficiency, safety and driver comfort are all of a new order. They are set to change the world of road transport: the New Generation XF as successor to the widely-acclaimed and still available XF Super Space Cab and Space Cab. And one step higher: the new XG and XG+ with which DAF has created a whole new market segment. DAF is making history. With a series of unparalleled trucks in which you can embark on the future today.
XF, XG or XG+
Big, bigger, biggest
The New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG+ have been developed for long distance haulage. The new European regulation governing vehicle dimensions and weights enabled DAF to come up with the ultimate in terms of interior space. The new XF has a design that features a no less than 16 centimetre elongation at the front. Moving up to even more interior space: in addition, the XG cab is also 33 centimetres longer. And the new XG+ represents the ultimate in spaciousness. It offers even 20 centimetres extra roof height, resulting in a cab volume of 12.5 m3. A completely new standard in the industry.
Shape follows function
By Philip van Hasselt
We find Bart in a carefully secluded workspace far from prying eyes at the enormous DAF complex in Eindhoven. It is a no-go area, accessible only to a handful of employees with special exemption. The Design Director opens the door himself and walks with a light step down a long corridor. It is early April. Outside the wind is driving the spring snow almost horizontally up against the walls of the building.
A blank sheet of paper
Bart appears very relaxed. “All the hard work is more or less behind us,” he says with an infectious laugh. We are on our way to inspect a handful of pre-production models that are still the subject of energetic activity. “We’re almost done and that’s a great feeling! The phase leading up to the launch is always an exciting and special time. It’s a bit like having a baby. You spend so long working towards that one moment. We made the first sketches for this new generation of trucks way back in 2014, starting with a blank sheet of paper and exploring every possible avenue. Our basic objectives, however, were clear: efficient, safe and comfortable.”
“Contrary to what most people would expect, we started with the rear of the cab. After all, the contours of the rear are more or less fixed: nine times out of ten a superstructure or trailer is large and rectangular and has maximum dimensions for length and width. So we decided to design literally from back to front, which for the designer means some serious reverse thinking, as they are more used to working from front to back.”
Financial department enthusiastic
The Design Director takes a sheet of paper and with a few quick strokes of a thick fountain pen demonstrates how the team of aerodynamics specialists and designers managed to find common ground. “The key question was how do you get the air to flow as efficiently as possible to the rear without incurring any loss in terms direct visibility and space. The answer: by using parabolic radii extending from the sides up to the roof, a subtle bulge in the windscreen and deeper sideskirts, meticulously designed mirrors or better still: cameras, and wheel arches inspired by the DTM racing car. In other words, not one centimetre of the design escaped our attention, with the result being a gain of 19% in aerodynamics! And this translated into a an up to 6.3% reduction in fuel consumption!” His eyes light up when he adds, “Music to the ears of our customers’ financial departments!”
Calling card
The design of the new series is an eye-catcher in the ultimate sense of the word. And deliberately so. “If I had to use one word to describe the new generation of trucks, it would be ‘premium’. That is exactly what I want them to exude. Both in their outward appearance and in the interior. With the unmistakable grill as the calling card for DAF. Powerful and robust. But also elegant and exceptional. A statement. With its LED lighting, the front reflects the qualities to be found in the DNA of every DAF truck and these are more evident now than ever before: distinctive high quality.”
Designing from the inside out and vice-versa
For Bart, the inside of the truck is just as important as the outside. After all, it is the working and living space for the man or woman behind the wheel. “Actually, I’m much more of a ‘space’ designer than a ‘shape’ designer. More of an architect than an artist. The cab has to offer the driver the maximum in comfort and living space. That’s why as a designer I endeavoured to push the corners of the cab out to the full to be able to create as large an interior as possible. Inside-out design. However, from the point of view of aerodynamics you also want the front to be as tapered as possible too. Because that reduces both drag and fuel consumption. You can see our signature in the choices we made in that regard.”
Personal motivation
That signature is partly determined by the needs of the driver, a fact that becomes obvious when Bart takes his place proudly behind the wheel of a new XG. No ‘art for art’s sake’ for him. He is very proud of the product in which he now sits, snug as a bug in a rug. Bart studies the stunning dashboard with a look of great satisfaction. He activates the second display, turns a few switches and rests his hand on the topper covering the bed. Visibly content: “Just feel how soft and fine these materials are!”
