DAF Trucks at IAA 2008 in Hanover: 'Evolution never stops'

IAA 2008, which takes place in Hanover from 25 September to 2 October, DAF is previewing enhancements to the popular CF and XF105 series which will be introduced to production from June 2009.

Both model series are getting a new interior design, a further enhanced driveline and – as an option – Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning. DAF is naturally also focusing on the environment on its stand. DAF is the first truck manufacturer to supply all its models in EEV versions (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles) which have 50% less particulate emissions than the Euro 5 standard of 2009 requires. In addition, DAF is showing the LF hybrid truck, which is expected to go into production next year, and an anniversary model of its top model, the XF105 80th Anniversary.

DAF, as always, has its stand in Hall 17 of the Hanover Messe complex. The stand has an area of almost 2,500 m2. DAF is exhibiting its complete product range: the LF for distribution transport, the CF for a wide range of applications and the XF105, ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’ for long-distance transport.

Preview of the 2009 editions of the CF and XF105:

As many transport operators plan the replacement of their fleet a long time in advance, DAF will preview at IAA 2008 enhancements to the popular CF and XF105 series to be implemented from June 2009 onwards. The motto is: ‘Evolution never stops’.

The most eye-catching of these is the new interior design. This is now even more attractive due to the use of new materials and colour schemes. By opting for colours such as 'soft yellow' (wall and roof upholstery, mattresses, curtains), ‘roast black’ and ‘dark camel’ (dashboard, door panels and seats), the much-praised interiors of both the CF and XF105 series models get an even more distinctive touch and the trend-setting interior space is further emphasised. In the XF105 Super Space Cab the dashboard is in an exclusive ‘two-tone’ colour scheme, with a darker tone for the top section and lighter tone for the lower section. All CF and XF105 models also have new seats with luxurious ’embossed’ upholstery. The headrest bears the DAF logo in relief.

The CF and XF105 are not only more appealing for drivers, but also for transport companies. The driveline - with the powerful and efficient 9.2 litre PACCAR PR engine for the CF75 and the 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine for the CF85 and XF105 - has been further improved. Internal engine enhancements ensure even lower fuel consumption, in conjunction with the driveline improvements.

First is the new 12-speed manual gearbox (ZF Ecosplit), for even greater gear-shift comfort and efficiency. The new transmission, which is fitted as standard, is also up to 30 kilograms lighter than the current 16-speed transmission. A new intarder also becomes available, which is more compact and responds even faster. In order to be able to customise the driveline even better to the specific use and driving characteristics, the range of rear axle ratios has been further expanded. To supplement the fastest ratio of 2.53:1, a ratio of 2.80:1 is being added to the series.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning:

From June 2009 onwards the CF and XF105 series vehicles will be optionally available with Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning.

Adaptive Cruise Control ensures that the truck automatically keeps at least a preset distance from a vehicle in front of it. This is comforting for drivers. When the distance to the passing vehicle becomes reduced, the system slows the truck – depending on the degree of braking that is required – by sequentially adapting the fuel feed, engine brake, intarder and regular brakes. A visual signal is given if the driver has to provide additional braking in order to achieve maximum deceleration. Adaptive Cruise Control is supplied in combination with Forward Collision Warning. This warns the driver that he must take action to avoid a collision. Both systems utilise a radar sensor fitted behind the front grille on the vehicles.

Care for the environment as a matter of course:

At IAA 2008 it will be patently clear that DAF cares about the environment. DAF was one of the first truck manufacturers to supply all its vehicles in Euro 5 versions. This has been the case since 2006, even though Euro 5 specifications do not come legally into force until 2009. Compared with the Euro 1 standard of around 15 years ago, modern Euro 5 engines emit around 75% less nitrogen oxides and 94% less particulate matter. By using DAF SCR technology in combination with intelligent high-pressure injection systems, the PACCAR engines developed and produced by DAF achieve the Euro 5 emission values without a soot filter.

EEV engines for LF, CF and XF105:

By fitting a passive soot filter, a further 50% reduction of particulate emissions can be achieved. Consequently, even the emission requirements of the EEV standard are met. Until recently this was thought to be only achievable with gas engines.

Following the start last year of delivery of the 9,2 litre PACCAR PR EEV engines for use in public transport, these engines have in the meantime also become available for the DAF CF75 distribution vehicles (with power outputs from 250 to 360 hp). EEV versions of the 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine (power outputs from 360 to 510 hp) are now available for the DAF CF85 and XF105 and are also equipped with a passive soot filter.

An EEV 160 hp version of the LF is available especially for inner-city distribution. Here the low EEV emission values are even achieved without the use of a soot filter.

Extensive field test LF Hybrid truck:

The so-called 'field testing' of the LF hybrid truck, the last phase of the development process, started in January 2008. This involves a number of trucks being trialled by customers in Great Britain and on the Continent.

