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DAF drives Woolworths' push for safe and environmentally-friendly trucks

18th November 2008

Leading supermarket chain Woolworths has just taken delivery of 18 DAF CF85 prime movers as part of its commitment to operating the most environmentally-friendly and safest trucks on the road.

The official hand-over, which took place at the Hallam Truck Centre dealership in Melbourne, marks the first time Woolworths has purchased DAF trucks. The new vehicles will join its Victorian fleet of more than 100 prime movers.

Woolworths' CF85s are the first DAFs in Australia to feature PACCAR's new high-performance, Euro 5 series low-emission engine which rates among the cleanest in the world. The DAFs also incorporate a variety of safety features, including a driver-side airbag and front under-run protection system as well as a side under-run protection system and EBS for trailers.

DAF Trucks Australia General Manager, Brad Wolstenholme said he was delighted to be working with such a visionary company as Woolworths.

"We're looking forward to developing a strong, long-term relationship with Woolworths. Using smarter, safer, greener vehicles, such as our CF85 series, is not only good for business, it's good for the wider community and, indeed, drivers and their families."

Woolworths is in the process of rolling out its Metropolitan Transport Model - a national expansion plan involving the purchase of a large number of trucks and trailers. National Fleet Manager, Edwin Higginson, says DAF is one of only a few truck manufacturers which could meet its stringent tender demands.

"Woolworths is raising the bar on Australian trucking. We require the highest environmental and occupational health and safety standards in our vehicles - features that will not be required by law for some years," Mr Higginson said. "We are most impressed with DAF's advanced engineering. It strikes the perfect balance between improved driver safety and productivity as well as lower operating costs and impact on the environment."

Before committing to DAF, Woolworths spent a number of months road-testing the CF85 against other European brands.

"DAF certainly lives up to its reputation. We've received nothing but positive feedback from the dozen drivers who tested the truck," Mr Higginson said.

"All agreed that the CF85 is a very driver-friendly vehicle. It's smooth and quiet to operate, and has superb road handling under any conditions. Also DAF's cab is comfortable and roomy, enabling drivers to function in a more relaxed position. And, with the automated gearbox and other features, driving is effortless. It doesn't matter if our drivers are making short deliveries in the city or long hauls in the country, they're performing better on the road and feeling better at the end of the shift. That's very important to Woolworths. Our staff is our greatest resource, so we're dedicated to providing them with the best workplace," Mr Higginson explained.

"We're also committed to the environment. We have hundreds of trucks on the road every day. We are mindful of our responsibility to help reduce our environmental footprint. That's why Woolworths is investing in leading-edge technologies, such as DAF's Euro 5 series trucks, which are fuel-efficient and deliver the world's lowest emissions.

"The Euro 5 standard won't become law in Australia until 2011. We're introducing it now, so that we can not only lead the industry but also achieve even greater outcomes. Our objective is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from our fleet by 25 per cent in the next four years," Mr Higginson added.

Woolworths' DAFs are all FTT CF85 6x4 prime movers rated to 70 tonnes GCM. Each vehicle is powered by the new 12.9-litre PACCAR MX fuel-efficient engine, which produces 460 horsepower (340 kW) and 1700 ft/lb (2300 Nm) of flat torque at 1000-1410 rpm. Other features include a 12-speed ZF AS Tronic overdrive automated transmission, Meritor RT46-160 rear axles, PACCAR Airglide 200 eight-bag air suspension and a sleeper cab.

The prime movers, configured with refrigerated units or general trailers, will be based at the major warehouse centre in Mulgrave. The 18 CF85s will distribute to stores throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria as far west as Ballarat, east to Lakes Entrance and north to Wodonga.

The DAFs mark a new era for Woolworths. Victoria's Safeway supermarkets are in the process of being rebranded as Woolworths stores, and the new DAFs will be among the first trucks to sport the new corporate livery.

Woolworths purchased the DAF trucks from award-winning dealer, Hallam Truck Centre, which has supplied and serviced the company's Kenworths for many years. "Our Melbourne team has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Hallam. We see the dealer relationship as an integral component in the success of our transport strategy. We're pleased Hallam is backing our new DAF fleet," he added.

DAF Trucks Australia, a division of PACCAR Australia Pty Ltd, distributes a range of medium and heavy-duty trucks throughout Australia. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light, medium and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services and information technology and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.