DFAC Trucks Captain 45 – Everything you need to know

DFAC Trucks – Australia’s newest commercial vehicle brand, DFAC Trucks, has targeted the Australian tradie market with an attractive launch offer on its first model release into the Australian market.

DFAC Captain 45 Workready 2

The 4.5-tonne Captain 45 is hitting the road with the all-new WorkReady model, which includes an Australian assembled aluminum tray with ladder racks and a wash station for a launch offer of just $59,990 drive-away.

With the high demands of Australian tradespeople firmly in mind, Australia’s newest light truck brand, DFAC Trucks, has partnered with leading provider of aluminium truck bodies, MW Manufacturing, to supply the Alloy Tray for the all-new Captain 45 WorkReady model.

Established in 1999 MW Manufacturing builds in excess of 100,000 products each year and has three factories and two workshops in Australia as well as separate steel and aluminium factories in China.

Designed in conjunction with DFAC in Australia and support from the DFAC factory in Xiangyang, the WorkReady Alloy Tray has undergone a range of evaluation processes including direct input from Australian stakeholders including dealers, operational specialists and local customers.

Part of China’s second-biggest truck manufacturer and imported and distributed in Australia by the KRW Motor Group Pty Ltd, DFAC is now available across multiple dealerships around the country.

Engineered for Australian conditions, the car license Captain 45 model features a 2.5-litre Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine from Cummins along with Dana axles and a six-speed EATON FAST AMT transmission.

DFAC Captain 45 Workready profile driving 1

WorkReady package includes:

Key features of the WorkReady package includes:

  • 4.5m x 2m tray with a load capacity of 2,000kg
  • Three sturdy crossbeams for transportation of longer materials including ladders
  • Rear cabin protection screen
  • Wash Station
  • Dropdown sides

The Captain 45 also has a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

CEO and Founder of KRW Motor Group, Neil Wang says the WorkReady platform is sure to catch the attention of businesses that require a workhorse that delivers on their needs at a market leading price with a the leading warranty in the Australian market at 7 years/250,000 kms.

“Light duty 4.5 tonne trucks are appearing more and more on worksites as tradespeople seek to maximise their business operations after growing out of their dual cab ute.

“After speaking to a wide range of operators, we developed, designed and constructed this tray model locally, sourcing the tray from MW Alloy trays to ensure availability for the WordReady model.”

Fully compliant with Euro 6 and ADR requirements, the Captain 45 has a set of safety standard features more comparable with passenger cars. This not only brings peace of mind, but also ensures that all on-site regulatory standards are met by operators.

DFAC Captain 45 Workready 3

DFAC Support

The WorkReady Captain 45 is backed by a 7-year 250,000km warranty as well as 24/7 NTI roadside assistance and a network of 24 DFAC Trucks Australia service centres across the country.

As the name implies the Captain 45 can step up if required with it also available in a 6 tonne GVM for those with a Light Rigid (LR) licence.

“DFAC Trucks meets facets of an owner’s relationship with the brand, the dealers and indeed their customers,” said Mr Wang.

“With a wheelbase of 3300mm, the Captain 45 is a versatile workhorse that is sure to be welcomed on small landscape upgrades, through to major infrastructure projects and everything in between.

“Gone are the days of a traditional truck layout inside with many car-like features in terms of function and comfort. A 13-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the prime example of how the captain has been developed for the Australian market.”

“Operators are continually looking for a smart solution, the WorkReady Captain 45 fits the bill.”

The car licence, 4.5-tonne Captain 45 has launched into the Australian market with the all-new WorkReady package for the introductory offer of just $59,990 drive-away inclusive of the Alloy Tray.

The introductory offer Is set to run through to 30th September 2026.

DFAC Captain 45 Workready 1

DFAC Trucks standard features

DFAC models come with a range of standard features, all of which have been taken into consideration with the design and fitment of the Alloy Tray.

“This Alloy Tray has been fully designed for the Captain 45 to ensure not only the best in operational requirements demanded by customers, but also works in conjunction with all safety systems of the vehicle,” said Mr James.

“In the 18 month design and evaluation process our team worked closely with MW on the initial design.

“Collectively we insisted on further input from key stakeholders and then applied those combined learnings for the final version that we have available on the WorkReady Alloy Tray.

“With a tray space of 4.5m x 2m it really is part of the DFAC way of bringing to market a smart option for operators.”

