News
06.11.2006
DAF XF105 voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’
During a special celebration evening at the eve of the 61st IAA Commercial Vehicles 2006 exhibition in Hanover, taking place between 21st and 28th of September, the ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’ award was officially handed over to DAF Trucks president Aad Goudriaan by Andy Salter, chairman of the jury. DAF received the truck industry’s most prestigious award for its new top-of-the-line XF105, which entered production last January. “This is a great recognition for our entire organisation” commented Aad Goudriaan. “But also for our customers, who – every day – provide us with input to make the best trucks even better.”
The XF105 for long distance and heavy haulage features a restyled exterior, an entirely new interior design, a new chassis lay-out and the new 12.9 liter PACCAR MX engine, available in both Euro 4 and Euro 5 specifications. DAF’s XF105 sets new standards in terms of quality, efficiency and transport performance as well as in interior design, comfort, ergonomics and drivability.
DAF president Aad Goudriaan said he felt privileged to receive the award, and that the honours belong to every member of the DAF organisation. “Our entire team works hard to continuously improve to make the best trucks even better. It’s great that all these efforts are rewarded in such a way. Moreover, the ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’ award is a recognition for our suppliers and dealers too, and last but not least for our customers who gave valuable input for the development of the Award-winning XF105. In addition, the prestigious award is a fantastic tribute to all those customers who have chosen or will choose the new XF105. Over 12,500 XF105 trucks have been sold so far.”
06.11.2006
DAF renews the LF- and CF-Series
Following on from start of production of the new DAF XF105 in January 2006, series production of the renewed DAF LF and CF Series will start in May.
These are characterised by a completely new programme of state-of-the-art PACCAR engines with DAF SCR Technology for Euro 4 and Euro 5, an optimised chassis layout, a new interior design and an even more modern appearance. The LF, which is available in Euro 4 version and the CF, which is available in Euro 4 and Euro 5 version, are ready for the next successful step. One of the important development criteria for the renewed LF and CF Series were the strict Euro 4 emission requirements, that will come into force in October 2006, and which will be followed in 2009 by even stricter Euro 5 requirements.
The renewed LF and CF Series use the SCR technology, the best and currently most economical solution for meeting the Euro 4 ánd Euro 5 emission requirements. Here, AdBlue is injected into the exhaust gases, so that in the DeNOx catalytic converter the nitrogen oxides are converted into the harmles substances nitrogen and water. SCR technology is relatively simple and thus extremely reliable and efficient. Because this emissions after-treatment technology has no effect on the engine, the engine settings can be optimised to achieve ideal combustion and low fuel consumption. However, DAF SCR technology goes even further.
The introduction of DAF SCR Technology coincides with the introduction of a completely new series of PACCAR engines that set the standards in terms of fuel consumption, reliability and service life. All engines use an advanced high-pressure fuel-injection system for the highest possible efficiency and the lowest possible emission of particulate matter. To meet the strict requirement of 0.02 grams per kW/h, is achieved without a soot filter being required on the new LF and CF Series.
28.12.2006
PACCAR Information Technology and “Green” Initiatives
PACCAR has significantly increased capital investment in advanced information technology to deliver increased efficiency at its 50 major facilities worldwide, including research and development centers, manufacturing plants, parts distribution and customer support facilities. “The pace of technological innovation at PACCAR continues to accelerate, enhancing PACCAR’s competitive advantage in products and services,” said Mark Pigott, chairman and chief executive officer. “PACCAR has invested $1.6 billion in the last decade to strengthen its industry-leading global technology platforms and establish itself as a leading environmental company.”
“Technology investments have enhanced new product and services time to market, increased production efficiency and capacity, improved quality and strengthened aftermarket customer support. PACCAR’s shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers and dealers all benefit from these strategic investments,” added Pigott.
PACCAR Information Technology (IT) is critical in generating improvements in supply chain management, quality, productivity and product development cycles. Over the past decade, PACCAR has focused its investments toward projects that result in a 30 percent reduction in time to market for new products and annual 5-7 percent manufacturing productivity improvement. “These technology investments have also contributed to the excellent reduction in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs from 8 percent of sales in 1994 to 3 percent of sales today,” said Ron Armstrong, vice president and controller.
PACCAR has installed more than 1,600 computers in assembly facilities to expedite critical line-side information to employees. Tablet PCs and WiFi networks are standard in PACCAR facilities worldwide. “The company collaborates with leading IT organizations including Dell and Microsoft to leverage best practices,” noted Janice Skredsvig, vice president and CIO.
More than $100 million has been invested in sophisticated robotic systems including automated chassis paint at the Leyland, U.K. plant, and robotic cells for aluminum fuel tank welding at the Peterbilt Denton, Texas facility — both firsts for the commercial vehicle industry. “Increased capital investments and the completion of 5,600 Six Sigma projects have led to a dramatic improvement in industry-leading quality,” said George West, vice president.
PACCAR’s engine manufacturing facility in the Netherlands has been updated with sophisticated transfer lines, automated assembly and rigorous quality control. “PACCAR has increased manufacturing capacity by 7 percent annually and improved inventory turns by 50 percent in the last five years due to IT investments,” added West.
PACCAR has invested $70 million in the construction of a new Kenworth manufacturing facility in Mexicali, Mexico. “This investment increases production capacity in Mexico by 50 percent,” noted Sam Means, KenMex president. “Significant advances in IT and an expanding global manufacturing platform have resulted in PACCAR more than doubling its sales of commercial vehicles in Mexico and export markets compared to ten years ago, while simultaneously improving product quality and employee productivity,” added Means.