DAF Trucks makes debut on Brazilian truck market

DAF Trucks, a PACCAR company, will showcase its premium truck and engine product line at the Sao Paulo Fenatran exhibition, the largest truck industry trade show in South America. "The Fenatran event offers an excellent opportunity to exhibit our industry-leading vehicles to Brazilian commercial vehicle customers", said Marco Antonio Davila, president of DAF Caminhões Brasil. "DAF trucks developed for Brazil will be assembled in a new state-of-the-art DAF production facility in Ponta Grossa, which is planned to be completed in 2013."

In the European Union, DAF’s market share in the heavy segment (15 ton+) grew to 15.3% in the first half of this year. DAF’s EU market share objective is 20%. DAF is market leader in The Netherlands, Belgium, Great-Britain, Poland and Central Europe and the largest import brand in Germany, France and Italy. DAF is a leading truck OEM in Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan, South Africa and Turkey.

Full range on display
On its stand (location L90) at Fenatran, DAF is exhibiting its full range of vehicles, the LF, CF and XF. The DAF LF is designed for city and regional distribution applications and the versatile CF series for a wide range of applications. The CF series is available in tractor and rigid configurations with 2, 3 and 4 axles and single or double drive.
"A key model for the Brazilian market is the flag ship XF105 for heavy and long distance transport", added Michael Kuester, Commercial Director from DAF Caminhões Brasil. "The XF105 sets the standard in efficiency and driver comfort."

The XF105 will be available as a 6×2 tractor with Meritor driven axle and Suspensys trailing axle, and as a 6×4 tractor with Meritor double driven single reduction tandem axles. These models will have drum brakes on front and rear axles and a pneumatic braking system with ABS optionally. The XF105 is powered by the state-of-the-art 12.9 liter PACCAR MX engine in Euro 5 specification with outputs from 410 to 510 hp. Standard will be a ZF 16 speed manual gearbox, with an automated AS-Tronic available as an option.

At the Fenatran’s DAF stand, there will be special attention for PACCAR Engine Technology. On display is the full range of modern four and six cylinder diesel engines with volumes from 4.5 to 12.9 liter and outputs from 140 to 510 hp. They all meet the Euro 5 emission standard and are developed for maximum reliability, durability, low fuel consumption and high performance.

Built in Brasil
DAF will offer its Brazilian customers a full range of vehicles, featuring the right vehicle for every application. "DAF vehicles for Brazil will be manufactured in Brazil", commented Marco Antonio Davila. "When the DAF assembly plant in Ponta Grossa becomes operational in 2013, production will be started with the XF105, followed immediately by the CF models and then the LF distribution series."

Industry leading services
DAF recognizes the importance of the services behind its products to support customers in their daily business. These services includes a 24/7 road side assistance, which will be introduced in Brazil at the moment the first DAF trucks will be delivered to customers. DAF’s road side assistance in Brazil will be based on the renowned DAF International Truck Service in Europe and PACCAR Customer Center in North America.

In order to deliver high quality parts in an efficient manner, PACCAR Parts, the aftermarket parts division of PACCAR, will establish a dedicated parts distribution center to support DAF dealers and customers in Brazil.

Dealer network
Currently, the global DAF dealer network consists of over 1,000 dedicated DAF partners, all independent entrepreneurs. DAF Caminhðes Brasil will establish a network of 25 partners in Brazil in the coming years, covering some 100 locations.

"DAF is one of Europe’s most successful truck manufacturers and is in an excellent position to achieve a significant market presence in Brazil", commented Marco Antonio Davila. "This starts with our range of modern trucks, which are well-known all over the world for their reliability, efficiency and high standard of driver comfort. In addition, we are also proceeding with the establishment of a professional dealer network. After all, it is the services behind the product which provide the key to future success."