At the annual Fleet Transport Awards, the DAF XD with powerful yet economic PACCAR PX-7 engine has been crowned ‘Irish Distribution Truck of the Year 2026’ in the medium duty rigid class. This marks yet another award for the New Generation DAF truck series, whose extensive line-up has claimed multiple accolades across Europe in recent months.
The prestigious Fleet Transport Awards ceremony, held at the Johnstown Estate Hotel in County Meath, just outside Dublin, welcomed over 650 guests from across the Irish transport industry. The awards jury, made up of commercial vehicle editors, transport professionals, operators and drivers, undertook detailed assessments of each nominated vehicle, evaluating performance, efficiency, safety, driver comfort and ease of operation.
‘Something special’
“After only a few seconds behind the wheel of the DAF XD the driver will realise that this truck is special”, stated the jury. “To start with: the 6.7 litre PACCAR PX-7 engine with the PowerLine eight-speed automated transmission offers refinement not found previously in this vehicle class. The truck is a pleasure to drive and the full-width 2.5-metre cab gives the sense of a much bigger truck, even in the day cab format. The XD also offers impressive safety benefits from a new engine brake that delivers up to 300 hp.”
Left to right - Paul O'Reilly (DAF Trucks Ireland), Sean Murtagh (Fleet Transport Magazine), Colm Furlong (award sponsor, PTSB) and Claire Brock (awards host)
‘Class-leading’
“Of increasing importance in the urban distribution segment is visibility. DAF XD’s direct vision addresses this issue in a highly practical manner with the class-leading forward view. The view is further enhanced by DAF’s well-designed digital camera system, especially thanks to the DAF Corner View, which provides an excellent view of the area directly in front of the co-driver’s side of the truck. Also important is the ease of access for multi-drop drivers. Certainly, the DAF XD sets a number of new benchmarks in this sector.”
About the DAF XD
The DAF XD is a new-generation distribution and vocational truck that stands out in safety, efficiency, and driver comfort. It offers a wide range of powertrain options, including fuel-efficient PACCAR MX-11 diesel engines and advanced fully electric PACCAR EX-D1 and EX-D2 motors. The XD is available in multiple chassis configurations – 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 8x2, 8x4, and even 10x4 for heavy-duty applications – providing tailored solutions for all transport needs. Cab variants include the Day Cab, Sleeper Cab, and Sleeper High Cab, each designed to maximize visibility and ergonomics, while offering first class comfort for drivers.