Bart prefers to apply his skills in the service of others, as he puts it himself. “It feels great when you know that you are contributing to another person’s happiness, that you are making a driver’s life better in a sustainable manner. I could call it my own personal motivation, I suppose.” He also enjoyed the in-depth conversations he had with drivers about what they wanted to see in the new cab. How much storage space do you actually need on the dashboard? What does a driver expect from cameras and mirrors? Bart’s team found an answer to each question that satisfied all parties.
Conscious choice
A DAF is synonymous with the finest workspace you can imagine on the road: safe, comfortable and everything within hand’s reach. The design team even took the preference of cab personalisation into consideration. “Drivers always know what they prefer themselves.”
The trend towards digital personalisation is obvious in the dashboard. For example, the two large screens on the dashboard of the XF, XG and XG+ can be easily adjusted to personal preferences. They now include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Another notable aspect was the decision to use physical knobs and switches instead of touchscreens with (often very long) menus. The basic functions of a truck always need to be within hand’s reach. Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. Safety above all else.
Distinctive lines
While ‘round’ and ‘soft’ may be the trend when it comes to innovative vehicle design, Bart’s creations are characterised by their distinctive lines. And that remains central to his philosophy: “Thin or thick lines give a design character. Soft, round shapes on their own don’t really excite me.” Bart points to the characteristic lines of the cabs that originate at the front of the truck.
Spirit of innovation
DAF is the first to capitalise on new European regulation that has relaxed the restrictions on the dimensions that trucks must adhere to. So was there a lot of pressure to come up with the goods? “The primary aim was not to build an iconic truck, that’s something only time can determine. But we did want to design a truck that draws attention, that has a contemporary look and is well thought-out. We wanted to draw on the spirit of innovation as much as possible. The result is still a genuine DAF product; a visual magnet on the outside and with an enormous interior that will inspire brand loyalty: the kind of working space every driver dreams of. I’m proud of the uniqueness of our new generation of trucks. The XF, XG and XG+ mark the beginning of a new era; they are game-changers.”
A New Generation is born
“The New Generation DAF is the result of the commitment of our 10,000-strong workforce to delivering the best truck ever to our customers.”
A New Generation is born
A highlight in the history of the company. Our biggest project ever. The introduction of the New Generation DAF. Developed with new European regulation governing vehicle dimensions in mind. Regulation that literally gives manufacturers more room to improve the aerodynamics of their trucks. With the aim of enhancing efficiency, safety and driver comfort.
The New Generation DAF has redefined the boundaries in all of these areas. Primarily because we began the development process with a blank sheet of paper. So that we could be truly innovative. The design is stunning and functional at the same time. Attention was paid to the smallest details in our quest to deliver the best aerodynamics. So that we could achieve – along with numerous other innovations – a fuel efficiency that sets a new benchmark for the industry. Just like the New Generation DAF sets new standards for safety and driver comfort too.
The New Generation DAF represents a brand new vehicle platform. Ready for alternative drivelines. Complete with services that have one aim: to increase your profitability. With every kilometre you cover. New functionalities in the DAF Connect fleet management system. Even more options in the DAF MultiSupport Repair & Maintenance contracts.
The New Generation DAF is the result of the commitment of our 10,000-strong workforce to delivering you the best truck ever. One that makes DAF ready for the future. A future that you can embark on today. In this DAF in Action you can read how. And your DAF dealer will support you in any way they can.
Harry Wolters
President DAF Trucks N.V.
The next step on the road to success
With a market share of 16.3% in the heavy class in the European truck market, 2020 was the second best year in the history of DAF. “A massive compliment for our professional dealer network, which continues to invest in new premises and equipment and in training employees so that they can provide an even better service to our customers. We will continue to invest at DAF too, of course, and there is no better proof of that promise than the new XF, XG and XG+.”
Ready for a boost
“There is no doubt this new generation of innovative trucks will give our image and success an enormous boost,” says Richard Zink. “These vehicles are designed to offer only the very best to transport operators and drivers in terms of efficiency, safety and driver comfort. At the same time, we have also taken a number of important steps regarding the service for this new generation of trucks.”
Service once a year
The innovations are numerous. Thanks to the DAF Connect online fleet management system, the navigation system offers the option of displaying real-time traffic information and receiving updated routes from the truck’s home base. “This helps to ensure the maximum return per kilometre,” according to Zink.
