Milestone: Leyland Trucks builds 125,000th heavy-duty DAF truck

Leyland Trucks, the Lancashire-based producer of market-leading DAF commercial vehicles, has achieved its latest manufacturing milestone – 125,000 heavy-duty vehicles, including current New Generation XD, XF, XG and XG+ models and previous CF and XF models. Production of DAF ‘heavy duty’ models at Leyland Trucks began initially with the CF Series followed by the XF Series. The production plant now assembles the entire New Generation range of DAF heavy-duty models, including the multi award-winning XD, XF, XG and XG+ models for the UK and other world markets. Leyland Trucks has responsibility for the design, development and production of all medium duty DAF XB trucks for all markets. As well as building almost all DAF trucks sold here in the UK and Ireland, approximately 40% of Leyland Trucks’ annual production is exported to overseas countries. The 125,000th vehicle, an XD 340 FAR 6×2 rigid with lifting rear axle, was handed to long-standing DAF customer, Copart, at a special production line presentation at Leyland Trucks last week. Leyland Trucks’ Managing Director, Peter Ahrens, said, “It’s another very proud day in the long history of truck building in Leyland. DAF’s market-leading position for almost three decades has been driven in by the dedication of a wonderful group of engineers, office staff and, of course, the production workforce who build the best trucks in the world. With the New Generation DAF range now complete, and with new upgrades announced for 2025 models, we remain in a very strong position to take truck manufacturing forward in Leyland for many decades to come.”

Copart is a global vehicle remarketing company specialising in the online auction of salvaged and used vehicles, serving sectors such as insurance, fleet management, and automotive finance. With 28 location across the UK and Ireland, the company processes around 500,000 vehicles annually. Copart runs over 350 DAF XB, XD and XF models. Two of its latest intake of XD rigids feature high-level specifications in recognition of two drivers who have delivered over 30-years of outstanding service. “We’re a big DAF operator,” said Copart’s Group Transport Manager, Shane Webb, “and we have a great relationship with the manufacturer and with two DAF Dealers, Brian Currie and MOTUS Commercials. We’re delighted to be the owners of vehicle number 125,000, and we’re proud to be associated with the built in Britain heritage of Leyland Trucks.”