DAF Trucks ‘Starts the Future’ at major UK Ride & Drive event

DAF Trucks has brought the curtain down on its largest ever customer Ride & Drive event showcasing the entirety of its latest product range. Staged over three weeks in May, and making full use of the UTAC Millbrook proving ground, the ‘Start the Future’ event attracted almost 2,000 customers, DAF Dealers and suppliers.

Over 30 DAF trucks were put through their paces, including New Generation, XD, XF, XG and XG⁺ models, plus DAF’s best-selling LF featuring the new, innovative PowerLine eight-speed transmission. All vehicles with conventional engine technology were fuelled with Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) supplied by Green Bio Fuels, delivering a 40-tonne CO₂ saving over the course of the event.

For many, DAF’s Start the Future event provided the first opportunity to evaluate DAF’s zero-emissions offering, with three LF Electric 19-tonners arguably the event’s biggest attraction, with box, curtain and refrigerated body variants available to test.

DAF’s extensive range of vocational vehicles, including the latest XDC multi-axle models for construction applications, were given a thorough work-out around Millbrook’s tough cross-country course; the MX Engine Brake proving particularly effective in tackling steep descents.

Operators were able to draw on the considerable expertise of a team of control drivers who accompanied every vehicle. These comprised qualified drivers from across the DAF business including DAF Dealer Driver Trainers specially trained to assist customers with vehicle handovers. Event helpers, presenters and other staff were drafted in from DAF Trucks, Leyland Trucks, DAF Dealers, and regular suppliers to DAF in the UK, to deliver a fantastic experience for all guests.

DAF also occupied UTAC Millbrook’s Concept 1 facility where it staged regular seminars and unveiled its new XD Electric for the first time in the UK.

Key to the success of the Start the Future event was the support from suppliers, including trailers from Dawson Group, TIP, Turners and Kelberg, HVO from Green Bio Fuels and AdBlue courtesy of Greenchem. Goodyear and Texaco were also instrumental in their support while Palfinger staged a popular crane competition. Motor racing team, TeamBRIT, were also in attendance displaying a McLaren endurance racer and testing race enthusiasts with a thrilling static race simulator. An impressive display of bodied DAF vehicles helped ensure a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day for guests.