DAF TRUCKS TIMELINE
1928
1933
1949
1955 1950
became Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek. A year later a dedicated truck factory was built and production started with three, five and six tonne truck chassis and the truck company we know today was on its way. The first DAF trucks from the late 1940s and early 1950s left the plant as just a chassis with, in front of the engine, the characteristic grille with seven chrome bars and a temporary seat made of wood. The DAF chassis were driven to bodybuilders for the mounting of a custom and locally made cab. In 1951 DAF introduced its own cab, with round corners and a slanted front grill for better aerodynamics. Driver comfort was enhanced by the introduction of a suspended seat. In the early days, DAF installed Hercules and Perkins petrol and diesel engines, but by 1957 the Eindhoven company was designing and manufacturing the first DAF-branded engines. Two years later, DAF improved the DD575 diesel engine by adding a turbocharger, which was another ground-breaking achievement. In the 1960s, DAF further enhanced driver comfort with the first cab designed for international transport. The DAF 2600 offered two beds and
1957
1959
windows all round for a spacious feeling and an optimal view on the road. Power brakes and power steering eased the demanding job of the driver. The 2600 is now considered to be the first of all international transport trucks. In 1969, DAF was one of the earliest manufacturers to introduce a tilting mechanism for the cab-over engine model which greatly improved maintenance access. DAF introduced turbo intercooling as an industry-first in 1973 – the
technology was initially developed to meet the demand for higher engine outputs and lower fuel consumption, but also proved to be indispensable in realising cleaner exhaust emissions. In the 1980s DAF launched ATi, (Advanced Turbo Intercooling) which provided further power and efficiency gains through a further refinement of injection technology and an optimised shape of the combustion chamber. With the introduction of the Space
WINTER 2018 DAF DRIVER
33
→