DAF’s new generation of trucks for long distance haulage has been crowned ‘International Truck of the Year 2022’.
Harry Wolters, President of DAF Trucks, accepted the award during a special Gala Dinner at Solutrans 2021, the Commercial Vehicle & Bodybuilder Show in Lyon, France.
Taking advantage of the European Union’s new mass and dimension regulations, the XF, XG and XG⁺ have set a “new industry benchmark in efficiency, safety and driver comfort” according to a statement from the jury following an extensive series of tests.
Based on the International Truck of the Year (IToY) rules, the annual award is presented to the truck introduced in the past year, which has made the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency. This judgment relies on a comprehensive range of criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental ‘footprint’ and Total Cost of Ownership.
The DAF truck range, per the ITOY jury, dramatically improves aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, active and passive safety, and comfort for the driver.
“DAF is the first truck manufacturer to introduce a completely new generation of trucks that has been developed with the new European regulations for truck masses and dimensions in mind”, said Gianenrico Griffini, International Truck of the Year Jury Chairman.
“The result is a series of highly attractive and very aerodynamic trucks which features class-leading efficiency, safety and driver comfort,” he said.
“The new XF, XG and XG⁺ offer excellent direct visibility provided by a large, curved windscreen, side windows with low beltlines and the kerb-view window. These features – along with the digital vision system that replaces the traditional side view mirrors and the new corner view camera – offer all-around view, protecting vulnerable road users.”
DAF’s range held off the T-Way from IVECO and the forthcoming second generation eActros launched by Mercedes-Benz to claim the top prize.
The Dutch manufacturer was also recognised with the ‘2022 Truck Innovation Award’ for its XF Innovation Truck with a hydrogen combustion engine.