New Chinese entrant to the Australian truck market, DFAC claims that it has left no stone unturned in ensuring quality and performance for local truck vehicle customers in terms of product and engineering ,as the brand’s first model hits the roads across the country.
DFAC says its new Captain 45 model has been rigorously tested with more than 800,000 kms of real world and simulated testing both in China and on Australian roads.
The company claims the program included 14,000 individual component level tests to ensure the best performance, safety and reliability for the wide range of applications Australian customers demand.
The company reckons that the car licence compliant Captain 45 model meets all local Australian Design Rules (ADR) and features the latest technology Cummins 2.5-litre Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine along with Dana axles and a six-speed Eaton FAST AMT transmission.
DFAC has launched the new 4.5-tonne Captain 45 with its all-new WorkReady model, which includes an Australian assembled aluminium tray, ata launch recommended retail drive-away pricing of $59,990.
DFAC is the local distributor for the Dongfeng Automobile Company, which was established in 1968 and boasts its own 73.3 hectare research and development facility in China, which includes dynamic testing facilities, high-speed ovals, durability sections and various road types, as well as level-5 autonomous driving evaluation capabilities.
The R&D department is based in the central Chinese city of Xiangyang in the Hubei Province and sits alongside the manufacturing facility enabling it to integrate with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) joint ventures, including Cummins, Dana and Eaton.
The company says that experts from DFAC as well as other OEM partners use the Xiangyang facility, as well as the Turpan Basin which is also known as “Flaming Mountains” for both high altitude and hot weather evaluation.
The company claims that its thorough test and development 
program was not only used in developing the Captain 45, but also for future models that it says will also come to Australia over the next two years.
Australian distributor, KRW Motor Group, has overseen product development both in China as well as in locally based trials with pre-production trucks across the country over the past 18 months.
“The work that has gone into bringing the first DFAC models to the Australian market has been extensive to say the least,” said DFAC general manager for DFAC Truck, Bill Gillespie .
“Australian conditions, including climate, road type and scale, requires vehicles that are of an extremely high standard and DFAC has enthusiastically taken on the challenge.
“The result is a brand that is not only up to the job, but in many respects will exceed the expectation of customers.”
DFAC’s commitment to meeting the needs of local markets has seen it produce 1.2 million vehicles which are sold in over 100 countries. It is the second largest truck manufacturer in China.
“The 7-year or 250,000km warranty offer is proof of the quality of the Captain range – this is industry leading,” said Gillespie .
“No better way for customers to have satisfaction than knowing that their vehicle will be doing what is required and that is delivering for their business.
“Truck quality is backed by a dedicated team of dealers and service centres that right now totals 17 sites. We are confident that number will grow extensively in the coming 12 months.
Part of the testing process has included the WorkReady allow tray model for the Captain 45.
“The genuine alloy tray integrates for performance and the wide range of safety systems including AEBS system, pedestrian and cyclist detection, all of which are standard on the Captain range,” said Mr Gillespie.
“Yes we are confident in the DFAC product, but we understand the need for servicing and repairs and have available an extensive locally-based inventory of parts and consumables to the network.
“This again underlines that the DFAC/KRW model of offering a smart choice in terms of the truck itself, is also backed by first class aftersales support.”
On top of its 4.5-tonne GVM the all-new DFAC Captain 45 range has a tow rating of 3.5-tonnes, ensuring that trades people and large fleets can use the vehicle for a variety of applications.
