New DAF LF Driveline with PowerLine transmission: the smooth choice for FVTH

New DAF LF Driveline with PowerLine transmission: the smooth choice for FVTH

15th November 2022 | DAF UK
  • DAF PowerLine part of new upgraded driveline for DAF LF range; up to 7% better fuel
  • New ZF eight-speed automatic delivers luxury car performance in the UK’s favourite distribution truck
  • “The new DAF PowerLine takes it to the next level – it really does deliver car-like driveability…” Tim Houghton, MD at FVTH
  • 600-vehicle FVTH fleet features 80% DAF presence across all weight categories, including the New Generation XG and has XD models on the way
New DAF LF Driveline with PowerLine transmission: the smooth choice for FVTH

New, upgraded DAF LF driveline features DAF PowerLine fully automatic gearbox. Farnborough Van & Truck Hire is among the first UK customers.

Farnborough Van & Truck Hire (FVTH) is one of the first UK operators to take DAF Trucks’ new DAF PowerLine fully automatic gearbox; part of a raft of driveline upgrades designed to deliver up to a 7% improvement in fuel economy for the market leader’s hugely popular DAF LF range.

 

At a special handover at Leyland Trucks, FVTH Managing Director, Tim Houghton, was presented with the keys to a DAF LF 190 7.5-tonne rigid complete with PACCAR box-van body and tail-lift – part of a fleet order for the rental and contract hire company. The rental and contract hire company’s vehicles are supplied by DAF Dealer, Greenhous DAF.

New DAF LF Driveline with PowerLine transmission: the smooth choice for FVTH

A special vehicle handover event was staged at Leyland Trucks. From left-to-right - Russell Patmore (DAF Trucks Sales Director), Peter Ahrens (Leyland Trucks Managing Director), Tim Houghton (FVTH Managing Director) and Colin Moore (Greenhous DAF Truck Sales Executive).

The DAF LF is the first truck to feature the ZF PowerLine eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is tried and tested in the premium passenger car market where it is used by a number of prestige brands. The heavy-duty variant of the automatic powershift PowerLine gearbox is ideally suited to the LF series and available in 7.5, 10-12, 14-16 and 18 tonne GVM variants, including urban tractor and drawbar specifications up to 28-tonnes GCM.
 
PowerLine is a fully automatic powershift transmission with hydro-dynamic torque convertor delivering maximum responsiveness and seamless shifting with continuous torque transmission. An ‘urge to move’ function delivers outstanding low-speed manoeuvrability while the high spread of ratios, including a double overdrive, together with ‘lock-up’ from first gear, helps to deliver significant fuel saving benefits. The whole package makes the LF even easier and more relaxing to drive.
 
The DAF PowerLine automatic gearbox features in a range of significant upgrades to the DAF LF range. Redesigned PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines – seven ratings in total – feature lightweight yet strong Compacted Graphite Iron block, low-friction pistons, new efficient compressors and a new waste-gate turbo. Together with newly optimised rear-axle ratios, plus the new DAF PowerLine gearbox, will deliver up to a 7% improvement in fuel economy.
 

New DAF LF Driveline with PowerLine transmission: the smooth choice for FVTH

The new DAF PowerLine eight-speed fully automatic gearbox, developed by ZF, is also used in the prestige passenger car market

FVTH has a 600-vehicle fleet with an 80% DAF presence across all weight categories. The company, based in Portsmouth and with a new location in Colnbrook, Heathrow, also has New Generation DAF XG tractor units on its fleet with New Generation DAF XD rigids – International Truck of the Year 2023 – already on order. FVTH boasts nationwide coverage and has a specialist division of the business dedicated to the construction and builders’ merchants’ sectors.

 

“Automated and automatic gearboxes are a must in the rental and contract hire business,” said FVTH Managing Director, Tim Houghton, “my customers just want to jump in and go. The new DAF PowerLine takes it to the next level – it really does deliver car-like driveability. Operationally, auto-boxes drive down maintenance costs, too – especially on clutches. And, of course, the prospect of a 7% improvement in fuel economy from the new driveline is a good thing for everyone.

New DAF LF Driveline with PowerLine transmission: the smooth choice for FVTH

“The new DAF PowerLine takes it to the next level – it really does deliver car-like driveability…” Tim Houghton, MD at FVTH.

“We have enjoyed a 30-year partnership with Greenhous DAF, although we draw on the support of the DAF Dealer network throughout the UK – plus we use DAF and PACCAR for all our parts, too. We’ve always been well looked after by DAF and we’ve worked hard to make the business relationship a highly successful one."

Press Contact

Press Contact

Phil Moon, DAF Trucks Ltd.
T:  07802 612172
M: philip.moon@daftrucks.com