In the Netherlands, there is a historic truck manufacturer called DAF, commonly referred to as “DAF” in China. Since its establishment in 1949, DAF has been dedicated to developing commercial vehicle products. Today, DAF has become an indispensable force in the European truck industry and is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
At the 2024 Hannover Motor Show (IAA), DAF presented its full product lineup, covering various drive types, including diesel and pure electric models, with multiple products from XB to XG+. These models cater to various operating conditions such as urban delivery, long-distance trunk transportation, and engineering transport, making for an impressive and lively showcase. In this article, let’s take a closer look.
At this year’s IAA, DAF trucks introduced the new PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines. The former has an 11-liter displacement, while the latter has a 13-liter displacement, both featuring a straight-six configuration. Compared to previous engine generations, the new models have upgraded to third-generation fuel injectors, improving fuel atomization for more efficient combustion. Additionally, the cylinder block and cylinder head have been redesigned, offering impressive high efficiency.
The new engines feature an entirely new valve timing system, with updates to the turbocharger and EGR systems, achieving higher efficiency and reliability. On this basis, PACCAR designed a dual-source-driven coolant pump for the two new engines, which can be driven either electrically or mechanically for greater efficiency. New smart dual-cylinder air pumps and a redesigned exhaust aftertreatment system are also included. The cooling air ducts and radiator design have been improved, with a higher proportion of passive cooling, minimizing the activation of the active fan, thus enhancing the reliability and work efficiency of the engine.
PACCAR MX-13
The new MX-11 and MX-13 engines incorporate Miller cycle technology. In simple terms, the Miller cycle delays the closing of the intake valve during the compression stroke, allowing some gas in the cylinders to return to the intake manifold, maintaining pressure and enhancing the intake efficiency for the next intake stroke, thereby reducing pumping losses. In comparison, engines using the Miller cycle have lower compression ratios, lower fuel consumption, higher expansion ratios, and greater power.
PACCAR MX-13 Powertrain
Historically, Miller cycle technology has often been used in small displacement or mechanically supercharged passenger car engines, renowned for their high efficiency. Now, PACCAR has introduced this technology to turbocharged diesel engines with displacements over 10 liters, which is quite innovative. The new engines do not provide greater power; the power parameters remain consistent with previous models. However, the starting point for maximum torque has dropped from 1030 RPM to 950 RPM, enhancing low-rev high-torque performance and improving high-speed cruising efficiency. For reference, the power range for the PACCAR MX-11 is 299, 341, 367, 408, and 449 horsepower, while the MX-13 ranges from 428 to 483, and 530 horsepower.
The new MX-11 and MX-13 engines embody DAF’s low-rev high-torque philosophy. To complement this, DAF has introduced a new rear axle, developed from its popular SR 1344 rear axle. The new rear axle features a completely new internal gear design, offering higher strength, better transmission efficiency, and a wider range of axle ratios, providing options for lower ratios.
DAF XG+ Flagship Model Equipped with this Powertrain
For reference, a 530-horsepower MX-13 engine paired with a 2.05 rear axle ratio, along with Europe’s most popular tire size of 315/70R22.5, allows a 4×2 tractor to reach a cruising speed of 85 KM/h at just 950 RPM, significantly improving fuel economy while reducing noise and vibration in the cab, thus enhancing driving comfort. The new generation DAF trucks, including XF, XG, and XG+, meet the German Class 3 carbon dioxide emission rating, potentially saving thousands of euros in road tolls each year.
DAF’s new XG low-cab tractor features a new side skirt, with black squares indicating the side blind spot radar.
To further optimize the efficiency of the new generation trucks like XF, XG, and XG+, DAF has equipped them with a complete aerodynamic package, including side skirts. Meanwhile, electronic rearview mirror systems, predictive cruise systems, and low rolling resistance tires will become standard configurations for 4×2 and 6×2 models, collectively providing a 6% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Decarbonizing transportation and efficient operations have become key to DAF’s future development. Consequently, the new MX-13 engine can run on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) or B100 biodiesel. With renewable fuels, DAF trucks can significantly reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing vehicle performance.
