Timeline

1928

1928    

Hub van Doorne starts his own business, with financial assistance from Mr Huenges, director and owner of Coolen’s Brewery and Ice Factory: the Hub van Doorne Engineering Works and Repair Shop is a fact.

1930

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

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.

1935

Together with Captain of artillery Van der Trappen of the Dutch army, Hub van Doorne develops the TRADO construction, to convert a single driven rear axle into a double driven tandem axles. Many 4x2 army vehicles are retrofitted with the TRADO axle.

1936

A unique invention is ready for production: the DAF demount trailer. Putposely developed for the loading and unloading of railway containers for intermodal rail-road transport. With the demount trailer the containers can fast and easily be loaded onto and unloaded from a railway wagon and also be collected from and delivered to the customer.

1937

Due to its traction in heavy terrain the TRADO construction is also used for armoured vehicles.

1940

1948

The name ‘Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek’ is changed into ‘Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek’.

1948

DAF produces a coach chassis with a slider engine.

1949

DAF presents its first two truck chassis to the press: the A-30 (3 tonnes) and the A-50 (5 tonnes). The vehicles are characterized by a grille with seven chromium strips and form the basis for the forward control trucks (cab over engine) .

1950

1950  

The new DAF truck factory is opened. Stretching along Geldropseweg in Eindhoven, the new plant enables production to be increased to 10-12 trucks per week.

1951

Large militairy orders for 4x4 and 6x4 trucks result in the development of various new vehicles:

YA318, a 6x4 army truck.

1952

YA126, a 4x4 multi-purpose army truck.

1953

YA328, a 6x6 army truck with a unique H-driven transmission. Each wheel has its own propeller shaft, located at the sides of the vehicle, parallel to the main chassis members.

1955

Launch of the 1100/1300 and 1500 series. The grille now has six chromium strips.

1955

On 3 May, in the presence of all 2,500 employees, the 10,000th truck chassis is delivered.

1957

Opening of the DAF engine factory, for the license production of Leyland engines, followed later by DAF developed engines. The initial capacity is four engines per hour.

1957

DAF presents a new series of heavy truck chassis, the 2000 series, with a 11,1 litre DAF built Leyland engine. It has a rear axle capacity of 10 tonnes - unique at the time.

1957

To meet the demand from specific market segments, a bonneted chassis is launched (12 and 15 series).

1958

The Van Doorne brothers realise one of their dreams: the production of a passenger car. The total number of ‘little DAFs’ with the famous Variomatic transmission adds up to some 800,000.

1958

DAF starts the production of its own rear axles.

1959

The 1100, 1300 and 1500 models are given a facelift, but they also benefit from new engines. The cab is completely redesigned, not only on the outside but inside as well.

1959

New 1600 series chassis supersedes the 1500.

1959

Introduction of the 1800 serie with DS575 turbocharged diesel engine.

1960

Introduction of the AS 2000 DO, a new trailing axle model for heavy haulage.

1962

DAF surprises everyone with the introduction of the 2600 series, also called the ‘Mother of International Road Haulage’ - the new standard in driver comfort, available with a sleeper cab.

1962

The 1900 series supersedes the 1800 series vehicles.

1963

Introduction of the first 6x4 tandem chassis (AT 1900) and a concrete mixer chassis (AT 1902).

1964

Production of the 50,000th truck chassis.

1965

Introduction of AZ 1900 six-wheel drive (6x6) tipper chassis.

1965

Introduction of 18 series bonneted chassis.

1965

Introduction of 2400 DP series together with the new 2000 and 2300 series cab.

1965

In the Belgian town of Oevel a brand-new factory is opened for the production of axles and cabs.

1965

Founder Hub van Doorne reaches pensionable age and retires as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

1970

1970

A brand-new generation of trucks is born. The F1600 - F2000 series is characterized by tilt cabs, to enable easy and fast servicing of the engines.