We are pushing the boundaries
Ask the Executive Director of Product Development about his new set of triplets and it doesn’t take long for a smile to appear on his face. “As a team we are very proud of the fact that our plans for a new generation of trucks for long distance haulage coincided neatly with the new European regulation,” says Ron Borsboom. “This allowed us to be extremely innovative.”
Nose or not?
If European regulation now permits longer vehicles, why not choose a design with more ‘nose’? “A nose like the one on the ICE high-speed trains does not deliver the same kind of aerodynamic benefits on a truck, given its lower speed, but only adds more weight and does not help improve manoeuvrability,” replies Borsboom. “We studied this intensively using 3D simulation programmes and on the road at our Technical Center. And what did we find? Elliptical corners around the A-pillar region, from top to bottom and not split by a nose, give by far the best result, especially when the corners are integrated into the windscreen and the sides of the roof and underbody. We elongated the front by 16 centimetres to realize the optimal design and give the driver the best seating position possible.”
World-class
Aerodynamics is one of the main areas in which the New Generation DAF trucks set themselves apart from all other trucks on the market. “The aerodynamics are extremely well designed and represent a marvellous achievement,” says Borsboom. “The rounded corners, the tapered cab design, the sealing – the air simply glides past and even through the trucks. At the risk of boring you with the details, nothing is left to chance, not even the airstream through the grill, along the radiator and the engine or in the wheel arches. The result is a world-class aerodynamic design that leads to world-class energy efficiency. This aspect alone results in fuel savings up to 6.3% and a similar reduction in CO2 emissions. Impressive, isn’t it?”
More freedom, more room
In addition to energy efficiency, safety and driver comfort were also important design criteria and thanks to new European legislation DAF was able to push the boundaries in this regard too. “We had more freedom and therefore literally more room,” explains Ron Borsboom. “This allowed us to create a level of direct vision that is unique in the industry. And the same applies to the interior. In fact, to almost every aspect of the truck. All throughout the development process we kept one thing in mind: only the best is good enough.”
More than 20 million kilometres
To guarantee the highest possible quality, extensive testing was carried out and consistent use was made of the most modern design processes and tools. Tests were performed at DAF’s own Technical Center and in the labs, but also out on the road with customers. “By the time we start the production of the New Generation DAF we will have amassed the equivalent of more than 20 million kilometres worth of experience with our new trucks, which is unprecedented. Throughout the development process we audited ourselves according to the Automotive Spice Level 2/3, which is the standard used for premium passenger cars. We really have pushed the boundaries in every regard.”
“The new generation XF, XG and XG+ is not only a revolutionary step for DAF but for the entire industry.”
Ron Borsboom,
Executive Director Product Development
Safety of the future
When you sit behind the wheel of one of DAF’s new generation of trucks for the first time you can’t help but notice it: direct vision is phenomenal! The windscreen has been extended downwards thanks to a clever reconstruction of the front of the vehicle. The same applies to the side windows. And those who consider direct vision a top priority can also order a Kerb View Window that gives the driver – in combination with the standard fold-away passenger seat – a clear view of people and objects on the passenger side of the cab.
DAF Digital Vision System
The mirror housings have been designed and are positioned in a such a way that the driver can see between them to further improve direct vision. The new DAF Digital Vision System offers the very best that money can buy in this respect: digital cameras that are mounted high on the cab, replacing the main and wide-angle mirrors, can be folded away electrically and project high-quality images on the screens mounted on the A-pillars. And in all kinds of weather too, as the cameras are heated. The DAF Corner View, a camera that replaces the kerb view and front mirrors and provides an expansive field of view, can be mounted on the co driver side.
Seeing and being seen
Lighting – DAF has a reputation to uphold in this regard. In 2013, DAF became the first manufacturer to use LED technology for its main vehicle lighting, resulting in high and homogenous illumination. For the new generation of DAF XF, XG and XG+ we have gone one step further. LED for all lighting: front, side and rear, including the fabulous Skylights and very practical cornering lights. In dark driving conditions the dims are activated automatically, as are the windscreen wipers under wet conditions. Safety is all about paying attention to the smallest details.
ProCaDis patented
The New Generation DAF is synonymous with built-in safety. The XF, XG and XG+ are all equipped with a range of advanced features and technologies that we hope will never have to be used. The cabs boast an extremely robust construction with integrated zones that can cushion an impact from the front or the rear. DAF’s patented ProCaDis system (Programmed Cab Displacement System) ensures that the cab remains connected to the chassis and automatically shifts backwards in the case of a frontal collision. This means that the cab remains virtually intact and provides maximum protection for the occupants.
