Revealed at this year’s IAA show in Germany, DAF have announced that they have achieved an additional 3% improvement in the new generation range of XD, XF and XG trucks through driveline and aerodynamic improvements.

Driveline Improvements

Optimised driveline efficiency is achieved through new engine valve timing, a dual drive coolant pump and a 2-cylinder clutched air compressor. Turbo and EGR systems have also been updated. New fuel injectors support excellent efficiency, reliability and durability.

Innovations to DAF’s popular SR1344 rear axle program include a new pinion design which offers enhanced strength and durability and also allows the highest PACCAR MX-13 power rating (390 kW/530 hp) to optimally benefit from DAF’s down speeding philosophy. A new shifting strategy of the transmission and the engine optimizations result in 7% lower rpm at cruising speed (950 instead of 1,030), depending on the configuration.

Thanks to their excellent fuel efficiency and low CO₂ emissions, several models of the New Generation DAF meet the Maut Class 3 standards, potentially saving thousands of euros annually in German road tax.

Aerodynamic Improvements

To optimize the efficiency of the New Generation DAF models, the DAF Digital Vision camera system (replacing the conventional mirrors), Predictive Cruise Control and low resistance tires become standard on 4×2 and 6×2 versions* to offer another 6% fuel efficiency gain. For customers who didn’t order these features before, total fuel consumption and CO₂ benefit will be up to 9%. In daily practice, the fuel efficiency gain could be even be larger, as also the aerodynamic package is standard.

All New Generation DAF trucks come with a 10-year PACCAR Connect subscription. This new online fleet management platform provides real-time information on the performance of the entire fleet, individual vehicles as well as drivers to optimize efficiency and returns. The platform also enables efficient over-the-air vehicle updates. A major benefit of PACCAR Connect is the easy integration with existing logistic applications from so called ‘third parties’, setting a new standard in fleet management systems.