History of DAF Trucks

DAF is expanding its product range constantly. New within the popular CF85 series are two four-axle rigid chassis vehicles. Both models feature three rear axles — the middle one driven and the front one steered.

Under the motto 'Evolution never stops’ DAF introduces the Edition 2009 models of the popular LF distribution truck, featuring a renewed interior and an optimised driveline.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Delivery of the 500,000th truck

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction of DAF 2800 version 'Supercontinental'.

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 the new powerful charge air cooled 11.6-litre DAF engines make it the successor to the celebrated 2600.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Introduction of the 1800 serie with DS575 turbocharged diesel engine.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

YA318, a 6x4 army truck.

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) .

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

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.

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.