DAF LF - International Truck of the Year 2002

The international jury of leading truck journalists, representing 20 countries in Europe, has voted the DAF LF International Truck of the Year 2002. The DAF LF wins the Award with 87 points ahead of the Volvo FH12 with 80 points and the Renault Magnum with 29. The Award is given annually to the new truck that “makes the best contribution to the development of the transport of goods by road in the countries involved in the poll.” The reasons given by the Jury this year included:
“DAF has developed a completely new, modern and comfortable medium-heavy truck range with great flexibility for different transport tasks. DAF has, in our opinion, put three of the most important criteria in focus in developing the LF: operational costs, functionality and driver comfort.”

“The new in-line four and six-cylinder common-rail Paccar diesel engines provide high tractive power and torque, giving important advantages in the heavy traffic in which these trucks often operate. They also fulfil high expectations on fuel economy despite today’s severe emission limits. Choices of different manual or automatic gearboxes give high driveline flexibility according to operational task.”

“A lightweight chassis in high-grade steel allow high payloads, varying from over three tonnes for the light LF 45 to 13 tonnes for the heavy LF 55. They are furthermore designed with a flat top and pre-drilled holes for cost saving and fast bodying.

“The new cab, with its aerodynamic shape, car-like comfort level and easy access, is ideal for distribution work. It is also unmistakably DAF, sharing elements with the heavier ranges. The generous windows and tight turning circle make for easy operation in dense urban areas. Disc brakes with ABS, airbags as an option, ergonomic controls together with excellent driveability and visibility for the driver are all important factors of active and passive safety.”

The Jury specially noted that DAF based the development on surveys among operators to find out what they consider to be the most valuable characteristics. The result was the benchmark for the DAF engineers. The Jury commented:
“The development is firmly based on customers’ wishes. The LF range has a balanced construction with well -proven technology used to optimum effect. The DAF LF is a modern, environmentally friendly and safe truck. Driveability and comfort are the best in its class. That attracts not only the most qualified drivers but also contributes to transport economy and road safety.”

The prestigious Truck of the Year trophy will be handed over to the president of DAF Trucks, Mr Jim Cardillo on the Press Day of the first International Truck Show of the Year, to be held in Amsterdam on 6 February 2002, at 11.00am.
The CF series, another relative newcomer to the DAF family will also be exhibited. This vehicle range, offering GVW’s from 18 tonnes upward and train weights of up to 40 tonnes and higher is aimed at regional, national and international transport. Like its stablemates, the LF and the 95XF, the CF series is noted for its high driver comfort, low kerb weight for high payloads, excellent drivability and very attractive costs per mile.

DAF has just brought out a limited edition of its “International Truck of the Year 1998”, the top of the range 95XF. Renowned for high levels of driver comfort, excellent drivability and high reliability, as well as its attractive costs per mile, the 95XF is ideal for intensive long-distance transport.

There is sure to be a lot of media interest at the DAF stand , given its young product range. The show runs from 7th to 16th February and will be well worth a visit if, you are in that neck of the woods.