New models tick all boxes

“It’s engineered and built in Australia, in Bayswater at the PACCAR plant in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater,” general manager Gerard Michel said.

“From an engineering point of view, it’s Australian engineers together with European resources from DAF, together to design and engineer this truck, which is unique in the sense of that it has an American drive line, with the PACCAR PX-15 engine, Kenworth air glide suspension and Meritor drive axles, together with class leading European cab design standards that are without compromise and beyond compare.”

With the American drive line and European cab comfort, all engineered in Australia, the DAF XG and XG+ is an “engineering feat” he said.

“It’s been done to to cater for and to exceed the requirements of a prime mover in Australian conditions,” he said.

“It’s something that we’re really proud of from a company point of view, and we expect it to be hugely successful.”

One of the premium features of the truck has been the 15-litre engine.

“We’ve been looking for a long time to have that 15-litre engine in a DAF chassis,” Gerard said.

“The engine is based off the Cummins X15 platform with PACCAR controls overlaid to produce increased performance levels that will really impress.”

The truck punches out 660 horsepower and a maximum torque of 3200Nm.

“There has been up to 18 validation units travelling the country over the last 12 months, across all trailer combinations and vocations, and the results have been outstanding, particularly with fuel returns,” Gerard said.

“We’ve got production happening right now, so the trucks are available.

“We have a demo truck out on the road, clocking up plenty of kilometres, and all the feedback has been very positive.”

Other feedback about the truck includes the feel of the engine and the quietness in the cab.

“It ticks all the boxes in terms of what operators and drivers need and want in a truck,” he said.

“The visibility is fantastic, the serviceability is tremendous at up to 80,000km service intervals, and we’re getting a lot of good feedback about the fuel economy.

“It’s probably exceeded the expectations in terms of what we anticipated across the whole of the validation units, and it’s been accepted really well.”

The new DAF model is a feat in Australian engineering, however in local excitement, Graham Thomson Motors is planning an expansion of its own current facility.

“We’ve got preliminary plans to expand the premises here,” Gerard said.

“We’re looking to expand parts warehousing, service bay capacity and retail display with more showroom and office space.

“Plans are in place to expand and modernise.”

The team may be based in Shepparton, however they are there to support a much wider area.

“We cover basically an area right through northern Victoria and the Southern Riverina and up into the Mallee area,” Gerard said.

“The strength of the Kenworth dealer network means that we can offer 24-7 back-up and support from a service and spare parts point of view.”

Getting drivers back on the road is always top of mind for Graham Thomson Motors, and the Australia wide Dealer Network connections make that possible.

“If we haven't got a part in stock, we can source it overnight because we understand the importance of making sure that our customers are on the road,” Gerard said.

“That’s one thing that we’re really well known for is, for that after sale support and back up because once you sell the truck, you need that support from our after sales department.”

If you can’t make it to their New Dookie Rd site, the team has spare parts sales representatives out on the road providing mobile support.

“We have people out on the road five-days-a-week, touching base with customers and making sure that their needs are met.”

To learn more about the DAF XG and XG+ or to check out Graham Thomson Motor’s range of new and used trucks, spare parts and service capabilities, head to 138-144 New Dookie Rd, Shepparton or give their friendly staff a call on 5821 3977.