CarBrandLogos archive · DAF · 2001

DAFLF

The light distribution truck with a British accent and an American engine.

Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

The story

A defining chapter in DAF history.

Explore the ideas, engineering and context that shaped the DAF LF, then continue into its specifications and place in the marque's lineage.

Origins

The LF arrived in 2001 to replace the DAF 45 and 55 and, in Britain, the Leyland Roadrunner it was descended from. It is a light and medium distribution truck: the sort that delivers to town-centre shops, carries a tail lift and does short runs with a driver who climbs in and out of the cab all day, which is why the cab was designed around low entry steps and good visibility.

DAF LF 2005 · DeFacto · CC BY-SA 2.5

Design and engineering

Cummins supplied the engines throughout — B-series units in the early trucks, later ISB4.5 and ISB6.7, with an ISF3.8 in the hybrid version DAF trialled. Assembly was centred on Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, with additional work in Taiwan and Belgium. The LF won International Truck of the Year in its first year and stayed in the range until October 2023, when DAF renamed it the XB.

Heavy filthy · Chris McKenna (user:Thryduulf) · CC BY-SA 4.0

At a glance

The facts that define it.

Produced

2001–present

Technical specification

The LF, in detail.

Production: 2001-present (LF renamed to XB on October 6, 2023)
Class: Small
Engine: Cummins B Series engine (ISB3.9 & ISB5.9 in 2001-2006 models, ISB4.5 & ISB6.7 in 2007-present models); Cummins ISF3.8 (LF Hybrid)
Assembly: UK: Leyland (Leyland Trucks); Taiwan: FASC ; Belgium: Ghent (Volvo Trucks)
Manufacturer: DAF Trucks

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