Paccar’s DAF Brand Claims International Truck of the Year
Truck Maker’s XD, XF Electric Models’ Modular Design Elements Recognized
Key Takeaways:
- The DAF XD and XF Electric were selected the winners.
- This win marks the third consecutive year an electric truck has taken the prize.
- The award is presented each year to a vehicle that in the previous 12 months has made a significant contribution to commercial transportation efficiency.
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A truck manufactured by Paccar Inc.’s DAF global brand took home International Truck of the Year honors for 2026.
The DAF XD and XF Electric were selected the winners by a 24-member jury comprising transportation journalists from around the world. It is the third time DAF has claimed the title with its so-called New Generation range of trucks; the XF, XG and XG+ won in 2022 and the XD in 2023.
This win marks the third consecutive year an electric truck has taken the prize; of the five finalists, three were BEV models. The fully electric SANY e435 was the first Chinese truck to be named a finalist in the 50-year history of the award. The other nominees were the MAN D30 PowerLion, MAN eTGS and Scania Super 11.
The trophy was presented to DAF Trucks President Harald Seidel during a Nov. 19 awards gala at the Solutrans trade fair in Lyon, France.
🎉 Celebration time!⁰Our New Generation DAF XD Electric and XF Electric have taken the crown:⁰‘International Truck of the Year 2026’ 🏆
Find out more: | — DAF Trucks N.V. (@DAFTrucksNV)
The DAF models were recognized for their modular design characteristics, which allow for a variety of battery and axle configurations that expand flexibility for owners, according to an ITOY news release.
The award is presented each year to a vehicle that in the previous 12 months has made a significant contribution to commercial transportation efficiency. Included in the assessment are technological innovation, comfort, safety, drivability, energy efficiency, environmental performance and total cost of ownership.
ITOY jury chairman Florian Engel said, “With the new XD and XF Electric, DAF Trucks demonstrates that the combination of a central electric motor and a traditional rear axle can be just as energy-efficient as a driveline with an e-axle.”
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Supervision, tabulation and certification of the voting process is handled by Dekra, an independent testing and inspection company.
The jury comprised journalists from media outlets across Europe and beyond. In recent years associate members have been added in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. Transport Topics Executive Editor Joe Howard is the U.S. jury member, but did not participate in this year’s vote.
The organization was founded in 1976 by British journalist Pat Kennett.
