DAF’s roots go back to 1928 when the brothers Van Doorne laid the foundation for what currently is the fastest growing truck manufacturer in Europe
1928 – Foundation
DAF’s roots go back to 1928, when the brothers Hub and Wim van Doorne laid the foundation for what currently is DAF Trucks. What started as a small engineering business and blacksmith workshop, developed into the fastest growing truck manufacturer in Europe. The Great Depression saw a shift towards trailer manufacturing and the change in name to 'Van Doornes Aahangwagen Fabriek' (Van Doornes Trailer Factory) which was abbreviated to 'DAF'.
1932
The decision is taken to concentrate on the production of trailers and semi-trailers. The name of the company is changed to ‘Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagenfabriek N.V.’, or D.A.F. for short.
1933 – Lightweight
For the production of trailers several revolutionary constructions are developed, such as a lightweight chassis, an automatic semi-trailer coupling system and a brake system.
1936 – Containers
DAF became one of the first suppliers of container trailers in the world with a work force of 100 people in Europe.
1949 – First truck
DAF manufactured their first truck in Holland, which was one of three prototypes. The production of commercial vehicles followed with the introduction of three models; the 3 tonne (A30), 5 tonne (A50) and 6 tonne (A60). This growth resulted in the establishment of a larger production facility (9,000m2) on the current Eindhoven site.
1955 – 10,000th chassis
On 3 May, in the presence of all 2,500 employees, the 10,000th truck chassis is delivered.
1962 – 2600 series
DAF introduced the new 2600, a modern truck that could also be supplied with a sleeper whilst its compact design allowed for optimum load length. The 2600 was nicknamed 'the mother of international road transport' and DAF became the European market leader in driver comfort.
1964 – 50,000th chassis
n July 1964 the 50,000th DAF truck chassis rolled off the assembly line in Eindhoven Holland.
1985 – 600 / 800 / 1000
DAF undertook a project with British Leyland, which initially resulted in the supply of Leyland-developed distribution vehicles carrying the DAF logo: the 400 van, but also the 600, 800 and 1000 distribution trucks, later called the 45 series. Two years later Leyland was taken over by DAF.
1987 – DAKAR
The DAF 'Turbotwin II' with 1000+ hp wins the Rally Paris-Dakar for vehicles above 10 tonnes GVM.
1996 – PACCAR
PACCAR finalised the acquisition of DAF Trucks N.V. DAF Trucks is a Netherlands based truck company with production facilities in Eindhoven, the Netherlands and Westerlo, Belgium.
1999 – 500.000th truck
DAF delivered its 500,000th Eindhoven-built truck. DAF trucks were introduced to Australia, following time spent researching and developing vehicle specifications that met Australia’s demanding conditions, as well as training and appointing sales and after-sales support staff.
2001 – Truck of the year
Production began of the new CF series for medium and heavy duty haulage and of the new LF series for local distribution transport. These models are successfully introduced to the Australian market.The LF was selected 'International Truck of the Year 2002'.
2008 – Woolworths
Woolworths takes delivery of 18 DAF CF85 prime movers as part of its commitment to operating environmentally-friendly and safe vehicles. These trucks are the first DAFs in Australia to feature PACCAR’s new high-performance, Euro 5 series low-emission engine. The DAFs also incorporate a variety of safety features, including a driver-side airbag and front under-run protection system as well as a side under-run protection system and EBS for trailers.
2012 – World Class
The world class DAF XF105 is successfully launched to the Australian marketplace for the first time at Melbourne's International Truck, Trailer and Equipment show (ITTES). An independent judging panel comprising ofmedia, sponsors, and association representatives, unanimously declared the XF105 as The Truck of the Show.
2012 – Design Award
Good Design Australia - In recognition for its exceptional design, the DAF XF105 was selected by an expert panel of judges from Good Design Australia as a winner of the Design Award™ for the Automotive and Transport category. Click here for more information.
2015 – The new LF
The stunning new LF Euro 5 range was launched to the Australian marketplace for the first time at the 2015 Brisbane Truck Show.
