DAF’s XF and CF models have received the Best in Class accolade during Australia’s Good Design Week
DAF Trucks Australia has been honoured with the Good Design Award Best in Class accolade in the Product Design Automotive and Transport category in recognition for outstanding design and innovation for its XF and CF model range.
The award was announced on September 10 during the 2020 Good Design Week.
The annual Good Design Awards lays clam to being Australia’s oldest and most prestigious international awards for design and innovation with a proud history dating back to 1958.
The awards celebrate the best new products and services on the Australian market, excellence in architectural design, engineering, fashion, digital and communication design, design strategy, social impact design and young designers.
More than 55 Good Design Awards jurors evaluated each entry according to a strict set of design criteria which covers ‘good design’, ‘design innovation’ and ‘design impact’. Projects recognised with a Good Design Award must demonstrate excellence in good design and convince the Jury they are worthy of recognition at this level.
Felipe Rubio, general manager of DAF Trucks Australia, says he was excited to accept the Best in Class Good Design Award.
“The DAF XF and CF model range, released in Australia in February 2020, has set a new benchmark for excellence in safety, fuel efficiency, driver comfort and exterior styling for the Australian heavy-duty truck market, and this accolade is further evidence that our new truck models are setting industry standards,” Rubio says.
QUIET REVOLUTION BEHIND NEW DAF RANGE
The Good Design Awards jury praised DAF Trucks Australia.
“This sets a new industry standard for truck style, function, safety, sustainability and performance. Innovative thinking has resulted in a truck that has a positive impact on the end-user, business and environment.
“The design offers a clever combination of aerodynamic styling and features as well as powertrain refinements that have delivered a vehicle that is cleaner for the environment, yet offers better performance,” the jurors report says.
“Australian and Dutch engineers have worked closely together to validate the new vehicles for local conditions. Designers have developed an innovative range of smart solutions, one example is the integrated exterior styling that improves aerodynamics and disguises the unique protective cab suspension and construction system – very clever!
“The styling solves the technical challenges of improving fuel efficiency whilst developing innovative frontal collision absorption mounts that protect the occupants.
“The interior design is more car-like, adding to the sophistication and refinement of the truck.
“The interior design is purposeful with a thoughtful ergonomic layout, opportunities for customisation, use of tough durable materials and superior NHV qualities. These features ensure the end-user enjoys the creature comforts and features expected of a modern vehicle.
“Clearly, Paccar has set a vision to develop the DAF truck with a level of sophistication, safety and performance that will appeal to the end-user, ensuring the DAF brand continues to be a market leader and commercial success.”
Dr Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia says receiving a Good Design Award is a significant achievement given the very high calibre and record number of entries received in 2020.
“There’s no doubt it has been a really tough year for everyone so it’s nice to be able to share some good news for a change.
“The projects represented in this year’s Good Design Awards shine a positive light on our creative and innovative capacity as human beings.”
The 2020 Good Design Awards attracted a record number of submissions with 835 design projects evaluated in this year’s international design awards.