DAF turns heads at record-breaking RTX 2025

Road Transport Expo (RTX) 2025 took place from 24 to 26 June at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, United Kingdom – and, to our great delight – we were invited to the show (no other South African commercial vehicle journalists were invited)! We were mighty chuffed because RTX offers a tantalising taste of the vehicles and products that will enter the South African market one day.

Charleen Clarke

14 Jul 2025 · 07:27Transportation News

1 / 23

And we saw a lot! Now in its fourth year, the show brought together over 330 exhibitors, offering the record-breaking 14,161 visitors a comprehensive look at the latest developments in trucks, trailers, technology, and fleet services. Among the standout participants was DAF Trucks, which delivered one of the most talked-about displays of the event.

side on an open asphalt surface against a scenic backdrop of green fields and distant hills under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. Each truck represents a different configuration from the new generation model range, with sleek, modern designs and varying sizes. The trucks feature bold chrome accents and large, tinted windows.

Heavy-hitting outdoor line-up

DAF Trucks made a bold statement at RTX 2025, both in colour and content. The brand's latest New Generation model-year '25 vehicles were showcased in a striking new 'Flame Red' livery, capturing the attention of visitors before they even reached the stand. But it wasn’t just looks that impressed; DAF backed its visual flair with a solid display of engineering, innovation, and real-world practicality.

A shiny green DAF truck is parked on a sunny day with a blue sky and scattered clouds in the background. The truck features a modern aerodynamic design with sleek headlights and a bold front grille. Several people are seen in the background, standing and conversing near another parked vehicle with signage about a cleaner future and zero emissions.

On the outdoor stand, DAF presented three standout vehicles: the XG 530 FTT 6x4 heavy-haulage tractor, the XDC 450 FAD 8x4 tipper, and the XB Electric 19-tonner. These vehicles not only demonstrated the breadth of DAF’s offering but also underscored the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of diverse sectors.

A vibrant red DAF semi-truck parked on a gravel surface with a clear and modern design. The truck features a large chrome grille, sleek headlights, and aerodynamic contours. In the background, another red DAF truck is partially visible among green trees under a bright, clear sky.

The XG 530 FTT 6x4 is a heavy hauler built for serious jobs. With a gross combination weight rating of up to 150 tonnes, it’s powered by the PACCAR MX-13 12.9-litre engine delivering 530hp and a hefty 2600Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 12-speed TraXon automated gearbox calibrated for heavy-duty applications. A reinforced chassis featuring a nine-tonne front axle and HR1670T tandem axles ensures it’s more than up to the task, while a sliding Jost fifth wheel rounds out its high-spec capabilities.

Two red DAF trucks are driving side by side on a curved road in a scenic outdoor setting, surrounded by trees with a clear, sunny sky in the background. The larger truck on the left is slightly ahead, showcasing modern and sleek design features. Both trucks are on a paved road with a grassy shoulder and sparse road markers.

The XDC 450 FAD 8x4 tipper also drew attention for its rugged build and construction-ready features. Powered by the PACCAR MX-11 10.8-litre engine, it pushes out 449hp and 2350Nm of torque. The tipper's 12-speed TraXon transmission is tailored for tough terrain, with rock-free mode and off-road capabilities. The cab boasts a kerb-view window and Vision Dash, and it has earned a solid three-star rating under the London Direct Vision Standard. Its Charlton GrabLite body and Palfinger Epsilon crane made it a hit with operators in construction and utilities.

A lineup of DAF trucks, featuring various models in red and white, displayed side by side on a flat asphalt surface. The trucks are framed against a scenic background with green rolling hills, trees, and a blue sky with scattered clouds. Each truck showcases sleek and modern designs, with clean lines and prominent DAF logos on their grills.

For those looking to go electric, the DAF XB 190 FA Electric presented a zero-emissions option without compromise. Its 190kW motor delivers up to 3500Nm of torque, and its 282kWh battery pack allows for a range of up to 280km. Fast-charging capability up to 150kW ensures practicality, while the onboard AC charging and ePTO offering up to 90kW make it a strong contender for urban logistics and local distribution.

The interior ceiling of a vehicle, featuring a retractable storage compartment with a Union Jack flag design on its surface. The compartment is secured with black straps and has a netted storage section above. The ceiling is beige, with additional components like a control knob and part of a wooden accent panel visible below the compartment.

The special edition that stole the show

Arguably the star of the DAF stand was the unveiling of the limited-edition XG+ 530 UK30 Special Edition. Celebrating 30 years of DAF market leadership in the UK (well done, chaps!), the truck stood proudly in a rich metallic green with Union Flag accents. Built at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, only 30 units of this collector’s piece will be produced.

A sunny outdoor scene showcasing two large DAF semi-trucks parked side by side. The truck on the left is bright red, while the one on the right is metallic green. Both have sleek, modern designs with prominent grills and headlights. Behind them, a white truck advertisement with the text "Cleaner future, Zero Emissions" and an illustration of an electrical plug is visible. Other small vehicles and people can be seen in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

The cab's interior includes premium leather air seats and a unique upper bunk featuring the Union Flag graphic. Available in four configurations, early customer interest suggests these limited units won’t be available for long.

Electrification in focus

Inside the exhibition hall, DAF doubled down on its zero-emissions commitment with a pair of cutting-edge electric trucks. The XD 270 FAN Electric, a 28-tonne 6x2 rigid, features a dual-motor 270kW powertrain and a 315kWh battery delivering up to 320km of range. Fitted with an electric Hiab crane and Massey Truck body, it was a highlight for operators interested in real-world electric solutions.

A large, modern green DAF truck is parked outdoors on a sunny day. The truck has a shiny exterior with a tall cabin design and chrome wheels. To the left, there is a picnic table with a red umbrella, alongside a group of people standing near display vans that showcase banners and equipment related to driving fleet safety. The background features green trees, a blue sky with some clouds, and small structures.

The XF 350 FT Electric tractor offered even more muscle. With a 350kW dual motor, three-speed integrated transmission, and up to 525kWh of battery capacity, this 42-tonne GCM truck provides a range of up to 400km. Both vehicles support DC fast charging and include onboard AC capability, aligning with fleet needs for flexibility and uptime.

DAF didn’t just showcase its vehicles – it invited visitors to experience them. The Ride & Drive programme featured the flagship XG+ 530 6x2 tractor unit and the XDC 410 tipper, giving qualified drivers the opportunity to get hands-on. We had the opportunity to drive the XDC 410 tipper – a full report will follow soon.

There’s more to come…

This is part one of a series of articles on RTX. Next week, we turn our attention to Iveco, another key player making waves in the world of commercial vehicles. Stay tuned for more RTX news…!

Written by Charleen Clarke

Charleen Clarke is editorial director of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics, South Africa’s leading commercial vehicle magazine. She is an associate jury member on the International Truck of the Year jury and she also judges the annual Truck Innovation Award. She has been writing about commercial vehicles for more decades than she cares to admit. Read more