DAF XDC 8x4 named Construction Truck of the Year 2027 at Irish Fleet Transport Awards
DAF's 8x4 XDC has taken the Construction Truck of the Year 2027 title in the four-axle rigid category at the annual Fleet Transport Awards in Ireland.
- up to 44 tonnes
- 40 cm
- 25 degrees
- 330 kW/450 hp
What Happened
The 8x4 DAF XDC has been crowned Construction Truck of the Year 2027 in the four-axle rigid category at the annual Fleet Transport Awards in Ireland. DAF said the award is further testament to the capabilities of its 8x4 truck in demanding construction applications. The judging panel consisted of experienced industry professionals, transport operators and commercial vehicle journalists. The prize was received by John McCann, Sales Manager at DAF Trucks Ireland.
“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.”
- The compact yet spacious cab of the New Generation DAF XDC brings new levels of refinement and efficiency to the construction sector
- DAF's XDC has raised the bar significantly to set a new benchmark in this segment
The awarded DAF XDC 8x4 pairs double-steered front axles with a robust double-driven tandem featuring single or hub reduction. DAF quotes technical GVWs of up to 44 tonnes, which it says makes the vehicle an excellent choice for tipper, concrete and other typical construction applications. Its distinctive exterior design includes a robust black grille, a radiator protection plate and a steel bumper. High ground clearance of 40 cm and a large approach angle of 25 degrees support operation in challenging conditions.
- The awarded vehicle, in Construction specification
- Also available as tractor and rigid
- Also available as tractor and rigid
330 kW / 450 hpkW / hp
The XDC is powered by the PACCAR MX-11, also offered at 270 kW/370 hp and 300 kW/410 hp
“Winning the title of Irish Construction Truck of the Year at the Fleet Transport Awards 2027 is a great recognition for our XDC. This award shows that the XDC offers the robustness and versatility operators require, combined with the efficiency, safety and driver comfort that characterize our New Generation DAF trucks.”
Previously from DAF Trucks N.V.
In September 2026 DAF said it was broadening its battery-truck range with the XG+ Electric and new axle, chassis and battery layouts for distribution, construction and swap-body work. That announcement framed construction as one of the segments the expanded line-up was aimed at.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of DAF Trucks N.V.'s official releases.
Why this matters
The award is decided by transport operators, industry professionals and commercial vehicle journalists, so it gives construction buyers an independent read on a truck DAF sells for tipper and concrete work. Jury chairman Jarlath Sweeney also noted that the XD Series has won in regional haul and urban deliveries as well as construction.
Terms in This Story
- 8x4
- A truck layout with four axles in total, two of which are driven; the first number counts all axles and the second counts the driven ones.
- GVW
- Gross vehicle weight: the maximum total weight of a vehicle including chassis, body, load, fuel and driver, as rated by the manufacturer.
- tipper
- A truck whose cargo body can be raised hydraulically to tip loose material such as sand, gravel or rubble out of the back.
- hub reduction
- A driveline design in which an extra set of gears in the wheel hub slows the drive before it reaches the wheel, adding torque and reducing stress on the rest of the drivetrain.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.