The DAF New Generation XD series has been awarded the prestigious ‘International Truck of the Year 2023’ at the IAA Transportation trade show in Hanover, Germany.
The XD series – including a full array of fully electric variants boasting reported ranges of over 500 kilometres on a single charge – was officially revealed at IAA overnight.
Harald Seidel, President of DAF Trucks, received the award in person.
“Winning the International Truck of the Year Award 2023 is a wonderful recognition for our DAF employees and dealers,” he said.
“It proves that the premium DAF XD sets the new industry standard for customers in vocational and distribution applications, offering first-class safety, efficiency and driver comfort.”
Just last year, the New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG⁺ series for long haul and heavy transport was recognised as ‘International Truck of the Year 2022’.
Based on the International Truck of the Year rules, the annual award is determined by a jury consisting of 24 commercial vehicle editors and senior journalists from Europe.
The jury’s job is to evaluate the truck introduced into the market in the previous 12 months that has made the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency according to several critical criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental ‘footprint’ and Total Cost of Ownership.
International Truck of the Year Chairman Gianenrico Griffini, speaking at the event, summed up the jury’s decision.
“With the introduction of the new XD series, DAF has delivered a state-of-the-art distribution truck that sets a new benchmark in its class,” he said.
“The truck range significantly improves direct and indirect vision thus safety, a key factor for distribution vehicles. Also, the vehicle’s efficiency and driver comfort are introducing a new standard in this segment.”
Griffini stressed that the IToY jury appreciated the driving position and the all-around enhanced visibility provided by a large, curved windscreen, side windows with low beltlines, and the optional kerb-view window.
“These features – along with the corner view camera and the optional digital vision system that replaces the traditional main mirrors – improve safety of vulnerable road users in an impressive way,” said Griffini.
Electric and diesel engines
In addition, the 24 jury members also praised the performance of the new, highly efficient powertrains of the XD, featuring the powerful PACCAR MX-11 engines with ZF TraXon automated gearbox with advanced predictive features. Also the announcement of a series of brand-new, fully electric powertrains impressed the jury committee.
‘A wonderful recognition’
DAF Trucks’ President Harald Seidel commented: “Winning the International Truck of the Year Award 2023 is a wonderful recognition for our DAF employees and dealers. It proves that the premium DAF XD sets the new industry standard for customers in vocational and distribution applications, offering first-class safety, efficiency and driver comfort.”
Congratulations to DAF on the XD new generation range of trucks.
O’Donnell Commercials Truck and Trailer Parts Ireland – Tel: 074 93 90122 – sales@odonnellcommercials.ie