‘PACCAR World’ showcases latest Kenworth and DAF advances at Melbourne Truck Show

PACCAR Australia’s two industry-leading brands – the Australian designed and manufactured Kenworth and premium European DAF trucks – promise to be the major highlights of the 2012 International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show (ITTES) to be held on 15-17 March at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Fifteen best-selling Kenworth and DAF prime movers and rigids will be displayed at one of ITTES’ largest exhibits – ‘PACCAR World’ – which will occupy the Town Square Hoecker. PACCAR Parts and PACCAR Financial will also be there to promote their specialist support services.

The centrepiece of PACCAR World and the truck model tipped to steal the show will be DAF’s new flagship, the exceptional XF105. This award-winning truck has already become one of the most popular trucks across Europe. And, after extensive testing in Australia, it has proven itself as a sturdy workhorse capable of handling a variety of long-distance applications. In addition to displaying two XF105s, DAF will have on show three other trucks from their medium and heavy duty model range.

PACCAR World will also showcase new developments from Kenworth. Its latest, top-selling model, the K200, will sport a new ergonomically-designed interior. Kenworth will also exhibit a variety of popular bonneted and cab-over prime movers, including models fitted with Cummins’ efficient ISMe5 and ISLe5 engines.

PACCAR Australia’s Director, Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou, says ITTES is the largest transport event in the southern hemisphere and an ideal forum to showcase the Kenworth and DAF ranges and its other products and services.

“ITTES enables us to connect with a wide industry audience: everyone from drivers and operators to government representatives and other road transport stakeholders. At PACCAR World, we will display the cutting-edge innovations that are engineered into every model we build. Our latest technologies raise the bar on our already high safety, productivity and environmental standards,” Andrew explained.

“We will be presenting iconic Kenworth and DAF models in a wide variety of configurations and specifications. We want to show the industry that PACCAR offers the total package – a complete range of quality, safe and efficient road transport solutions, which draw on the best local and international expertise, and can be customised for Australian conditions and individual requirements. Plus all our products are backed by the largest and most professional nationwide service, parts and support network.

“At PACCAR World, we will have professionals from every aspect of our business, including engineering, production and sales as well as representatives from dealers across Australia, New Zealand and PNG. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to understand how PACCAR can improve drivers’ working lives and operators’ bottom line,” Andrew added.

DAF to reveal show stopper – its new flagship XF105

The highlight of PACCAR World will undoubtedly be the unveiling of DAF’s new exceptional XF105.

This state-of-the-art vehicle promises to be a real crowd pleaser. Upon its release in Europe it won the industry’s most prestigious award, the International Truck of the Year, and it quickly established itself as DAF’s most popular model. The XF105 has also played a significant role in making DAF the market leader of prime movers (heavy segment – above 15 tonnes) in Europe for the past two years, and one of the top truck suppliers across the range.

DAF Trucks Australia’s General Manager, Stephen Downes, says DAF has a long- standing reputation for building quality trucks that deliver excellent drivability, reliability and durability as well as a high degree of comfort, safety and efficiency. He says the XF105 is the epitome of all these qualities; in fact, it takes them to a new level.

“The XF105 is exceptional, a true driver’s truck,” Stephen said. “It delivers a powerful, economical truck with a spacious, well-appointed cab. It’s highly maneuverable in the city and a pleasure to drive, even on long hauls and harsh conditions.”

The exceptional XF105 has been generating a great deal of interest ahead of the Australian launch. It is well suited for various demanding applications, such as tanker operations, and interstate distribution.

DAF has modified the vehicle to better manage Australia’s unique operations and taxing environments. It is equipped with a PACCAR MX engine and a robust cooling package, with higher capacities for handling hotter conditions. It is also fitted with Kenworth’s Australian-developed Airglide rear suspension and Meritor axles for long-distance haulage with heavier weights.

Stephen said that a number of operators have subjected the XF105 to months of stringent, independent testing throughout metropolitan, rural and remote Australia. The trucks have been trialed in a variety of applications and have endured the most unforgiving conditions for over 1.5 million test Kilometers and counting…

“In all cases, the operators have reported that the XF105s functioned extremely well in terms of engine performance, reliability and fuel consumption,” he said. “What’s more, DAF’s comfortable, fully-equipped cab made the most challenging tasks easy on the driver.”

The flagship DAF is powered by a high-performance, fuel-efficient PACCAR MX engine with 510 hp, and ample torque of 1845 ft/lb. The 12.9-litre, six cylinder, turbo-intercooled engine incorporates SCR technology to meet the Euro 5 and ADR80/03 emission standards.

The XF105 has a smooth 16-speed AS-Tronic automated transmission for ease of operation. An 18-speed Eaton Roadranger manual transmission is also available as an option. The vehicle can also be configured with an integrated engine brake for enhanced stopping power.

The XF105 comes standard with a range of safety and comfort features, including Electronic Braking System (EBS), Anti Slip Control (ASR), and Hillholder (in combination with the AS-Tronic gearbox).

In addition, there are a variety of optional features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), airbag in combination with seatbelt pre-tensioners, and a DAF Camera System which makes driving safer, especially during tight manoeuvres.

The XF105 boasts an ergonomically-designed, spacious and luxurious cab. It features a fully-appointed, curved cockpit-style dash, instrument panel and adjustable steering wheel. It also has logically-positioned handles and switches, numerous storage facilities and room for various modern conveniences, including a fridge.

“Like all DAFs, the XF105 offers an exceptional driving experience,” Stephen said. “With excellent temperature control, low interior noise level and outstanding visibility with large front and side view mirrors, the DAF cab provides the driver with a distinctly comfortable and safe working environment.”

