New DAF truck fleet for IAA

The fleet delivery includes DAF XB 16-tonners, which signals a shift from 12-tonne GVW to address the challenges of electric car recovery.

As electric cars become more common, their heavier batteries create new weight challenges for recovery operations. Traditional 12-tonne trucks, once adequate for collecting ICE vehicles, now struggle with the weight penalties imposed by electric cars.

Mike Griffiths, head of transport for the UK, describes the GVW increase as, ‘a direct response to the evolving demands of the marketplace. Electric cars are considerably heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents and that weight difference impacts everything from loading capacity to operational efficiency’.

This shift has been supported by the delivery of 21 new DAF XD 6x2 and XB 4x2 rigid models. The new fleet includes 12 XD 410 rigid 26-tonners with DAF's 'FAR' 6x2 rear-lifting axle configuration and seven-car transporter bodies from our partners.

On the decision to continue the company's long-standing partnership with DAF, Griffiths said: “DAF continues to deliver on every front for our business. Reliability and ongoing service are key, and our relationship with North West Trucks at dealer level is second to none. With 85 percent of our 100-strong fleet now DAF, we know we can rely on the product and the people behind it.”