From Workshops to World Leaders: The Extraordinary Evolution of DAF Trucks
In the bustling heart of Eindhoven, Netherlands, the story of DAF Trucks began with a vision as ambitious as the roaring engines they would come to create. DAF, which stands for Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek, has grown from a modest blacksmith workshop into a global titan of the trucking industry. Let’s embark on a riveting journey through time, exploring the milestones and marvels that have defined DAF’s incredible evolution.
A Humble Forge: 1928–1930s
The tale starts in 1928, when Hub van Doorne opened a small blacksmith and welding workshop. Initially named Commanditaire Vennootschap Hub van Doorne’s Machinefabriek, it catered to the repair needs of the local community. The post-war economy demanded innovative solutions for a recovering Europe, and Van Doorne’s enterprise was poised to meet these challenges head-on.
By 1932, the workshop had evolved into the Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek (DAF), focusing on the production of trailers. The company quickly gained a reputation for quality and durability, laying the groundwork for future expansion.
