Today, DAF Trucks N.V. stands as one of the leading manufacturers of heavy and medium-class trucks on the global market. It is part of Paccar (USA), a powerful engineering corporation. Let’s dive deeper into the story of this company.
At the Origins
The history of DAF began on April 1, 1928, when the Van Doorne brothers, Hubert and Willem, opened a mechanical workshop in the Dutch city of Eindhoven. They soon started producing automobile trailers, and in 1932, the company was named DAF, an abbreviation for “Van Doorne’s Trailer Factory.”
DAF ventured into truck production after World War II, with financial backing from the Dutch government. In 1948, two prototypes—the five-ton DT5 and the ten-ton DT10—were introduced. The following year, 150 vehicles were manufactured, and by 1954, production had reached 3,093 units. Given this growth, it’s no surprise that in 1958, DAF’s name took on a new meaning: “Van Doorne’s Automobile Factory.”
Interestingly, in the 1960s and 1970s, DAF produced not only medium and heavy trucks but also light delivery vehicles—pickups and vans based on its microcars. These vehicles featured a unique continuously variable transmission called Variomatic. The system worked by moving V-shaped drive-belts along pulleys of varying diameters, driven by centrifugal forces.
Market Success
In 2023, DAF Trucks N.V. achieved a record in its annual truck production, manufacturing 69,800 vehicles—more than ever before in its history.
The majority of these were heavy and medium-class trucks, including modernized CF models and, notably, the new-generation XD, XF, XD+, and XD models. Light commercial vehicles made up 11,900 units of this total.
All of these vehicles were successfully sold, securing DAF Trucks a leading position in truck sales across Europe. The company topped the market in five countries: the Netherlands (31.2%), the United Kingdom (28.8%), Hungary (23.1%), Bulgaria (22.2%), and Belgium (20.2%). Additionally, DAF became the leading supplier of imported trucks in Germany.
Beyond the European Union, DAF sold 7,500 vehicles in 2023, with the highest sales recorded in Australia, New Zealand, and South America. In Colombia, DAF models took first place among cabover trucks.
This success is largely attributed to DAF Trucks’ commitment to after-sales service. Last year, the company opened 27 new service centers across four continents—Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa—and the number of service contracts reached 250,000.
Quality is Key
It’s important to note that the market success of DAF vehicles is largely driven by their exceptional quality. A prime example is the New Generation vehicles, which have won the prestigious International Truck of the Year award for two consecutive years. The XF, XG, and XG+ models took the title in 2022, while the XD model earned the accolade in 2023.
Additionally, the DAF XF semi-truck with a Paccar MX-11 engine (11.0L, 450 hp) was crowned the winner of the Green Truck 2023 competition, organized by two leading German magazines, VerkehrsRundschau and Trucker. During testing on a 343 km route in Germany, the vehicle achieved an impressive average fuel consumption of just 21.26 liters per 100 km, with record-low CO2 emissions of 675 g per km. The average speed during the test was 80.06 km/h.
Moreover, DAF Trucks’ plant in Westerlo (Belgium), recently received the prestigious “Factory of the Future” award. This accolade is presented annually by the Belgian Technology Federation, which represents 2,000 companies and 320,000 employees working within the country. The award recognizes the most innovative companies, and DAF’s plant has rightfully earned it, being one of the world’s most advanced facilities among manufacturers of truck cabins and axles. The plant features an environmentally friendly paint shop, a robotic assembly line, and an innovative interior finishing line for truck cabins.
Cabins and Engines
It’s worth noting that DAF Trucks was the first truck manufacturer to comply with the new European standards for weight and size regulations. The new generation of DAF vehicles seamlessly combines class-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety, and driver comfort.
A standout feature of the new DAF XF, XG, and XG+ trucks is their cab design, which includes a 160 mm elongated conical front. The XG+ models also feature an additional 330 mm length at the rear, enhancing interior space and improving aerodynamics. Overall, the cabin features smooth contours and a strongly curved windshield. Additionally, further optimizations were made to the airflow around the engine and beneath the cab. These enhancements collectively reduce aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
Of course, the new Paccar turbodiesel engines, specifically the MX-11 and MX-13 models, are central to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Notably, the new generation of DAF trucks is designed to operate on the latest biofuels and renewable electronic fuels, including e-fuels.
