Unsurprisingly, DAF’s replacement for the ageing XF range has been crowned ‘International Truck of the Year 2022’. As the first of a totally new design of truck cab, it would have been odd had the jury seriously contemplated an alternative.
“The XF, XG and XG⁺ set a new industry benchmark in efficiency, safety and driver comfort”, the jury stated after an extensive series of tests. The award was handed over at the Solutrans truck & transport exhibition in Lyon, France.
DAF was also honoured the ‘2022 Truck Innovation Award’ for its XF Innovation Truck with a hydrogen combustion engine.
Based on the International Truck of the Year (IToY) rules, the annual award is presented to the truck which was introduced in the past year and 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 (TCO).
Industry-first
“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, chairman of the ‘International Truck of the Year’ jury. “The result is a series of highly attractive and very aerodynamic trucks which features class-leading efficiency, safety and driver comfort. 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”.
A true team effort
The prestigious award ‘International Truck of the Year 2022’ was presented to Harry Wolters, president of DAF Trucks, who dedicated the recognition to all of the over 12,000 DAF employees world-wide. “This unique achievement is a true team effort! The New Generation XF, XG and XG⁺ represents the largest innovation project in the over 90-year history of our company. It is the result of thoroughly listening to our customers and their drivers, having a clear vision about the future of durable and sustainable transport solutions and always going the extra mile to deliver the best possible transport solutions. Indeed, we are the first truck manufacturer that fully utilises the new European regulations regarding truck masses and dimensions to deliver unique benefits to our customers.
It is good to be the first – it is even better to be unique.”
Summing up the jury vote, IToY jury chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “With the introduction of its new generation trucks, DAF has delivered a high-tech, heavy-duty vehicle range that sets a new benchmark in the industry. In addition, it is future-oriented, as it also represents a complete and very energy efficient platform for new generations of alternative energy carriers and drivelines.”