The new generation of DAF long-haul trucks has won the International Truck of the Year 2022 nomination. "XF, XG and XG⁺ set a new industry standard for driver efficiency, safety and comfort," the jury commented after a series of tests. The prestigious award ceremony took place in Lyon (France) at the Solutrans Truck and Transport Exhibition. DAF was also nominated for the 2022 Truck Innovation Award for its innovative XF model with a hydrogen internal combustion engine. According to the rules of the International Truck of the Year (IToY) award, the award is given annually to the vehicle produced last year, which has made the greatest contribution to improving the efficiency of road transport. The decision is made on the basis of an assessment of a universal set of criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, controllability, fuel economy, environmental impact and total cost of ownership (TCO). The first in the industry "DAF was the first manufacturer to present a completely new generation of trucks designed with new European weight and size requirements in mind," said Janenrico Griffini, Chairman of the International Truck of the Year Jury. “As a result, we have a series of very impressive trucks with excellent aerodynamics that demonstrate first-class efficiency, safety and comfort for the driver. The new XF, XG and XG⁺ provide excellent visibility thanks to a large curved windscreen, a low side window line and a special curb view window. These features, combined with a digital viewing system that has replaced traditional rear-view mirrors and a new angle camera, provide complete control of the area around the truck and protect vulnerable road users. ” A real team achievement The prestigious International Truck of the Year 2022 award was presented to Harry Walters, President of DAF Trucks, who dedicated this victory to all 12,000 DAF employees worldwide. “This unique achievement was the result of real teamwork! The new generation XF, XG and XG⁺ is the largest innovative project in the more than 90-year history of our company. It embodied the diverse wishes and requirements of truck owners and drivers and our clear vision of the future of reliable and environmentally friendly transport, and was another breakthrough in the relentless struggle to create better transport solutions. We are the first and only truck manufacturer to realize the potential of new European requirements for weight and dimensions, creating a unique offer for customers. It's good to be the first - but it's better to be unique. " IToY Jury Chairman Gianenrico Griffini summed up the vote: “The new generation of DAF presents a series of high-tech heavy-duty tractors that set a new industry standard. In addition, these trucks are future-oriented and are a ready-made energy-efficient platform for new generations of alternative fuels and power lines. ” Truck Innovation Award 2022 A great example is the new XF with hydrogen internal combustion engine technology, which is currently being developed by DAF and made a big impression during a demonstration in October at the International Truck of the Year jury. As a result, the innovative DAF XF H2 truck was awarded the Truck Innovation Award 2022. "This special award highlights our philosophy of researching the full range of technologies on the way to decarbonising the transport industry in the next decade," said Ron Borsbum, DAF's Chief Development Officer. - Hydrogen technology is very promising, along with battery-powered electric solutions, which we already offer to customers, and hybrid trucks, which are currently under development. The honorary Truck Innovation Award 2022 also demonstrates the future potential for internal combustion engines with the advent of new generations of carbon-neutral fuels. It is important to understand that the cessation of the use of fossil fuels in no way means an automatic ban on internal combustion engines, especially in the segment of long-distance transportation. Ron Borsbum adds: “H2-ICE will allow us to use the existing network of filling stations in many areas. We should also not forget that Europe has accumulated a huge amount of knowledge and practical experience in the application of this technology. " The International Truck of the Year jury consists of 24 editors of commercial vehicle publications and senior journalists representing the largest international media.
