DAF Truck’s New Generation XF, XG, & XG+ have been elected International Truck of the Year 2022 by a jury of 24 commercial vehicle editors and expert journalists, representing 24 major road transport magazines from throughout Europe.
The prestigious award was presented to Harry Wolters, President of DAF Trucks, during a special Gala Dinner at the Solutrans 2021, the Commercial Vehicle & Bodybuilder Show in Lyon, France.
With a winning score of 150 votes, the long-haul heavy-duty truck range from the Dutch manufacturer fought off the challenge posed by Iveco’s recently-launched T-Way construction series and Mercedes-Benz’s battery-electric eActros (2nd generation).
Taking full advantage of the EU’s new mass and dimension regulations, DAF created a truck range that dramatically improves aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, active and passive safety, and comfort for the driver.
During recent extended test drives in Spain and central Europe, the IToY jury members appreciated the excellent 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 rear mirrors and the new corner view camera – offer excellent all-around visibility, protecting vulnerable road users.
The IToY journalists also praised the performance of the new highly efficient powertrains, based on the PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines, coupled with the ZF TraXon automated gearbox, and the advanced features of predictive cruise control with extended Eco-roll functionalities.
Summing up the jury vote, International Truck of the Year Chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “With the introduction of the New Generation, DAF has delivered a high-tech heavy-duty truck range that sets a new benchmark in the truck industry. In addition, it is future-oriented, as it also represents a complete platform for new generations of alternative drivelines”.
Based on the International Truck of the Year (IToY) rules, the annual award is presented to the truck introduced into the market in the previous 12 months, which has made the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency. This judgement relies on several critical criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental ‘footprint,’ and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