Humans and machines
Considerable attention was paid to both active and passive safety during the development of the New Generation DAF. However, safety really begins with the driver and that is why DAF has made sure that drivers can operate the truck instinctively and without distraction. ‘Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’ is the motto. Functions directly related to driving are controlled from the steering wheel. In addition, DAF uses physical buttons that are easy to locate by touch alone. A crucial safety feature. As are comfortable seats and the best bed in the industry, which guarantee that the driver can hit the road feeling refreshed and alert. Safety and comfort go hand in hand.
Ultramodern systems
Do they contribute to a high level of safety or unprecedented driver comfort? In many cases advanced systems do both. From the latest generation of AEBS to Lane Departure Warning, from Vehicle Stability Control to DAF City Turn Assist, and from Predictive Cruise Control to Brake Assist. And DAF has even added a number of new functionalities.
One example is the Low Speed Trailer Brake, which enables independent activation of the brakes on the trailer. This makes it easier to couple and uncouple the trailer in a safe manner. Another new feature is the Park Brake Assist, which can be used to activate all brakes at once to prevent the truck from moving while loading or unloading heavy goods. Smart solutions that ensure both safety and comfort.
Driver comfort of the future
The New Generation DAF trucks are as stunning on the inside as they are on the outside. Developed with and for drivers. Starting with excellent accessibility. Even the biggest XG+ has only three steps and they are optimally positioned for highest degree of comfort. Once in the cab, the driver will be amazed by the enormous amount of space and standing height.
Generous seating
DAF has created the best possible working space for the new XF, XG and XG+. With comfortable seats that provide generous backward and forward adjustment ranges. In combination with the easily adjustable steering wheel, the driver can even position themselves behind the wheel like they were driving their own passenger car. As an option, the seats can be swivelled for comfortably relaxing after a productive day of driving. And the co-driver seat has a fold-away function as standard. This results not only in extra space but also perfect visibility when using the optional ‘kerb view window’ to monitor people and objects on the co-driver side of the truck.
Eye-catcher
The dashboard is stunning. A real eye-catcher. With a central 12-inch display and a range of different designs for the driver to choose from. The ‘Luxury’ DAF Infotainment System option even offers a second display: a touchscreen linked to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or the audio system controls that also comes in a high-end version. The finishing of the dashboard is characteristic of the quality of the interior as a whole. Premium materials, beautifully and tastefully designed. Real top class luxury.
The truck’s climate system is of top class as well. It can be controlled with highest precision and very comfortably. The XG+ model can even be fitted with a fully integrated Park Airco for automatic cooling and heating, even when the engine isn’t running.
New: Relax Bed
DAF has built a reputation for itself when it comes to sleeping comfort. A reputation that is only being enhanced with the new generation. And how! The bunk has a standard length of 2,220 millimetres and is as wide as 800 millimetres in the XG and XG+. The Relax Bed features several adjustable positions and is available also in an electrically-controlled version. And for the ultimate in comfort an extra topper can be fitted too. In the new XF, XG and XG+ you might even sleep better than in your own bed.
‘Home away from home’
Also very important: storage space. Lots of it, preferably. And there is plenty: on the dashboard, in the doors, above the windscreen and under the bed, where there is enough room for two large drawers or two generously-sized fridges. On the rear wall is a control panel that can be used to operate the radio, climate functions and the lighting, including the exceptional ambient LED lighting system which the driver can use to create that welcome ‘home from home’ feeling in the cab.
Working, relaxing, sleeping – with the new XF, XG and XG+ DAF provides the driver comfort of the future. A fact that is underlined by the trucks’ superior driving experience. A new chassis design – complete with aluminium front underrun protection – ensures an unrivalled torsional stiffness. Combined with a brand new cab suspension system, steering system and rear axle suspension geometry, this results in exceptionally stable driving characteristics and the ultimate driving experience. And we haven’t even mentioned how quiet it is in the cab. Working, relaxing, sleeping – the New Generation DAF trucks are every driver’s dream.