Based on the new MX-11 and MX-13 powertrain, DAF showcased several heavy-duty truck products, led by the flagship XG+ model. In 2020, DAF officially launched its new generation truck series, with XF, XG, and XG+ as debut members. Among them, the XG and XG+ comply with the new EU cab regulations and have received exemptions for overall vehicle length, allowing for a larger cab while towing full-size trailers. To date, the DAF XG+ remains one of the largest cab sizes among mass-produced European truck
The striking red has become DAF’s representative color at this year’s IAA, blending well with elements like the vehicle’s chrome grille and chrome roof trims for a visually appealing effect.
DAF has consistently maintained a leading position in the low-cab tractor segment. The previous generation XF Low Deck was favored by logistics companies, and the latest generation of trucks continues to feature low-cab configurations. The above image shows the XG low-cab tractor at the DAF booth, with a cab length consistent with its flagship XG+, providing ample living space despite a slightly lower roof height.
As the name suggests, the core of the low-cab tractor is a lower saddle height, allowing it to accommodate larger trailers, increasing the internal height for loading and reducing overall vehicle height to avoid violations. By employing smaller tires and smaller chassis components, the saddle height of the DAF XG low-cab tractor is less than one meter, easily matching with large-capacity trailers that have an internal height of 3 meters.
For the low-cab tractor, DAF has developed new side skirts and wheel arch flow structures, significantly lowering the overall height. Even with a low-cab structure, it achieves ultra-low drag and high efficiency.
In addition to the XG and XG+ models, the new XF model is also noteworthy. It serves as the entry-level member of DAF’s new generation of trucks, as well as the “gatekeeper” for the 13-liter powertrain. After all, the next model down, theDAF XD, can only be equipped with the MX-11 engine.
Being entry-level does not mean lower specifications. You can find two new engines, a transmission with a new shifting program, a complete aerodynamic package, and various safety configurations required by the EU GSR universal safety regulations on the XF model. Additionally, electronic rearview mirrors and low rolling resistance tires are standard features on DAF XF tractors, ensuring high transportation efficiency.
After reviewing the road tractors, let’s take a look at the engineering vehicles. At this year’s IAA, DAF showcased an XFC 8×4 chassis, featuring a short flat-roof daytime cab. Its compact design is primarily used for modifying into dump trucks and other engineering transport vehicles. The “C” in its model name stands for “Construction,” aligning perfectly with its intended use.
The indoor exhibit featured a chassis, while the outdoor area showcased a modified finished product. This DAF XFC 8×4 dump truck utilizes a wheel-reduction axle, is matched with the MX-13 engine, and features a ZF TraXon transmission with off-road programming, excelling in both passability and off-road performance. The vehicle also optionally includes an observation window on the passenger side door and is equipped with the DAF Corner View electronic blind-spot mirror, further enhancing driving visibility.
The indoor exhibit featured a chassis, while the outdoor area showcased a modified finished product. This DAF XFC 8×4 dump truck utilizes a wheel-reduction axle, paired with an MX-13 engine and a ZF TraXon transmission with off-road programming, excelling in both passability and off-road performance. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with an observation window on the passenger side door and features the DAF Corner View electronic blind-spot mirror, further enhancing driving visibility.
A slightly lower-tier XDC model was also presented at the DAF booth, where the “D” stands for Distribution. Its standard version is primarily used for urban delivery and medium-short distance transport, offering configurations for both tractor and chassis vehicles. The engineering transport version focuses on medium applications, providing flexibility with its smaller body size.
For those needing a heavy-duty four-axle version of the XDC, its low driving position and good visibility become additional advantages.
Unlike its larger counterparts, the XF and XFC series, the XD and XDC series can only be equipped with the MX-11 powertrain. The larger, more powerful MX-13 powertrain is not compatible due to the lower cab height and smaller engine tunnel in the XD and XDC, which only accommodate the MX-11 engine.
In addition to the hardcore series focused on engineering transport like the XDC and XFC, DAF also offers Extra Robust configurations for the XD and XF series trucks. These are designed for mixed conditions on paved and unpaved roads, enhancing comfort and usability based on the road version models.