1971

Wim van Doorne retires.

1972

Introduction of a new generation of lightweight 4x2 trucks with tilt cabs; the 1200 DA and 1400 DD models.

1973

International 'Paystar' equipped with DAF DKA 1160 diesel engine, later on replaced by the DAF N 2500 series (DAF-International development).

1973

The introduction of a more than 20 centimetres wider version of the tilt cab gives DAF a new flagship: the 2800. Its sleeper cab with two full-size bunks and its powerful 11.6-litre DAF engines make it the successor to the celebrated 2600.

1975

The ‘Club of Four’ presents its results. For DAF, it means an expansion of the range with two light truck series: the F 700 and the F 900.

1975

Introduction of DAF 2800 version 'Supercontinental'.

1976

Volvo acquires the DAF passenger car division. In selling all car activities, DAF focuses now entirely on the development and manufacturing, marketing and sales of commercial vehicles; trucks and buses.

1976

Introduction of 2300 DHU series (starting with a tractor chassis) with an intercooled 8.25 litre diesel engine.

1977

The ‘Club of Four’ designed 500 DE and 1100 DD serie.

1977

Introduction of 4x2 and 6x4 chassis for the 2300 DHR series.

1978

50th anniversary of the foundation of DAF Trucks.

1978

Introduction of DAF 1300 and 1500 series, successors of the 1200 and 400 series.

1978

Introduction of 8x4 models in the 2800 series; FAD tipper and FMD concrete mixer.

1978

Delivery of first new generation military vehicle YA 4440, part of a Dutch militairy order for 4 and 5 tonnes equipment carriers.

1978

On the 3rd of May, one month after the celebration of DAF’s 50th anniversary, Wim van Doorne passes away.

1979

One year after his brother, on the 23rd of May, Dr. Hub van Doorne, the founder of the company, passes away.

1979

Opening of the new Parts Distribution Centre.

1979

DAF ceases the production of trailers and concentrates on the development and production of heavy and medium-heavy trucks.

1980

1980

Introduction of FAG 2300 models; a 6x2 chassis with leading rear axle, specially developed for refuse collection and milk collection transport.

1980

Introduction of the N 2800 series, a 6x4 bonneted chassis for tipper application.

1982

The DAF factory team of Jan de Rooy/Gerard Straetmans wins the heaviest category of the Paris-Dakar rally with the DAF N 2800.

1982

Introduction of the 3300 DKX series (330 hp) for long distance transport and heavy duty special transport.

1982

Introduction of 2100 and 2300 series vehicles, as wel as the 2500 DHS series with second generation 8.25 litre diesel engines.

1984

Production of the 250,000th truck.

1985

The DAF 'Bull' driven by Jan de Rooy, wins again the Rally Paris-Daker in the class for vehicles above 10 tonnes GVM.

1985

Introduction of the Space Cab: a cab with a high roof for even more driver comfort.

1985

DAF introduces the second generation of diesel engines with turbocharging and charge air cooling under the name of ATi (Advanced Turbo intercooling) for even better engine performance, even lower fuel consumption and cleaner exhaust gases.

1986

Introduction of new lightweight distribution truck line; the DAF 600, 800 and 1000 series, succesors of the 500, 700 and 900 series.

1987

DAF acquires Leyland. Foundation of new DAF B.V. company, a merger of DAF Trucks, Leyland and Freight Rover (over 50% owned by DAF).

1987

The DAF 'Turbotwin II' with 1000+ hp wins the Rally Paris-Daker for vehicles above 10 tonnes GVM.

1987

DAF introduces its new premium model: the 95 series. Needless to say, it is also available with the spacious and by now very popular Space Cab.

1988

An international jury of automotive journalists votes the DAF 95 ‘International Truck of the Year 1988’.

1989

DAF becomes a publicly traded company and is listed on both the London and Amsterdam stock exchanges.

