PACCAR Parts has revealed a comprehensive new range of quality DAF Genuine Accessories for the striking New Generation DAF XG and XG+ models that will take centre stage in Brisbane.
The new selection delivers a level of quality, performance and style that only genuine parts can achieve, designed specifically to complement the contours and configurations of these European-designed and Australian-manufactured flagships.
“These new DAF trucks are genuinely pushing the boundaries in terms of offering ultimate driver comfort, safety for all road users, exceptional performance, and unrivalled productivity for Australian transport operators,” said Stuart Russell, Senior Product Manager, DAF & Power Train.
“But a New Generation of DAF trucks deserves a New Generation of DAF Accessories and operators can now add the finishing touches to their DAF with the new accessory range.”
The line-up covers everything a truckie might want, from floor mats and door wind deflectors to air horns, bull bars, roof light bars and even an LED illuminated DAF grille logo, Russell explained.
“The New Generation DAF cab is an entirely clean slate design, manufactured in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art DAF production facility. This provided the opportunity to develop a new range of accessories purpose-designed to match these incredible new trucks.”
These bespoke parts integrate seamlessly with the trucks, are easy to fit, and add standout style and functionality. They are also designed by DAF, for DAF.
“For example, the DAF Cool Ultimate is a stand-alone roof air-conditioning system which fits in place of the sunroof hatch and runs off the vehicle batteries – meaning zero emissions and fuel consumption while resting,” Russell added.
“The truck is prewired with accessory connections, so the system is literally plug and play. Another example is the new DAF Light Bars which have been engineered to mount perfectly on the roof and allow drivers to fit their favoured driving lights.”
Product development for the new accessories has been guided by DAF’s signature quality principles to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
“We take DAF Accessories just as seriously as our trucks. Comfort, safety, durability and a premium look are paramount,” said Bart van Lotringen, DAF Design Director.
One standout addition is a new Australian-designed and manufactured bullbar, offering full ADR compliance and vehicle integration.
“Because these new trucks are built with such a huge focus on safety and efficiency, the new genuine bull-bar had to take on a unique form to meet safety and structural requirements, and blend with the truck design and performance,” Russell said.
“The styling of the bar came from the DAF Design Department, the same people that created the New Generation DAF cab. They developed the ideal shape and structure that perfectly matches the cab’s smooth rounded corners and styled grille.”
Local engineering expertise and supplier capabilities were then used to take the bull bar from design into production.
“We utilised our local engineering experience and supplier capabilities to take this from design into a fully ADR compliant bullbar which meets the demands of the Australian long-haul conditions,” Russell explained.
The bullbar has been thoroughly validated and tested on-road in Australia, on DAF’s test tracks and via advanced computer simulations.
“This ensures it stands up to repeated animal strikes and is compatible with the vehicle safety systems, which all continue to function as intended.”
Further enhancing the rugged Australian-readiness of the DAF range is a new locally engineered windscreen stone guard, developed specifically for the new DAF cab.
“In a similar vein, we’ve developed a windscreen stone guard that’s bespoke for the new DAF cab.
“Our engineering team developed the guard locally, it mounts to existing threaded provisions in the cab structure, so no cab modification or threaded inserts are required. A very slick solution to a uniquely Australian problem.”
The success of the project, Russell said, comes down to collaboration across PACCAR Parts, DAF, PACCAR Australia Engineering and local suppliers.
“We’re very proud of the joint effort that went into producing these new accessories, the collaboration between PACCAR Parts, DAF, PACCAR Australia Engineering and Suppliers has yielded a fantastic result.
“Quality products which allow DAF customers to style their truck to the highest standard.”
The all-new models on display in Brisbane come equipped with the powerful 15-litre PACCAR PX-15 engine delivering 660 horsepower.
The models are the result of an Australian-led project, working with global PACCAR engineering teams and industry-leading supplier partners.
“It was critical for this project to be led by an Australian team that has decades of experience engineering products in our market. It’s about so much more than just the cab and engine,” said Chief Engineer Brad May.
“Frame layout, fuel and AdBlue tanks, air filtration, suspension and axles to name a few.
“Putting all this together without diluting our design for the needs of other world markets is the secret to making the XG greater than the sum of its parts, and that’s something PACCAR Australia has been doing for more than 50 years.”
Our test driver Geoff Middleton was suitably impressed when he finally got to steer an XG+ 660 earlier this year after first getting a sneak peek of the truck on display on the PACCAR stand at the 2023 Brisbane show.
“Driver comfort is right up there with the best,” wrote Middleton.
“The seat is great with two arm rests and a stack of adjustment. I spent two days behind the wheel and never felt uncomfortable or sore. It really is a great workspace.”
For more information about the new DAF Accessories range, visit: paccarparts.com.au/daf-accessories.
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Ph: 03 9721 1500
Web: paccar.com.au and daf.com.au