(From left to right): Anton Savage (presenter), Colm Furlong, (PTSB; Irish Truck Awards sponsor), John McCann (Sales Manager DAF Trucks Ireland) and Paul White (Fleet Transport Magazine)
DAF Trucks has triumphed at the prestigious Fleet Transport Awards 2027, with the DAF XDC 450 FAD winning the title of Irish Construction Truck of the Year 2027 in the four-axle rigid category. As part of the judging process, a concrete mixer that is part of a fleet order from DAF Trucks to Keegan Quarries was extensively evaluated and ultimately triumphed over competitor vehicles.
The Fleet Transport awards, which took place at the Johnstown Estate Hotel in Co. Meath, are associated with Fleet Transport, the Republic of Ireland’s leading truck and transport magazine. The prestigious accolades are judged by an expert panel that features seasoned transport journalists, hauliers and distinguished industry professionals. Collectively, the panel decided that the DAF XDC 450 FAD 8x4 excelled in a wide range of areas, including cab space and quality, performance and driver safety.
Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor and chairman of the judging panel, commented: “Congratulations to DAF on yet another high-profile truck award. The XD Series is a sure-fire winner, whatever the segment: regional haul; urban deliveries and now also in the construction sector.”
A concrete mixer from Keegan Quarries was used in evaluation of the DAF XDC by the Fleet Transport Awards judges
Sweeney’s fellow judges were also quick to praise the triumphant truck. “The compact yet spacious cab of the New Generation DAF XDc brings new levels of refinement and efficiency to the construction sector,” said one jury member. "DAF's XDC has raised the bar significantly to set a new benchmark in a segment that has, for many OEMs, been viewed as an afterthought,” commented another.
Meanwhile, collecting the award, John McCann, Sales Manager at DAF Trucks Ireland, said: “Winning the title of Construction Truck of the Year at the Fleet Transport Awards 2027 is great recognition for our XDC. Construction vehicles have to perform under particularly demanding conditions and environments. This award shows that the XDC offers the robustness and versatility operators require, combined with the efficiency, safety and driver comfort that characterise our New Generation DAF trucks.”
The DAF XDC 450 FAD is powered by a 10.8-litre PACCAR MX-11 engine mated to a TraXon automated transmission featuring dedicated software settings to enhance driving behavior on and off road. Available in 8x4, 6x4 and 4x2 axle configurations, the XDC has a large approach angle and high ground clearance, with an exterior design fit for purpose, with a robust bumper and grille and a steel radiator protection plate.
