Turners (Soham) has taken delivery of a New Generation DAF XF 450 FTG 6×2 tractor unit, as part of the latest phase of the manufacturer’s extensive Europe-wide ‘pre-production’ field test programme.
The New Generation DAF XF tractor unit for Turners is part of one of the final phases of the truck’s long-term development programme that includes more than 50 field-trials and 100 pre-production trucks in operators’ fleets across Europe.
Before full production roll-out commences in October, extensive trialling will have resulted in the equivalent of more than 20 million test kilometres being driven.
Close vehicle monitoring, performance reporting and driver feedback from field-trials, alongside in-house testing, will play a crucial role in the new truck introduction programme to ensure vehicles deliver the highest levels of performance and reliability from the start of full production and throughout.
Turners’ New Generation DAF XF 450 FTG 6×2 tractor is powered by the 10.8-litre PACCAR MX-11 rated at 450hp, which has been enhanced with 2350 Nm of torque available from 900 rpm.
The truck is equipped with the DAF Digital Vision System, passenger-side kerb view window and foldable passenger seat which, together with the larger glass area and lower belt-line of the New Generation DAF, enables the XF to achieve a 3-Star Direct Vision Standard rating for operating in London.
The New Generation DAF is being used on Turners’ chilled distribution operations and piloted by long-standing Turners driver Cliffe Gwilliam.
Tim King, Group Fleet Engineer at Turners (Soham) said: “We know what the DAF marque is all about, our knowledge of the DAF 6×2 fleet tractor unit in particular is, I would argue, more complete than any other operator in Europe.”