The trucks use a parallel diesel/electric hybrid system. They are driven by the diesel engine, by the electric motor or by a combination of both. The vehicles are equipped with the 4.5 litre PACCAR FR (EEV) diesel engine with a maximum output of 118 kW/160 hp linked to a computerised Eaton six-speed gearbox (Autoshift). An electric motor has been installed between the clutch and the gearbox; this can provide the drive and also functions as a generator. Energy released during braking is stored in the lithium-ion batteries for re-use during driving. DAF Hybrid Technology can, depending on the specific use, result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions in distribution applications. DAF expects to start production of the LF hybrid trucks in 2009.

DAF Telematics:

At IAA 2008 DAF is also focusing strongly on the DAF Telematics System, a data communication system that enables the transport operator further to optimise his fleet management and business processes. The system – that since July has been available in six European countries - allows message exchange between the truck and home base. It also has a navigation function and the home base can see exactly where the vehicle is. A feature of the DAF Telematics System is the simplicity of operation for both the home base and driver. The transport operator only requires the Internet to access the information. The full-colour control panel in the truck is neatly integrated into the dashboard and only has six menu buttons. Just a couple of button presses and the driver can access the functionality he desires.

XF105 80th Anniversary:

In order to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Hub van Doorne laying the foundations of the present company, DAF is exhibiting a special anniversary version of the XF105, its top model, at IAA 2008. This XF105 80th Anniversary is striking because of its shiny black exterior with silver accents and its extensive features. It will only be made available in limited numbers.

New - DAF Night Lock:

To protect drivers against breaking and entering and robbery in the cab, DAF is the first truck manufacturer to introduce a high security night lock for the cab doors. It can be quickly and easily installed on every DAF XF105. When developing the DAF Night Lock, the main requirements were the highest possible strength, easy installation and optimum ease of use. To ensure that a driver can leave the cab quickly in the event of an emergency, one press of the red button is all it takes to immediately release the lock. When the DAF Night Lock is bolted, it is impossible to open the door of the truck, even with a crowbar.

Services around the product take centre stage:

To underline the importance that DAF and its dealers (approx. 1000 sales and service dealers in Europe) place on excellent service to support their leading products, services such as PACCAR Financial (now also represented in Poland), PACCAR Parts and TRP are being given a prominent place on the DAF stand, as will DAF’s International Truck Service (ITS), MultiSupport Repair and Maintenance Contracts and the new DAF Connect system. With DAF Connect, DAF is introducing a complete management system for optimising the maintenance of the vehicle fleet and the efficiency of the workshop at self-repair companies.

DAF dealers apply the ‘one-stop shopping’ formula: all services and support under one roof, so that the customer can concentrate on his core business.

PacLease:

With the acquisition of TCH, PacLease entered the German lease market in 2007. PacLease – like DAF a PACCAR company – distinguishes itself by its large and varied range of vehicles, opportunities for 'customised' leasing for the short and long term, and competitive rates. PacLease is represented at 12 locations in Germany and has a fleet of almost 4,000 vehicles. At IAA 2008 PacLease can be found on stand F31 in the 'outside area'. PacLease will show amongst other a number of vehicles new to its fleet including CF and XF105 rigid vehicles with container loading system and a XF105 6x4 tractor for heavy haulage applications. Its display underlines that PacLease can supply customised vehicles for any application.

DAF Components:

DAF Components is the fastest growing independent producer of bus and coach engines in Europe. During Bus World Asia 2008, which was held earlier this year in Shanghai, DAF was proclaimed ‘Best Coach Engine Producer of the Year’ and also 'Best Bus Engine Producer of the Year’. DAF received these awards for the first-class reliability and durability of its engines, along with the low fuel consumption of the 9.2 litre PACCAR PR engine and 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine.

As traditionally is the case, DAF's stand at the IAA in Hanover will be in Hall 17 (stand number 01.002), where the following vehicles will be on show on a display area of about 2,500 m2:

LF series:

FA 45.160 EEV hybrid truck

FA 45.160 EEV 4x2 rigid vehicle with Meiller tipper body

FA 55.250 4x2 rigid vehicle with sleeper cab

CF series:

FA 75.310 4x2 rigid vehicle with VDL hook-lift container system

FAN 75.310 EEV 6x2 rigid vehicle with steered trailing rear axle

FT 85.460 4x2 tractor with Space Cab and integrated Skylights

FAD 85.460 EEV 8x4 rigid vehicle with Meiller tipper body

XF series:

FT 105.510 4x2 tractor with Super Space Cab

FT 105.510 80th Anniversary

FAR 105.460 EEV 6x2 rigid vehicle for BDF application

FTT 105.510 6x4 tractor with Super Space Cab www.daf.com