DaF

DAF is a Dutch acronym most commonly associated with the Dutch vehicle manufacturer DAF Trucks. The term originally stemmed from Van Doorne's Automobiel Fabriek, founded in 1928 in Eindhoven by Hub van Doorne and his brother Wim. The company began as a maker of automotive belts and later entered automobile production, becoming known for its distinctive continuously variable transmission, the Variomatic, introduced in the 1950s.

DAF produced a range of passenger cars in the mid-20th century, notably compact models that used the Variomatic transmission. In the 1970s the car division was sold to Volvo Car Corporation, and the remaining business focused on commercial vehicles. The truck operation continued as DAF Trucks N.V., evolving into a major European producer of heavy- and medium-duty trucks. In 1996 the truck division was acquired by PACCAR Inc., a U.S. truck manufacturer, and DAF became part of PACCAR’s global brand portfolio alongside Kenworth and Peterbilt.

Today, DAF Trucks designs, builds, and markets trucks for distribution, regional haul, and long-haul applications, emphasizing efficiency, driver comfort, and compliance with European standards. The DAF brand persists primarily in the commercial vehicle sector, while the original Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek heritage is recognized in historical references to Dutch automotive industry. Beyond trucks, the name DAF is sometimes used in historical contexts to denote the early automotive activities of the Van Doorne company.