The Origins of DAF Trucks

DAF Trucks was founded on April 1, 1928, in Eindhoven by Huub and Wim van Doorne. It started out as a blacksmith’s shop in a brewery (where the DAF Museum is now located!), but time and again, “Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek” outgrew its premises.

In the early years, the focus was primarily on trailers and semi-trailers, and it was during this time that the container was also invented. After World War II, there was a great need in Europe for trucks to aid in reconstruction. DAF responded to this need shrewdly. The first true DAF trucks rolled off the assembly line in 1949. These were the A-30 and A-50, which were commonly referred to as “seven-stripe” trucks, named for the number of chrome stripes on the grille. It is noteworthy that these were “front-steer trucks,” with the cab positioned above the engine, while virtually all established manufacturers offered only “torpedo” models, featuring a pointed nose.

Today, DAF Netherlands is not only a proud symbol of Dutch manufacturing. It is also a global player in the truck industry. The factory in Eindhoven remains the beating heart of production, but trucks also roll off the assembly lines in Leyland (Great Britain), Ponta Grossa (Brazil), Bayswater (Australia), and Taichung (Taiwan). Of course, the cabs and axles (except for the XB) come from Belgium, where DAF has a large factory in Westerlo.

DAF Trucks

National pride is nice, but of course it’s rarely the reason for choosing a particular truck. Moreover, DAF is the market leader in trucks in many European countries, not just in the Netherlands and Belgium. DAF trucks may not have the most powerful engines, but they were the first manufacturer to listen to drivers’ wishes. That resulted in legendary models like the 2600 and the DAF 95. More recently, DAF was the first to adapt to new European regulations, ensuring that the completely redesigned DAF XG+ features the largest cab on the market. Once again, the driver’s needs were the top priority during the design process.

DAF Truck Models

We have various DAF models in stock and available immediately for lease. Each model has its own unique features. Let’s take a closer look at some of the popular models: the DAF XF, LF, CF, XB, XD, XG, and XG+.

DAF XF
As the successor to the DAF 95, DAF Trucks introduced the 95XF in 1997. Through the XF95 and XF105 models, the Cabtec cab—developed in collaboration with Pegaso—finally reached the end of its lifecycle with the Euro 6 version of the DAF XF. This cab from the 1980s is still being built for export! The XF name is still in use; this model is even part of the “New Generation DAF” lineup unveiled in 2021. However, its positioning has changed somewhat. Now that it is no longer the top-of-the-line model from Eindhoven, there is room to also succeed certain versions of the CF. For example, the XFc is a truck developed specifically for the construction sector.
DAF CF
As a lighter truck, positioned below the DAF 95, DAF introduced the new medium-range series in the early 1990s, just before its bankruptcy. These DAF 65, 75, and 85 models were succeeded in 1997—the same year the 95XF was introduced—by the 65CF, 75CF, and 85CF. After a facelift, these became the CF65, CF75, and CF85, until they were simply renamed the CF series with the introduction of the Euro 6 engines. The truck with the distinctive “hamster cheeks” has been succeeded by the XD, but is still being built for export.
DAF LF
The DAF LF has always been something of an odd one out in the DAF lineup. They were built in Leyland (Great Britain) and equipped with cabs purchased from Renault. This light truck was the successor to the DAF 45 and DAF 55, which had been partially developed by truck manufacturer Leyland itself, before the truck division of the once-mighty British automotive group was taken over by DAF. What many people don’t know is that sister companies Kenworth and Peterbilt also sell their own versions of the LF in various U.S. states. The LF was succeeded by the XB in 2023.
DAF XB
Like its predecessor, the LF, the XB is also built in and by Leyland, using the same cab that Renault uses for its D-series. Compared to the LF, the new front end is particularly striking; technically and on the inside, the truck is now fully aligned with the rest of the “new generation DAF.”
DAF XD
A year after the launch of the new XF, XG, and XG+, DAF introduced the XD in 2022. Right from the start, it was available in both construction versions (the XDc) and electric versions (the XD Electric). It therefore came as no surprise when the CF’s successor won the title of “Truck of the Year 2023.”
DAF XG
De DAF XF werd in 2021 niet alleen opgevolgd door de nieuwe XF, maar ook door de XG. Een truck die aanmerkelijk groter is dan de ‘oude’ XF en is voorzien van de nieuwste technieken. Dit model wordt hoofdzakelijk ingezet in het internationale transport.
DAF XG+
When DAF introduced the “New Generation DAF” in 2021, the lineup included not only the XF and XG but also the XG+. Friends and foes alike were surprised by this new top-of-the-line model, which takes full advantage of the new regulations, enabling DAF to add to its lineup—in one fell swoop—not only the roomiest but also the most streamlined truck on the market.

DAF in the Netherlands and beyond

With a strong base in Eindhoven and a distribution network spanning all of Europe, DAF Netherlands is a major player in the international truck market. Whether you’re looking for a used DAF truck, a new DAF truck, or simply want to learn more about the various DAF trucks, one thing is certain: DAF stands for quality, reliability, and driving pleasure. We have more than 60 used DAF trucks available for lease immediately.

Lease a DAF with Fynanch

We bet you’ll find the right DAF for you here. We’re happy to help you get started. All you have to do is focus on your business. We’ll take care of the rest. We’ll advise you on the best truck for your needs and the best lease agreement. That way, you could be on the road in your new truck in as little as 48 hours.

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The Origins of DAF Trucks

DAF Trucks

DAF Truck Models

DAF in the Netherlands and beyond

Lease a DAF with Fynanch