The new DAF platform also includes two products targeting the cargo vehicle market, with the largest being the four-axle DAF XF Extra Robust 8X2 cargo truck chassis. This model can be fitted with various superstructures such as standard cargo boxes, curtain-sided trailers, timber transport bodies, and specialized machinery bodies, featuring towing components and electrical interfaces at the rear to support central axle and full trailer modes. The vehicle is powered by a PACCAR MX-13 engine with 480 horsepower, paired with a ZF TraXon automatic transmission and a DAF single-stage reduction axle, with the last axle using a single tire combination with steering.
The XD series showcased a cargo vehicle with a swap body chassis, aimed at intercity transport. Thanks to the XD’s low-profile design and rear-wheel steering, this vehicle offers agility and an expansive view while navigating urban roads in Europe. Additionally, as it is designed for medium-load transportation, it features a more economical MX-11 engine with 450 horsepower.
Also present was a special model: the XBC. It is the engineering derivative of the XB series trucks, which are based on the older DAF LF platform, giving it a rather unique appearance.
The main difference between the XB series and models like XD and XF lies in their distinctly American-style powertrains, offering PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines. The PX-5 four-cylinder diesel engine is available in three power levels: 170 horsepower with 700 Nm, 190 horsepower with 750 Nm, and 210 horsepower with 800 Nm. The PX-7 six-cylinder diesel engine has four power levels: 230 horsepower with 900 Nm, 260 horsepower with 1000 Nm, 290 horsepower with 1100 Nm, and 310 horsepower with 1200 Nm. These engines are developed through a collaboration between Cummins and PACCAR, manufactured at Cummins’ facilities.
Moreover, the vehicles can be equipped with an 8-speed PowerLine automatic transmission or an Allison automatic transmission, as well as 6-speed and 9-speed manual transmissions. The DAF XB does not offer a traditional AMT transmission; while the AT transmission is more expensive, it provides smoother power delivery. Within DAF’s truck lineup, the XB is considered the lightest and simplest in terms of operating conditions.
In addition to the full range of diesel trucks, DAF also showcased the XB Electric and XF Electric fully electric trucks at this year’s IAA, along with PACCAR charging solutions, PACCAR electric drive axles, and other cutting-edge technologies and components.
All fully electric trucks under DAF utilize LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, which are advantageous due to their high energy density and thermal stability, suitable for heavy-duty commercial applications. Furthermore, LFP batteries do not contain cobalt or other heavy metals, making them more environmentally friendly and easier to recycle. DAF is also continuing to develop hydrogen combustion engines, expected to be released in the coming years.
The XD and XF series electric trucks employ the PACCAR EXD2 series central electric drive system, while the XB series electric trucks use the EXM2 series central electric drive system. Their rear axles are identical to those in diesel trucks. The EXD2 central electric drive system has a peak power of 350 kW (480 horsepower) and a continuous power of 170 kW (230 horsepower). The EXM2 central electric drive system offers a peak power of 190 kW (258 horsepower) and a continuous power of 120 kW (163 horsepower).
PACCAR energy solutions showcased on site.
The XB, XD, and XF series electric trucks are equipped with modular battery packs, with the battery capacity customizable according to needs. In its top configuration, the XB series electric truck can achieve a range of 280 kilometers, while the XD and XF series electric trucks can reach 500 kilometers, enabling performance for daily use exceeding 1000 kilometers with combined fast charging.
In 2024, DAF Trucks celebrates its 75th anniversary. As a long-established European truck manufacturer, DAF has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, especially following the release of its new generation trucks. In 2023, DAF achieved a market share of 15.6% in the European heavy truck market, with shares in traditional strong markets like the Netherlands and the UK reaching as high as 30%, an impressive achievement. The flagship XG+ truck, with its outstanding performance, advanced digitalization, and spacious cab, has become a benchmark for the global industry, underscoring DAF’s success. Thank you for reading this article! For the latest and most in-depth information on the IAA show, don’t forget to follow us!
