Distributed by Babcock in southern Africa, the latest DAF CF and XF series trucks have been launched into the market. Specifically engineered for local road conditions and sporting a striking new look, the new CF and XF series trucks boast higher torque, optimised drivelines, high-efficiency rear axles and enhanced electronics performance.
According to Mark Gavin, sales director for Transport Solutions at Babcock, the new DAF Trucks are not merely upgrades or facelifts of previous models but are completely new vehicles, showcasing improved chassis, cabs, gearboxes and engines. “The latest DAF trucks offer excellence in transport efficiency while setting new benchmarks for driver comfort and safety,” he says.
Central to the new trucks’ transport efficiency is a multi-torque PACCAR MX-13 engine offering more torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm) for higher fuel efficiency and lower noise levels. The low rpm also reduces CO₂ emissions while the trucks’ Eco Performance Mode ensures an optimal balance between high driveability and best fuel efficiency.
Gavin says local tests carried out on the new DAF trucks in South Africa have shown an average 10% reduction in fuel costs. “This means significant savings for long distance operators where up to 60% of overall expenses are allocated to fuel consumption,” he says.
Supplied standard with both the CF and XF, the latest generation TraXon automated gearbox offers less friction losses, faster upshifts, and the extended use of EcoRoll which contributes to lower fuel consumption. The gearbox also provides specific software settings for long haulage, liquid transport, heavy duty and off road applications.
“The ability to set separate transmission settings for trucks which have to change speed frequently during their daily operation contributes to exceptional vehicle efficiency as well as driver comfort,” says Gavin.
Other engine innovations enhancing fuel economy and performance include fully variable oil, steering pumps; a new piston ring package and skirt profile; and a new turbo charger and combustion system.
Adding to driver comfort and safety is the new DAF cab, with the XF claimed to offer the largest interior space on the market. Both CF and XF truck cabs feature new temperature and climate controls to improve driver comfort as well as best-in-class interior lighting. Expanded driver information enables operators to respond to hazards quicker and includes intelligent tips for economical driving.
The new XF packs in further enhanced features that not only safeguard the driver and other road users, but also contribute to vehicle versatility, fuel efficiency and comfort. These include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to automatically adjust the truck’s speed and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
- An Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) to slow the vehicle down in an emergency.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) using sound and visuals to warn the driver and help prevent a collision.
- A Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) to deter drivers from swerving out a lane as a result of drowsiness or distraction.
- Front and rear cab crumple zones for industry-leading vehicle safety and passenger protection.
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to minimise the risk of jack-knifing and overturning.
“An exciting aspect of the new DAF CF and XF trucks is that they are also equipped for the future fitment of predictive cruise control (PCC) which can determine the terrain the truck is negotiating and automatically adjust gears accordingly,” adds Gavin.
FleetWatch will be taking a closer look at this story in the future. Until then, this is to let you know that DAF is seriously on the move in South Africa.