DFAC Captain 45 Workready cummins engine

The DFAC Captain 45, powered by a 2.5 litre turbo-diesel Cummins engine, delivers 121 kW with maximum torque of 400 Nm. Drivers can operate the Captain 45 with a car licence. Its GVM of 4.5-tonnes (upgraded to 6-tonne on a LR licence) and wheelbase of 3300mm place it in a popular segment for owner/operators and fleet operators.

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.

DFAC Captain 45 Workready interior front 1

Standard safety features include driver and passenger airbags, high-resolution reverse camera and parking sensor, adaptive cruise control, smart phone mirroring, multi-function steering wheel, LCD instrument panel and a large-scale 13” infotainment screen.

Under the distribution of the KRW Motor Group Pty Ltd, DFAC Trucks currently has seven sites, with an additional 18 locations as DFAC customer service centres across the nation.

DFAC Captain 45 Details

A new player has hit the Australian commercial vehicle market with DFAC Trucks commencing sales of its all-new light truck, the Captain 45 model around the country.

Distributed as part of the KRW Motor Group, DFAC’s origins date back to 1969 and can boast 1.2 million vehicles sold in over 100 countries across the globe. It is the second largest truck manufacturer in China.

The KRW Motor Group, an Australian owned and operated company, specializes in importing and distributing light to medium duty trucks and buses, including EV and hydrogen models.

The market is seeing the launch of the 4.5-tonne car licence model with Alloy Tray fitted. Which comes with an introductory offer of $59,990 driveway and is backed by a 7-year 250,000km warranty.

DFAC Captain 45, powered by a 2.5 litre turbo-diesel Cummins engine. This delivers a power rating of 121 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm. The Captain 45’s GVM of 4.5-tonnes (upgraded to 6-tonne on a LR licence). And a wheelbase of 3300mm position it in a popular segment for owner/operators and fleet operators.

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.

DFAC Captain 45 Workready interior front 2

2025 Brisbane Truck Show

First announced by KRW as a new player in the Australian market at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, the Australian distributor’s CEO and Founder, Neil Wang is confident that the DFAC Captain 45 is the right truck to mark the brand’s arrival on local shores.

“KRW has been working closely with DFAC to ensure the truck is right for the Australia market both from a technical standpoint, but also from a sales and aftersales perspective,” said Mr Wang.

“DFAC engineers from China along with our own local technical experts have been testing and evaluating pre-production models in the Australian environment, including roads and climatic conditions, both from a performance perspective as well as a focus on the operator in terms of safety and comfort.

“The result is a vehicle we are confident will prove to be a strong contender in the Australian market.”

DFAC Captain 45 Workready interior front SCREEN 3

Key OEM partnerships

DFAC has a number of key OEM partnerships. Including DANA for axles and drivetrain and the six-speed AMT transmission from FAST.

All ADR requirements are met, including:

  • Lane departure warning,
  • AEBS system,
  • pedestrian and cyclist detection as standard and
  • meet Cabin Strength Certification (ECE-R29).

Other standard safety features include

  • driver and passenger airbags,
  • high-resolution reverse camera and parking sensor,
  • adaptive cruise control,
  • smart phone mirroring,
  • multi-function steering wheel,
  • LCD instrument panel and
  • a large-scale 13” infotainment screen.

“All the OEM partners associated with DFAC are not just well-known, they are respected for their quality and ongoing innovation,” said Mr Wang.

“It is not an off-the-shelf truck, it has been specified for the Australian market with DFAC bringing together its own team and key OEM partners to ensure design and ingenuity.

“The Australian market is very competitive with one in every three vehicles over 3.5-tonnes sold in the light truck segment. KRW feels that the Captain 45 and the upcoming DFAC models will offer a compelling choice for the local truck operator.”

Cabin Appointments for comfort

Despite being classified as a light truck, the Captain features a driver’s seat rated to 140kg. And longer seat runners to accompany Australian drivers with longer limbs.

The cabin appointments are highlighted by the 13-inch infotainment screen. Which is a nod to the immediate familiarity to driving a passenger car.

“This is part of a suite of standard specifications that owners of DFAC Trucks will enjoy and adds value to their operations,” said Mr Wang.

