The production of DAF vehicles was started in 1928, by engineer Hubert van Doorne and director of a brewery, investor of the project Arnold Huenges. At first the company was manufacturing automobile and tractor trailers. In 1932 Hubert van Doorne with his brother Win van Doorne have changed the name of the company to Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek. From that time the history of DAF brand has started, after Huenges left the company it became family business of Van Doornes.
Specialization of the company on trucks, buses and trailers, contributed to the strong demand at the postwar period. The first truck which was released in 1949 became the DAF A30. The same year the company changes its name to Van Doorne's Automobiel Fabriek, without changing the acronym. A year later DAF builds a new factory for the production of three-, five-and six-toned trucks with a total output of up to 12 units per week, and on May 3, 1955 10000th truck was realized. In 1950 the factory continues designing multi-axial vehicles, catching up tonnage up to 10 tons which is rare at that time. DAF also receives regular orders from the military, which helps to promote the trucks. Further marking of the models is based on the mode xx00.
In the late 50's factory engineers decide to lead an experiment and produce the first passenger car. Its total number comes to 800 000 pieces during all the period of DAF’s existence. The hallmark of high quality and comfort of the passenger models was fully variomatic transmission.
In the early 60s DAF provides its trucks with new engines and puts to use diesel turbocharged engine. In the middle 60s DAF production reaches 50 000 which is also connected with the opening of a new plant in Belgium.
Since the 1970 the trucks are being equipped with a tilt cabin for improvement of engine maintenance. Also the cabin is being modernized and equipped with additional equipment for bigger convenience when traveling on long distances. DAF’s new models receive additional equipment for being used in construction business, and for transportation of special cargo.
In the 80s DAF produces a new generation of long-haul trucks, and in 1987 the famous premium model DAF 95 with an enlarged cabin is produced. In the same year the company broadens through takeover of Freight Rover and Leyland and comes out to the market with a new name DAF B.V.
In the 1990s, the company releases a new line of heavy-duty, light-duty and medium-duty trucks with improved design and new engines. The stiffening of environmental regulations forced the company to introduce new technologies for fuel combustion while the turning and the engine power was saved.
In 1996, DAF was purchase by PACCAR, one of the largest manufacturers of trucks. In the 2000s, DAF trucks changes tagging of the models from xx00 format to letter format. Small-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks LF, CF, XF appear on the market. They are equipped with improved engines that meet environmental standards Euro 4 and Euro 5. Moreover innovational hybrid engine is presented to the market.
Production of DAF trucks details is located all over the European Union. However, the bulk of production capacity, together with the historical headquarters is located in Eindhoven (Netherlands).
The line of DAF models: LF, CF, XF is available in different variations depending on the destination and environmental requirements. Packaging with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines is possible.
DAF XF
The model XF is designed for transportation of bulky goods over long distances. This model is supplied with almost 13-liter diesel engine PACCAR MX-13 and almost 11 liter PACCAR MX-11, which both meet Euro 6 requirements. It is equipped with an up-to-date chassis. Models can also have other additional equipment.
DAF CF
A new series of model CF with Euro 6 engine is designed for medium-duty out-of-town haulage. The model can be equipped with three variants of cabins, three versions of the engine, as well as different gear ratio on the rear axle. The characteristics of the model can reduce operating costs and improve driving comfort.
DAF LF
Model LF is designed for the distribution of goods. Thanks to its cornering ability and driving characteristics, it is ideal for the urban environment and serving trade sector. Its bodywork gives an opportunity to effortlessly load and unload goods quite quickly. A wide range of engines and gearboxes allows the model to be adapted to the specific operating conditions. In addition the equipment of the cabin can improve the comfort of the driver.
The sphere of DAF trucks’ usage is wide enough: long-distance transportation, distribution, utilities, construction, agriculture, etc.
