Always the right solution from DAF
Always the right solution’ is DAF’s overall theme at IAA 2014 – which is being held in Hanover from 25 September to 2 October. DAF Trucks will be exhibiting its full industry leading product and services range to illustrate that it offers the right solution for every application. A new and extremely quiet CF distribution truck allows deliveries in city areas where noise restrictions apply during evening and night. New CF and XF Low Deck tractors maximize the highest efficiency within volume transportation. DAF also announces sophisticated technologies like Predictive Cruise Control and Predictive Shifting to further optimize fuel efficiency.
The DAF stand will be prominently located in Hall 17 of the exhibition complex. Occupying an area of 2,500 m2, it will showcase the complete Euro 6 product range, setting the standard in quality, low operating cost and vehicle performance. The DAF trucks on display include the new LF for distribution transport, the versatile CF for a wide variety of applications and the flagship XF model for heavy and long distance transport. The new Euro 6 range has been expanded with a full range of three and four-axle vehicles. There is a perfect DAF truck for every transport task.
Extra quiet distribution truck: CF Silent
DAF developed the unique CF Silent for urban distribution during times when noise restrictions apply. When the ultra-quiet CF is set to its special ‘Silent mode’, the noise level is less than 72 dB(A), which means that the CF can be certified as a Quiet Truck and enables goods to be loaded and unloaded in areas where evening, night-time or early morning noise restrictions apply.
The new DAF CF Silent is equipped with the powerful yet efficient 10.8 litre PACCAR MX-11 Euro 6 engine (ratings of 210 kW/286 hp to 320 kW/435 hp) that is already well-known for its low noise levels.
There is a special ‘Silent’ button on the dashboard. If pressed, the engine software switches to a programme that limits torque and engine speed and gears are changed at lower engine speeds. The encapsulation of the gearbox also contributes to noise reduction.
DAF will supply the extra quiet CF distribution truck beginning in 2015 as a 4×2 and 6×2 rigid and tractor, with the choice of a Day Cab, Sleeper Cab or Space Cab and a wide selection of wheel base options.
New CF and XF Low Deck: fifth wheel height of 91 centimetres
One of the major innovations at IAA 2014 is a Low Deck variant of the popular Euro 6 CF and XF tractors for volume transport.
Fitting low-profile tyres (315/45/R22.5) and adapting the air suspension has enabled the fifth wheel height to be reduced from 96 to just 91 centimetres. This means that, within the maximum vehicle height of 4 metres, trailers with an internal height of 3.00 metres can be used, allowing volumes of more than 100 m3 for maximum transport efficiency. An internal height of 3.00 metres is also valuable for transport operators working in the automotive sector where one-metre high standardised containers are often used. These one-meter containers can be stacked three high in the semi-trailer.
The new DAF CF and XF Low Deck tractors are available with air suspension on the front axle. In addition, a new single-leaf parabolic suspension has been developed.
A new roof deflector for the XF Low Deck with Super Space Cab ensures optimum aerodynamics and a 1.5% saving in terms of fuel and CO2 emissions.
The new DAF Low Deck tractors are available with a wheel base of 3.60 and 3.80 metres and are powered by the state-of-the-art 10.8 litre PACCAR MX-11 and 12.9 litre PACCAR MX-13 engines.
Predictive cruise control & predictive shifting
At the IAA 2014 DAF announces Predictive Cruise Control – in combination with Predictive Shifting. This option is available in January 2015 on Euro 6 CF and XF models with an automated AS Tronic 12 speed gearbox. These sophisticated technologies have been developed by DAF’s engineering team and contribute to enhanced vehicle efficiency.
Predictive Cruise Control uses advanced GPS-technology to determine the exact position of the vehicle and to know which driving circumstances have to be taken into account the next 1 to 2 kilometers. In fact, the system ‘looks’ ahead and anticipates slopes and descents.
The driver sets the desired speed in advance, as well as the permitted deviation above and below this value, with three pre-programmed options available for the permitted downward deviation. Within the specified range, Predictive Cruise Control determines the ideal speed and Predictive Shifting selects the ideal gear.
Starting point of both technologies is to drive as long as possible in the highest gear possible and consequently in the optimal rpm range. As the vehicle nears the end of a hill climb, the system strives to stay in a higher gear. If a hill climb is immediately followed by a descent, less fuel is injected before the top of the climb, making use of the vehicle mass to ‘push’ the vehicle over the top. A higher gear is selected automatically as soon as the system knows that the gradient of the descent is about to increase.
In some cases, Predictive Cruise Control will permit the speed of the vehicle to fall below the set value; for example when the top of a hill has almost been reached and the system ‘knows’ that the potential energy will quickly bring the vehicle back up to the desired level on the descent. Predictive Cruise Control can even temporarily permit a speed that is slightly higher than set — within predefined tolerances — also with a view to lowering fuel consumption as much as possible.
The state-of-the-art Predictive Cruise Control and Predictive Shifting functions will further strengthen DAF’s industry leading position in fuel efficiency and low total cost of ownership.
Full leather upholstery
DAF cabs are setting the standard when it comes to space, quality and comfort. At the IAA, a beautiful full leather upholstery is presented for the Euro 6 CF and XF models. It is available as an option and includes seats, steering wheel and door panels (XF). The leather upholstery is in a chic ‘copper’ colour with colour-coordinated accents for an extra luxurious expression and an even higher comfort.
DAF Components
DAF Components is the fastest growing independent manufacturer of bus and coach engines in Europe. The product range consists of a wide range of efficient Euro 3, 4, 5 and 6 engines that are well known for their industry leading reliability and service life. For maintenance of these modern engines, customers in Europe can call upon the entire DAF dealer network. A widespread network of dedicated Coach & Bus dealers is in place for servicing specific bus and coach equipment.