Ready for the future
With the New Generation XF, XG and XG+ DAF is introducing a completely new vehicle platform, one that is ready for the future and, consequently, for alternative drivelines. This means that the new trucks will be suitable for the electric drivelines that will be added to the programme in a few years’ time. In the longer term, DAF is also planning models that will be able to drive on hydrogen. Next to exploring fuel cell technology, DAF is designing combustion engines that can use hydrogen as a fuel. Very promising developments in which DAF has already made significant progress. In addition, all versions applying efficient and clean diesel technology, are now already capable of running on biodiesels. As an example, HVO – a synthetic fuel produced from waste fats and oil – can lead to up to 90% reductions of CO2 emissions (well-to-wheel). Now, that’s worth thinking about!
The Tube in Tilburg
The building’s official name is the New Logic III. However, the citizens of Tilburg have lovingly christened it The Tube and succumbed completely to its charms.
By: Bert Roozendaal
When viewed from the A58 motorway near the city of Tilburg in the Netherlands, the silver colossus looks like a futuristic conference centre. It is, in fact, a 60,500 m2 distribution centre. One of the most sustainable of its kind in the world. And not only in terms of energy management but also with regard to employee well-being and the biotope outside the building. A remarkable project, to say the least.
The building’s official name is the New Logic III. However, the citizens of Tilburg have lovingly christened it The Tube and succumbed completely to its charms. Which is exactly what client and occupant Rhenus Logistics had hoped would happen. They wanted a highly sustainable distribution centre with a high wow factor and lots of marketing potential.
Boerman Group takes part in NGD field test:
By Dieuwke Laks
Boerman Transport and DAF have enjoyed a long-standing relationship. On 3 May 1955 the Eindhoven-based truck manufacturer delivered its 10,000th chassis in front of the entire DAF personnel and with great ceremony to none other than the Boerman Group. Former director Teus Boerman was a fourteen-year-old boy when he stood watching the jubilee vehicle being handed over to his father, Cees Boerman, the founder of Boerman Transport.
From 1 to 300
Cees Boerman started out in business on 17 August 1936 with one truck. A Chevrolet. Later on he traded it in for two Fargos, one of which was damaged by fire before the other one was requisitioned during the war. The latter vehicle was recovered after the war and repaired, and Boerman Transport was back on the road again. It didn’t take long before business really began to pick up. Soon there were tractors and trailers too. In 1952 the first DAF, a ‘seven-striper’, was acquired. 69 years later the company took delivery of its 300th DAF truck.
Growth
The 1960s saw the continuation of the economic boom in the Netherlands. The road network was expanded, cargo transport increased and the fleet at Boerman grew too. The need for new housing was given the highest priority by the government and the transport of cement to Amsterdam for the construction of the Bijlmermeer housing project generated a lot of work for the company.
Boerman was one of the first firms to have a truck and trailer combination with 27-ton payload for international bulk transport. It was quick to spot and seize the opportunity. The use of cranes on trucks was also a relatively new development, as was silo transport. “After the glory days, these options were no longer all that special and we had to go in search of other services we could offer.”
Added value
The ability to provide added value to the customer is of key importance to Wim Veldhoen, co-director of the Boerman Group. “There is more to transport than just getting from A to B. You also have to guarantee the customer quality and reliability. In the long run that is more important than simply arriving on time.”
The company’s portfolio reveals the extent of the services it can offer. De Jong Transport provides transport of oversized loads and transport involving the use of cranes. Zwatra Transport specialises in heavy transport and industrial removal services. VCT Transport is in the business of transporting sea containers. Plus Unit Service provides services for mobile units and semi-permanent accommodation. And Boerman Transport itself looks after the efficient transport of a wide variety of loads and the required logistics processes. A firm for all seasons!
Social
The Boerman Group is determined to be a good employer, an ambition that was always high on Teus Boerman’s agenda in his time too: “You can say what you like but you have to put your words into action! What kind of impression do you want to make on your people? Our drivers stand for quality and we want to offer them that as well when it comes to the trucks they drive. The DAF trucks are an integral part of our image. These days it takes a little more time and effort to find the right drivers, but up to now that hasn’t been a problem. And the DAFs definitely play a role in that.”
Putting it to the test
Teus Boerman has always kept a keen eye on the fuel consumption of their trucks and the company has kept a record of fuel-related costs since the 60s. This kind of news travels fast and when the transport magazine Wegvervoer was doing a test in the 1980s to compare a DAF from the factory with an ‘experienced’ DAF 95 it didn’t take long for them to contact Boerman. The result: almost exactly the same rate of fuel consumption in both trucks – 1 litre per 3.3 km, which confirmed Boerman’s own results. “I’ve always considered having access to data very important. And the analysis of data is only going to become more important in the future for both operatorand customer.”
