
2024 was quite a year for DAF Trucks, as it launched its latest technological advancements to the market, celebrated 75 years of truck production and saw the first customer deliveries of its electric trucks to three companies in the Netherlands.
Just before Christmas, the truck manufacturer welcomed the UK press to a briefing in Oxford, where members of its senior leadership team discussed last year and looked forward to 2025.
Among the speakers were DAF Trucks Ltd managing director David Kiss, who explained that 2024 had its challenges in terms of sales and the market, but it finished on a high with DAF posting a strong third quarter and it was on course for the same in the fourth quarter.
Kiss revealed that the truck manufacturer had employed 114 more technicians in 2024 and it now employs a total of 1663, up from the 1549 figure in 2023 that itself was 169 more than 2022, as DAF looks to give even better technical service to its customers.
This month (13 February), he noted, will also see the launch of the new DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham, timed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week from 10 to 14 February.
The new facility will boast state-of-the-art CV workshops, equipment and classrooms, and will be the new home for DAF Trucks’ successful DAF Apprentice programme. (More on this in the April issue.)
DAF’s latest technological advancements introduced for 2025 also came under the spotlight for the new generation DAF trucks and include a range of innovative updates.
Among them are more efficient Paccar MX-11 and MX-13 engines, thanks to the new valve timing, cooling pump, air compressor and enhanced turbo performance and exhaust gas circulation (EGR).
DAF Predictive Cruise Control will now be standard on most models, maximising fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction, while there‘s also a new pinion in the rear axle and new rear axle ratios.
Others of note include a full series of safety feature upgrades, varying from the newest Advanced Emergency Braking System for full autonomous braking in emergency situations to Drive-Off Asist, which warns the driver of people in the truck when setting off.
Another key part of the briefing was DAF’s ‘route to zero emissions’, which marketing manager Phil Moon explained is DAF’s target to pursue all available efficiencies.
The new generation DAF trucks give improved aerodynamics, more efficient drivelines (ICE and BEV), new ECO tyres with lower rolling resistance, and further development of driver support systems, such as PCC and EcoRoll.
In terms of renewable fuels – HVO is compatible with all DAF’s engine range with no modification needed – whole B100 FAME compatible options will be available this year.
The aerodynamics of the new generation DAF trucks have been improved by 19%, giving a 6.3% fuel efficiency gain, and better driveline efficiency improves fuel efficiency by a further 3%. Chassis efficiency has also been improved through new predictive innovations, lower kerb weight, and a more efficient cooling system, giving a further 10% fuel efficiency gain.
The DAF electric range now includes the XB Electric as a 12t, 16t and 19t 4x2 rigid. Then there is the XD Electric with a 20t 4x2 rigid, 28t 6x2 rigid and 42t 4x2 tractor unit. The XF Electric comes in a 28t 6x2 rigid and 42t 4x2 tractor unit.
Louis Jones, EV and connected services director, said that barriers to electrification of trucks in the UK include the need for a plan beyond and alongside the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme; meaningful incentives to replace the Plug-in Truck Grant (PiTG) scheme; truck accessible chargers; competitive and transparent energy prices; booking systems; and faster network connections.
Jones also added that to stimulate electric vehicle uptake, there must be changes and discussions around fuel duty, zero-emission zones and road pricing.