From a small brewery workshop to global trucking, the story of DAF

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before it became a titan of the trucking industry, DAF began as a humble trailer factory in a Dutch brewery. It pioneered the world's first continuously variable transmission for cars, only to pivot entirely toward heavy-duty logistics, eventually becoming a key division of the American manufacturer Paccar.

Founded in 1928 by Hubert van Doorne, the company initially operated from a small workshop on the grounds of a brewery in Eindhoven. With financial backing from brewery director A. H. Huenges, the business grew, eventually rebranding as Van Doorne's Aanhangwagen Fabriek—or DAF—in 1932. While the brothers initially focused on trailers and military vehicle conversions, the post-World War II era presented a unique opportunity to enter the automotive market. By 1949, they began producing trucks, trailers, and buses, setting the stage for their future dominance in commercial transport.

DAF's most famous engineering legacy remains the Variomatic, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system introduced in the 1958 DAF 600. This innovative design eliminated the need for a traditional differential, as the drive belts naturally compensated for speed differences during turns. Despite the success of these passenger cars, the company eventually sold its car division to Volvo in 1975 to focus exclusively on its increasingly successful truck line. This strategic shift allowed DAF to refine its modular cab designs and engine technology, cementing its reputation for reliability and comfort in the heavy-haulage sector.

The company's evolution continued through significant international partnerships and acquisitions. In 1987, DAF merged with Leyland Trucks, and by 1996, the entire operation was acquired by the American firm Paccar. Today, DAF remains a major player in the global market, with a net worth of 1.7 billion dollars. From the 95 series, which won the coveted Truck of the Year award, to modern hybrid models and specialized off-road vehicles built in collaboration with Tatra, DAF has consistently adapted its engineering to meet the demands of ultra-long-haul logistics. Its history is a testament to how a small, family-run workshop can evolve into a cornerstone of international industrial manufacturing.

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