Stephen says the flagship model is the perfect vehicle for long, interstate hauls where drivers are literally working and living out of their truck.

“The XF105 is available with a choice of two sleeper cabs, both with plenty of room including two bunks,” he said. “The Space Cab has an impressive standing height of 175 cm, which is bigger than most other rigs. But, what sets DAF apart is the Super Space Cab. It has an enormous 210 cm standing height as well as more living, working and storage space than any other truck in its class. If drivers have to spend a lot of time away from home, the XF105 is the closest to being at home,” Stephen added.

DAF will have two XF105s at the Melbourne exhibition, both of which will be configured as 6×4 FTT prime movers powered by the top-of-the-range PACCAR MX engine, rated at 510 hp and outstanding torque of 1845 ft/lb available between 1000 and 1400 rpm.

Both XF105s will feature the 16-speed ZF AS Tronic 16AS2630 automated transmission, as well as an integrated MX engine brake, disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear and Meritor MT23 (2 x 8500 kg) rear axles riding on Airglide 400 eight-bag air suspension. In addition, each vehicle will have ACC, plus various safety features, including ABS, EBS and LDWS.

What differentiates the two display trucks are their sleeper cabs. One will be fitted with a two-bunk Space Cab, and the other with the Super Space Cab, the most roomy in its class.

The XF105 will be available for immediate delivery, following the exhibition.

Other DAF models on show at PACCAR World

In addition to the XF105s, DAF will have three other trucks on display in different configurations and specifications. All will be powered by high-performance, fuel-efficient PACCAR engines which comply with Euro 5 standards. In addition, each vehicle will be fitted with cruise control, ABS, EBS and LDWS, with the exception of the LF55 (it will have cruise control and ABS).

Visitors will see the popular FTT CF85 6×4 prime mover. It suits a range of intrastate distribution applications, providing the pulling power of higher hp units (with torque levels up to 1,695 ft/lb) with lower fuel consumption. The display vehicle will feature a PACCAR MX engine, rated to 460 hp, a 12-speed ZF AS Tronic 12AS2330 automated transmission as well as a Space Cab.

Also on show will be two DAFs that are sure to raise eyebrows. The FAP LF55 and FAP CF75 have both been specially configured as 6×2 air lift pusher axle trucks. The extra lift axle enables a truck to be more flexible, by making it more cost effective and efficient to carry various payloads.

“The air lift pusher axle is positioned in front of the driven, rear axle; as opposed to the conventional, trailing ‘lazy’ axle which is behind the rear axle,” Stephen explained.

“The forward rear pusher axle can be lifted off the ground whenever the truck is carrying light or empty loads, which reduces fuel consumption, maintenance costs and tyre wear. Conversely, employing the pusher axle provides a truck carrying heavier loads with a greater distribution of weight over more wheels as well as better traction and handling,” he said.

The FAP CF75 is a versatile vehicle with low tare weight and a fuel-efficient but powerful engine. This makes it ideal for a variety of urban and regional distribution. The truck on show will be presented with a rigid body fitted with curtain-siders. In addition, the vehicle will feature a 360 hp PACCAR PR engine, a 12-speed ZF AS Tronic 12AS1630 automated transmission and a Space Cab.

The light-duty FAP LF55 as a 6×2 rigid, incorporating the pusher axle, is compact, lightweight, economical and highly maneuverable, making it well suited to urban distribution and specialist applications, such as waste collection. The display vehicle will be configured with a rigid body with curtain-siders. The truck will feature a 210 hp PACCAR GR engine, a nine-speed Eaton 9S8309 synchromesh transmission and a sleeper cab.
PACCAR Parts – quality parts and accessories

In addition to PACCAR’s Kenworth and DAF truck ranges, PACCAR World will also feature PACCAR Parts, Australia’s leading aftermarket truck parts and accessories provider.

PACCAR Parts ALLRIG display will showcase some of the more popular and interesting truck parts, trailer parts and winches.  Manned by industry experts, we will be able to offer a wealth of technical information and help you with any questions you may have.  Additionally, we will be offering an incentive to customers to sign up to our fabulous ALLRig Rewards card which offers regular savings and benefits to members.  We will also have on hand someone to explain CustomerConnect, our workshop management and parts control system which can help save you precious time and money. 
In addition to truck and trailer parts, PACCAR Parts will exhibit commercial winches from the industry-leading Braden and Gearmatic product ranges which are suitable for mining, excavation, crane, marine and on and off-shore drilling applications.

PACCAR Financial Services – trusted advice

Also at PACCAR World will be PACCAR Financial, one of the most reliable and consistent financial services providers dedicated to Australian transport.

Consultants will be available to offer competitive solutions and advice regarding all truck financing needs.

PACCAR Australia’s Andrew Hadjikakou says that, with Kenworth and DAF, PACCAR offers solutions for virtually every road transport need.

“These two class-leading brands offer a wide range of medium and heavy-duty models in various configurations for urban, regional and interstate applications,” he said.

“Also, Kenworth can application engineer trucks to suit essentially any operation or individual requirement, including extreme-duty, off-highway workhorses for the mining industry. And behind all of our trucks is a national network of professionals offering expert sales and financial advice, service and parts support, making PACCAR truly a one-stop shop for all trucking needs,” Andrew concluded.

Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in Australia to meet the world’s toughest applications. Kenworth is market leader in heavy duty trucks in Australia. Its trucks are also exported to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. DAF Trucks Australia distributes a complete range of medium and heavy-duty trucks throughout Australia.

Kenworth Trucks Australia and DAF Trucks Australia are divisions of PACCAR Australia, a subsidiary of PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

 

RELEASE ENDS

For further information:

Mick Bennett
Marketing Services Manager
PACCAR Australia
Tel: (03) 9721 1500