The fact that the Boerman Group is a welcome guest at DAF Testing is partly due to the analytical nature of the company. Whereas at first the firm only used to analyse the data from its own vehicles, they now do the same for DAF’s test vehicles too. Marco Wigmans, fleet manager at the Boerman Group, speaks highly of the critical attitude they are able to display towards DAF.
Involved
Drivers from the Boerman Group were also directly involved in the development and testing of the New Generation DAFs. They and many other drivers were interviewed in order to find out exactly what they expect from a modern truck.
In the spring of 2020 Boerman was asked to take two so-called ‘Early Reliability Validation’ vehicles into its fleet and give them some road experience. Nothing like the New Generation truck in outward appearance, but with the same components. This was followed by two pre-series vehicles fully camouflaged in black. Wigmans was not surprised either when DAF handed him a list of instructions regarding confidentiality. “After all these years we are well aware of how we need to treat these vehicles and not to forget things like closing the curtains before leaving the cab. The drivers of these trucks even take the keys home with them at the weekend, just in case someone might be tempted to give themselves a sneak preview of the very beautifully designed cab.”
Positive
The reactions so far are positive, very positive. Both with regard to fuel consumption and the vehicles in general. The comfortable seating position for the driver, in particular, has been singled out for praise. “After all, that’s the place where the driver has to spend most of their day.”
Director Wim Veldhoen: “As a testing partner we have been very involved and very enthusiastic. Better still: with this new series of trucks DAF is setting a new standard. And we are at the front of the queue of those looking to order the trucks as soon as possible. Great news for us as business-men, as well as for our drivers.”
“New state-of-the-art cab plants in Westerlo, Belgium”
Efficiency of the future
A design can be both stunning and functional and the new generation DAF XF, XG and XG+ are proof of just that. The prominent grill with its chrome accents, the equally eye-catching logo with inlaid lettering, the beautifully designed headlights – everything radiates style and elegance. All of which is accentuated even further by the striking lines on the sides. Anyone who examines the new trucks carefully will see the rounded corners on the windscreen and how everything fits seamlessly together. The newcomers are an impressive 16 centimetres longer at the front, a feature that at first glance is not immediately obvious thanks to the superb design. The same applies to the tapered design of the cab. Exquisite, refined, efficient and, most of all, well thought-out.
The ultimate in aerodynamics
DAF has left no stone unturned in its search for the ultimate in aerodynamics: elliptical corner panels, a bottom plate with integrated deflector, meticulously designed wheel arches, cameras instead of mirrors – the list of features is impressive and even includes many you can’t see. The airstream is directed with great precision behind the grill and along the air cooler and radiator. The overall result? A 19% improvement in aerodynamics. Which leads to an up to 6.3% reduction in fuel consumption, to name but one of the benefits.
The ideal driveline
DAF is introducing a new generation of 10.8 and 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engines in the new DAF XF, XG and XG+. With more torque and several new technical innovations that lift efficiency to an even higher plane. The innovations are almost too numerous to mention. They include a new engine block and cylinder head, newly designed injectors and a next generation turbo compressor. The clever construction that allows the exhaust pipe to take the shortest route from the engine over the chassis into the after-treatment unit means minimal loss of temperature, which allows the Exhaust After-treatment
Payload = efficiency
DAF has gone even further in its efforts to set a new benchmark for efficiency. New functionalities for the standard TraXon automated transmission, a new generation of rear axles and a cooling system that requires minimal fan engagement. All combining to achieve an extra 1,3% reduction in fuel consumption, also thanks to the favourable kerb weight. In its most meaningful specification, the New Generation XF tractor registers a mere 6,900 kilograms on the weighing scales. The result? Maximum payload = EFFICIENCY. And in the case of the New Generation DAF trucks, that deserves to be spelt out in capital letters indeed.
Service of the future
With the introduction of the New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG+, DAF has signalled the start of a new era in service and repair and maintenance.
- Updates can now be carried out over-the-air on the engine, central vehicle computer and DAF Connect;
- Service intervals of no less than 125,000 kilometres as standard;
- An extended service interval of up to 200,000 kilometres is also available for long distance haulage, which can mean service intervals of only once a year, a first for the industry;
- DAF MultiSupport offers Pan-European repair and maintenance contracts for maximum efficiency and vehicle availability.