Daf Auto, a Dutch car manufacturer, holds a unique place in automotive history. Known for its innovative Variomatic transmission and sensible designs, DAF cars, affectionately nicknamed “Dafjes,” were a common sight on Dutch roads from the 1950s to the 1980s. This article explores the history of DAF auto, from its humble beginnings to its lasting legacy.
The Rise of DAF Auto: From Repair Shop to Car Manufacturer
DAF auto’s story began in 1928 with a small repair workshop founded by Hubert van Doorne. Originally called Hub van Doorne’s Machinefabriek, the company eventually evolved into Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek (Van Doorne’s Automobile Factory), ultimately shortened to DAF. Van Doorne’s vision extended beyond repairs; he aimed to create a car for the everyday Dutch citizen.
This vision materialized in 1958 with the debut of the DAF 600 at the Dutch car show. This groundbreaking vehicle featured the revolutionary Variomatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission that simplified driving significantly. DAF auto marketed the car with the straightforward slogan, “Forwards to go forwards, back to go back.” The DAF 600’s fuel efficiency and practical design resonated with the Dutch public, establishing DAF auto as a major player in the domestic market.
The Variomatic Transmission and DAF’s Unique Selling Proposition
The Variomatic transmission was DAF auto’s key innovation. It allowed for seamless shifting and even enabled the car to reverse at the same speed as it could drive forward. This unique feature became central to DAF auto’s marketing campaigns, even leading to the slogan “Shift to DAF – you’ll never shift again,” used to target the American market.
The simplicity of the Variomatic made DAF cars particularly appealing to a wide range of drivers, including housewives, nurses, older individuals, and those with disabilities. While this broadened DAF’s customer base, it also contributed to the perception of DAF cars as being primarily for older drivers.
DAF Auto’s Enduring Legacy: From Daffodils to Racing
Despite its innovative technology, DAF auto faced challenges. Model names like the Daffodil struggled to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts. In an attempt to rebrand, Van Doorne leveraged the Variomatic’s reverse driving capability, sponsoring reverse races at the Zandvoort track in the 1970s. These events, known as achteruitrijden, were popular but ultimately couldn’t change the public’s perception of the DAF brand.
By the 1980s, DAF auto’s passenger car division was sold to Volvo. While DAF no longer produces cars, the company continues to thrive as a leading truck manufacturer. Occasionally, a vintage DAF car can still be spotted on Dutch roads, a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy of innovation and practicality. DAF auto’s story is a reminder of a time when Dutch engineering ingenuity offered a unique alternative in the automotive landscape.
