The journey of acquiring new trucks encompasses dual decisions encompassing the choice of truck make and model, as well as deliberations over the appropriate truck finance solution. Navigating the selection process for the ideal make and model of new truck presents an invigorating challenge, given the abundance of exceptional vehicles spanning diverse categories in the market. Gleaning insights from annual truck awards, which shed light on the manufacturers meriting recognition from industry experts, can serve as a valuable compass for commencing the exploration process.
These accolades offer a solid starting point, signalling the manufacturers and models that have garnered acclaim within the industry. This guidance can assist businesses in charting a course through the extensive range of options and narrowing down choices aligned with expert endorsements.
The International Truck of the Year Awards for 2023 have been decided, with DAF and Mercedes-Benz two of the winning manufacturers. The DAF XD Series took out Truck of the Year while the Mercedes eActros Long Haul won the Innovation Award.
These awards are judged by senior trucking magazine journalists in Europe for trucks that have been introduced over the prior 12 month period and as such, these particular models may not as yet be available in Australia. But the judging criteria may be considered in backgrounding particular brands in the purchase selection process.
The criteria and judging includes making a significant contribution to efficiency in road transport; innovation; safety; comfort; fuel economy; driveability; environmental footprint; and that all important total cost of the ownership of the vehicle.
Truck of the Year – DAF XD
The DAF XD Series took the prestigious award for 2023 and faced tough competition from the Scania Super Long-Haul Driveline as well as the Actros from Mercedes-Benz. Notable for Australian buyers, the XD has the same ‘DNA’ as the XF, XG+ and XG models and the XF currently appears on DAF Australia’s website. Beyond this similar DNA the new XD takes full advantage of the new regulations for masses and dimensions in the EU.
The jury selection was summed up by the Gianenrico Griffini, Awards Chairman, by saying that the XD set a new class benchmark in delivering this state-of-the-art truck. The judges were full of praise for the performance of the highly-efficient powertrains, the enhanced visibility of the curved windscreen, the side windows and corner-view camera and other features to improve safety.
In response to the award, the President of DAF Trucks, Mr Siedel said it proved that the SD was setting new standards in the industry for distribution and vocational applications with first-class efficiency, comfort and safety.
Innovation Award
Also receiving a prestigious gong in the 2023 Awards was Mercedes-Benz. The company won the Truck Innovation Award for the eActros LongHaul. This is a concept prototype for the long-distance, heavy-duty sector of the transport industry. This award acknowledges the huge changes in energy transition and technology in the auto sector. The battery-electric Merc won against the Volta ZF etrailer and the Faun fuel-cell vehicles.
As a prototype, the eActros is now in intensive testing and is due to hit the road in 2022 with real-world prototype testing in 2023. So it looks like it will be some time before this particular Mercedes-Benz would be available in Australia. But the award may be a sign for Australian buyers to seriously consider other Mercedes models which are available locally.
Finance for Leading Brands and Models
While following the outcome of the International Truck Awards may be interesting, if the winning models are not available in the Australian market, buyers may not have the opportunity to make a purchase of these immediately. However, awards such as these can often indicate which particular brands and manufacturers are making the greatest developments in certain areas of performance. As such they can guide buyers to consider those brands.
As the statement from the judging panel said, the DNA of the new, winning XD is the same as some of the other series in the DAF line-up. Buyers can see what DAF models are currently available in Australia as to suitability to your business. Same goes for Mercedes.
The truck finance can be a critical factor in the purchasing process. If the finance is not cost-effective and affordable, then the true value of the features of an award-winning heavy vehicle make or model may not be realised.
Operators looking to purchase award-winning truck brands can look to Jade Truck Loans for cheaper truck finance across all sectors of the heavy vehicle market. We provide the full range of truck finance products to suit all types of businesses. Currently, Chattel Mortgage For Truck & Trailer financing is particularly popular as it provides eligible businesses with the opportunity to utilise the temporary full expensing tax measure.
The interest rate is of course critical to any finance arrangement and despite the recent RBA rate hikes, we have maintained our cheaper truck interest rate truck loan position. Providing our customers with cost-effective, workable truck finance which is individually sourced and structured to meet their specific requirements.
Prior to making a final truck purchase decision, operators can discuss their requirements with us and we can provide pre-approved truck finance to assist with selecting a make and model that works with the approved loan amount.
Contact Jade Truck Loans on 1300 000 003 for truck finance on award-winning heavy vehicle brands.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS ISSUED PURELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GENERAL INFORMATION PROVISION. IT IS NOT TO BE TAKEN AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR BASING FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING. THOSE REQUIRING FINANCIAL GUIDANCE AND ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR FINANCIAL CONSULTANT OR ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY MISREPRESENTATION OF POLICIES, DATA OR ERRORS IN THIS CONTENT.