Safety and Comfort
A standout feature of the new DAF trucks is their exceptional safety. The new cab design includes large windows that offer excellent visibility. An optional additional window on the right side allows for a clear view of the curb. A notable innovation is the digital camera system, which can replace traditional exterior mirrors, while the DAF Corner View system enhances visibility around the right front pillar of the cab.
The new XF, XG, and XG+ trucks also excel in driver comfort. The interior features a sleek, fully digital dashboard that drivers can customize to their preferences. Another display controls the navigation and infotainment systems.
The sleeping berths in the new DAF trucks are among the best in the industry, featuring a spacious new bed measuring 2,220 mm by 800 mm. For added comfort, there’s the DAF Relax bed with mechanical or electrical adjustments. The XG+ models also offer the Park Airco system, which cools or heats the cabin even when the engine is off.
For Delivery and Construction
At the 2022 IAA Transportation exhibition in Hanover, DAF showcased new trucks designed for delivery and construction tasks.
The DAF XD delivery trucks are available in 4×2 and 6×2 chassis configurations. They can be manufactured as semi-trucks or as chassis for the installation of various bodies. These vehicles are equipped with the new MX-11 turbodiesel engine, an intelligent emission aftertreatment system, and an automatic ZF TraXon transmission. Additionally, the trucks feature a surveillance camera system instead of traditional mirrors and an AEBS emergency braking system.
DAF’s HD vehicle family has recently expanded to include lighter models with a gross weight of up to 19 tons. These trucks are powered by the economical PX-7 diesel engine (6.7 l), available in 230 to 310 hp.
In the summer of 2023, DAF Trucks introduced the new XB delivery trucks, which replace the popular light-duty LF series. These vehicles are available with gross weights ranging from 7.5 to 19 tons. Like their larger counterparts—the HD, XF, XG, and XG+—the XB trucks set new standards in safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort within their class.
The DAF XB offers two engine options: the Paccar PX-5 (4.5 l) with 170, 190, and 210 hp, or the Paccar PX-7 (6.7 l) with 230, 260, 290, and 310 hp. These engines deliver high torque (from 700 to 1,200 Nm) at low speeds (1,100 – 1,700 rpm) and come with an automatic 8-speed PowerLine gearbox known for its smooth operation.
For construction use, DAF has introduced the new XDC and XFC models, available in two-, three-, and four-axle versions. These models feature a reinforced radiator grille and bumper, with the radiator protected from below by a special steel guard. The XDC is powered by the MX-11 turbodiesel (10.8 l), while the XFC can be equipped with the more powerful MX-13 engine (12.9 l), delivering up to 530 hp. Additionally, the ZF TraXon automatic gearbox includes Off-Road software for tackling rough terrain.
Electric Trucks
One of the latest trends in truck development is the shift to electric vehicles. At the IAA Transportation 2022 exhibition, heavy-duty electric trucks made their debut with the HD Electric and XF Electric models. These trucks can operate as part of a road train with a gross weight of up to 50 tons.
The chassis configuration can be either 6×2 or 4×2. These vehicles are powered by Paccar electric motors, available in six power options ranging from 170 to 350 kW. Consumers have the flexibility to choose battery packs ranging from two to five, resulting in capacities between 210 and 525 kWh, which provide a range of 200 to 500 km. A key feature is the fast charger, which can boost battery capacity from 20% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Additionally, the trucks can be equipped with a 22 kWh on-board AC charger.
As for the new XB Electric delivery trucks, they are offered in versions with a gross weight of 12, 16, or 19 tons. Depending on the version, the electric motor develops a continuous power output of 120 or 190 kW and a peak torque of 2,600 or 3,500 Nm. The lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, with capacities ranging from 141 to 282 kWh, deliver a range of up to 350 km on a single charge.
DAF recently opened a new assembly shop dedicated exclusively to battery-electric trucks at its headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Serial production of these vehicles began last year.
The main plant assembles the chassis with the cab, but without the powertrain, on its primary conveyor. In the new shop, batteries are assembled on one line, while all the electrical equipment is mounted on the chassis on another.
For DAF Trucks, there is no time to rest; the company continuously improves its vehicles. Its rich 75-year history in truck manufacturing, with models that have gained worldwide popularity, is clear proof of this. On the Autoline website, you’ll find a wide range of DAF equipment, including spare parts. Choose the best option for you at the best price.