“We have, and will continue to build, a trusted dealer network, and a 24-hour roadside assistance. Additionally, a range of accessories that are aimed at the local market. And a customer-focussed finance offer that is sure to be an attraction.

To complement the needs of the Australian customer  DFAC is offering its models in a range of colours:

  • Snowy White
  • Onyx Black
  • Flame Red
  • Wattle Yellow
  • Ironbark Grey
  • Reef Blue

“The offering of the variety of colours is a clear attraction to a range of segments. Including and not just small businesses, but also fleet and logistics, government & councils, and hire and rental.”

“This all underpins that DFAC, through the KRW Motor Group, has come to Australia very well prepared. It is smart planning and execution. Now we want customers to make that same smart choice,” concluded Mr Wang.

DFAC Captain 45 Workready interior front 4

DFAC Trucks Australia Confirms Foundation Dealer Network – July 2026 

Australia’s newest commercial vehicle brand, DFAC Trucks Australia. Has confirmed its foundation seven dealers that will form a larger scale network in the coming months.

Under the distribution of the KRW Motor Group Pty Ltd, DFAC Trucks will have seven sites. With an additional 18 locations as DFAC customer service centres across the nation.

DFAC Captain 45 range

This foundation group of dealers now offers the DFAC Captain 45 range for sale. With provide both cab chassis and an alloy tray variant. They house it under the WorkReady brand name. Pricing starts at just $59,995 Driveaway for the alloy tray WorkReady model that boasts a 7-Year or 250,000 warranty.

Drivers can operate the 4.5-tonne Captain 45 with a standard car license. They can extend its capacity to six-tonne GVM while driving with an LR license. The 4.5-tonne segment attracts both established operators and those looking to upgrade and improve their business.

The Captain 45’s features include

  • a globally available Euro 6 Cummins 2.5L engine,
  • Dana axles,
  • a EATON FAST AMT transmission and
  • a full safety suite that includes cyclist and pedestrian detection as standard..

DFAC Trucks dealer network

The DFAC brand is being represented by a number of leading truck dealers across Australia.

“We are very excited to not just bring the DFAC brand to Australia. But also have a group of established and leading dealers to support the product to customers,” said Mr Wang.

“Dealers have been chosen with the customer being front of mind. This collaboration will set the DFAC brand on a positive path from the outset of its introduction.

“From the Dealer Principals through to the sales and aftersales teams. We are ensuring the best customer support at all levels. With no stone unturned in what customers expect when they choose a DFAC Truck.”

Training in sales and service has been established. With the KRW Motor Group investing in Customer outcomes. With a team of leading truck industry sales and service experts joining the DFAC Australia team.

Since first announcing the DFAC Trucks brand at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show. The KRW Group has fielded interest from a wide range of dealers across Australia.

Foundation dealers will serve the DFAC brand

“The initial seven Foundation dealers will serve the DFAC brand and its customers through the introduction phase of the brand. But we are keen to grow the network as momentum builds. And customers have an opportunity to see the Captain 45 and upcoming models in operation,” said Mr Wang.

“The Australian truck market is buoyant. The need for quality light duty trucks for a wide range of industries continues to grow.

“Businesses from the owner-operator through to large scale fleets understand the need for the right truck for their needs. We are confident that DFAC can be amongst the brands and models they should consider.

“What customers will quickly discover is that DFAC is the smart truck to own across the total vehicle experience.”

The foundation seven dealer sites are:

  • Ballarat (Vic)
  • Geelong (VIC)
  • Newcastle (NSW)
  • Melbourne City (VIC)
  • Bunbury (WA)
  • Adelaide (SA)
  • Brisbane (QLD)

DFAC Trucks Australia

Part of the Dongfeng Motor Company, which has manufactured over 63 million units since 1969.  DFAC is the second largest truck manufacturer in China. With global sales of over four million commercial vehicles since 2000. In 2025 DFAC assembled 301,000 vehicles and supplied these to over 100 countries.

DFAC Australia is a subsidiary of KRW Motor Group Pty Ltd.  An Australian owned company. Specialising in the importation of and distribution of buses and light to medium duty trucks.

The KRW Motor Group employs a team of Australian specialists. That includes over 90 years of collective experience in Light, Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks. 90 collective years across Bus and Coach sales and Service. Over 75 years of collective Service Management experience.

Details at https://www.dfac-australia.com.au/

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About Rob Fraser 2625 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.