DAF's history goes back to 1928, when the brothers Hub and Wim van Doorne laid the foundations for what has now become DAF Trucks. What started as a small engineering business and blacksmith workshop, developed into the fastest-growing truck manufacturing business in Europe.
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Hub van Doorne starts his own business.
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.
1932 - Trailers
The decision is taken to concentrate on the production of trailers and semi-trailers.
The decision is taken to concentrate on the production of trailers and semi-trailers.
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.
Serveral revolutionary constructions are developed for...
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.
Together with Captain of artillery Van der Trappen of the Dutch army...
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 DAF container trailer
The name ‘Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek’ is changed into...
The name ‘Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek’ is changed into ‘Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek’.
DAF produces a coach chassis with a slider engine....
DAF produces a coach chassis with a slider engine.
DAF presents its first two truck chassis to the press...
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 new DAF truck factory is opened...
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
Large militairy orders for 4x4 and 6x4 trucks result in the development...
Large militairy orders for 4x4 and 6x4 trucks result in the development...
Large militairy orders for 4x4 and 6x4 trucks result in the development of various new vehicles: YA318, a 6x4 army truck.
YA126, a 4x4 multi-purpose army truck....
In 1952 the YA126, a 4x4 multi-purpose army truck is taken into production
a 6x6 army truck is accomodated with a unique transmission...
YA328, a 6x6 army truck is accommodated 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.
Launch of the 1100/1300 and 1500 series...
Launch of the 1100/1300 and 1500 series. The grille now has six chromium strips.
On 3 May, in the presence of all 2,500 employees...
On 3 May, in the presence of all 2,500 employees, the 10,000th truck chassis is delivered.
Opening of the DAF engine factory...
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.
DAF presents a new series of heavy truck chassis...
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.
To meet the demand from specific market segments...
To meet the demand from specific market segments, a bonneted chassis is launched (12 and 15 series).
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