1990

1990  

Introduction of 2700 ATi series to replace the 2500 series. Facelift for the 2300 series vehicles.

1990

Introduction of 2900 and 3200 series, successors of the 2800 and 3300 series.

1990

Introduction of 'Euromaster' model in the 95 series.

1991

Introduction of the 45 series, a new generation of lightweight trucks for inner-city and regional distribution transport.

1992

Introduction of second generation 95 series for long distance haulage, equipped with 9 NOx compliant WS ATi engines and supplemented with a 430 hp engine version.

1992

Announcement of the 75 and 85 series, second generation high tech vehicles for medium to heavyweight distribution transport and utility transport applications.

1993

Introduction of the 65 series, a new series 4x2 mediumweight vehicles for local, regional and intercity distribution transport.

1993

The commercial vehicle market collapses, especially in the United Kingdom, on which DAF depends to a large extent. DAF is declared bankrupt. Within a few weeks, however, a new company - DAF Trucks N.V. - is established.

1994

A new version of the DAF 95 is introduced with an even bigger cab: the Super Space Cab. With even more space and an even higher level of driver comfort.

1995

Introduction of DAF 55 series, an 11-15 tonnes GVM distribution vehicle for (inter)urban and regional transport.

1995

DAF announces that it intends to participate in truck races, which are gaining strongly in popularity.

1996

PACCAR acquires DAF, thereby assuring DAF’s future. PACCAR is one of the largest truck manufacturers in the world and producer of leading brands like Kenworth and Peterbilt.

1997

The introduction of the DAF 95XF series for professional long distance haulage, equipped with DAF developed 2.25 m long spacious cabs, in Comfort Cab, Space Cab or Super Space Cab versions and with DAF developed 12.6 litre, 6 cylinder in-line XF diesel engine with 24-valve combustion system, rating 280-355 kW (381-483 hp).

1998

The 95XF is voted ‘International Truck of the Year 1998’.

1998

DAF Trucks introduces the redesigned medium to heavyweight distribution and utility vehicles: the 65CF, 75CF and 85CF series. The 75CF series featuring the new 24-valve 9.2 litre PF series engines and the 85CF series equipped with the 12.6 litre XF engine from the 95XF series.

1999

Delivery of the 500,000th truck

2000

2000

In September 2000, the brand-new CF series is presented in the vehicle weight class of 18 tonnes GVM up to a GCM of 40 tonnes or more. The CF excels in driving characteristics, comfort, and not in the last place, efficiency.

2001

A newcomer to the market is the DAF LF series, developed specifically for distribution transport. The LF series (GVM from 6 to 18 tonnes) offers a choice of a wide range of wheelbases, carrying capacities and engine versions, as well as a day cab and a sleeper cab.

2002

The new LF is voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2002’.

2002

The peak of excellence in international road haulage is the DAF XF95. Unrivalled space and comfort combined with a low kilometre cost and high efficiency thanks to economical 12.6-litre engines (between 280kW/380hp and 390kW/530hp), a low unsprung weight and low maintenance costs.

2003

It is 75 years ago that Hub van Doorne started his ‘Hub van Doorne Engineering Works and Repair Shop’. Together with his brother, Wim, he laid the foundations for DAF as a trendsetting truck manufacturer.

2004

For the Dutch army DAF develops the YTZ95, a 6x6 truck for the transportation of armoured vehicles upto 65 tons.

2005

In 2005, DAF sets a new standard in the industry with the introduction of the XF105, featuring the largest cab in the market, a high comfort level and of course the new 12.9-litre PACCAR MX engine.

2006

The new XF105 is voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’.

2006

DAF renews its programme of distribution transport and mid range trucks, with new Euro-4 and Euro-5 engines.

Delivery of the 750.000th truck manufactured in Eindhoven by Mr. A.L. Goudriaan to Mr. L.H. de Rijke.

Official opening new DAF Engine Test Center by Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende