Daf Trucks will be heading to next week’s Freight in the City Expo at Alexandra Palace to showcase its latest designs to make urban deliveries safer and quieter.

First of two models on its stand will be the CF 400 FT 4x2 tractor unit equipped with Silent Mode, allowing it to meet low-noise standards for night-time deliveries.

Silent Mode is engaged by the driver by simple activation of a dash-mounted ‘Silent’ button. Beneath the cab, engine software alters performance characteristics to reduce noise levels to less than 72 dB(A).

Already available on both CF and XF models powered by the Euro-6 PACCAR MX-11 engine, Daf recently announced at the RAI Show in Amsterdam that Silent Mode will now be extended to the LF range.

With confirmation of PIEK-certification on PACCAR PX-5 engine variants (150bhp and 180bhp), Daf’s lightweight 4x2 rigid models for early morning and night-time urban operations are now available in the UK.

The manufacturer added that acquisition costs of LF, CF and XF Silent models remain low thanks to conventional driveline technology.

Daf Trucks’ second exhibit, with a focus on vulnerable-road-user protection, is the CF 440 FAD low-height 8x4 rigid tipper.

A Clocs initiative demonstrator, the vehicle is based on the Daf CF low-height haulage chassis, with its cab mounted 150mm lower than its CF Construction 8x4 stablemate, thus greatly improving direct visibility in the vicinity around the cab.

For added driver awareness, the Clocs demonstrator boasts side-scan technology from Brigade Electronics (also exhibiting at Freight in the City). The system warns cyclists when the vehicle is turning left while alerting the driver should a cyclist encroach on the nearside of the vehicle.

This truck also benefits from a VUE camera system. Linked to two monitors, one of which is mounted on the driver’s A-post, VUE provides camera observation along the entire nearside of the vehicle.

Completing the driver’s command of his immediate surroundings, the vehicle is fitted with an additional floor-height window in the passenger door to provide a direct view of cyclists and pedestrians. Daf said the design, developed by Cheshire-based Astra Vehicle Technologies, allows the main passenger door window to open; a key benefit that enables drivers to have a clear view of traffic during poor weather and to allow access to the mirrors from the passenger seat for cleaning purposes.

Astra’s floor-height door window makes its debut at Freight in the City.

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