At DAF Vlaanderen in Oevel (Belgium) the 1,000,000th cab left the production line on Friday, July 4 2014. “This is a tremendous milestone in the history of DAF’s axle and cab factory”, said Harrie Schippers, President of DAF Trucks N.V. The Space Cab was handed over symbolically to Louis De Wael, Managing Director of ‘Vervoer Van Dievel’ from the Belgian town of Mechelen. This company will receive the truck with the 1,000,000th cab shortly.
DAF opened its production facilities in Belgium in 1966. It started with the manufacturing of cabs, followed by the production of axles in 1971. Today some 180 cabs a day leave the production line, destined for the popular DAF CF- and XF-series of medium- and heavy duty transport.
Major investments
In the past years, major investments have been made in the cab factory in view of the introduction of the newest generation of DAF Euro 6-vehicles, of which production started in 2013. Large parts of the manufacturing process are fully automated, with welding robots taking care of most of the production process of the body-in-white. A completely new production area was created for installing the roof of the Super Space Cab, DAF’s most spacious cab. Over the last ten years DAF invested about half a billion Euros in its axle and cab factory. Production takes place sequentially, following the ‘just-in time’ principle, which means that the cabs are delivered to the DAF assembly plant in Eindhoven and to Leyland Trucks in Great Britain in precidely the right order and at precisely the right time.
“The milestone of 1,000,000 manufactured cabs is a fantastic recognition of the employees of DAF Vlaanderen”, said Harrie Schippers. “Also thanks to their effort and dedication, we are able to supply cabs that are market leading in terms of interior space, comfort and fit-and-finish. Essential elements that contribute to the high driver comfort for which DAF trucks are known.”
Which is exactly the reason why Vervoer Van Dievel from Mechelen selected the DAF XF. With a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, the now 75-year old company specialises in transport and logistics related services in a 500 kilometre radius around Brussels. “Besides reliability and low operational costs, high driver comfort is an important reason to choose for DAF”, said Managing Director Louis De Wael. “Our drivers are mostly on the road for longer periods, which makes it essential to have an ideal working environment, with lots of room and a perfect bunk to rest. Also, the cab of the XF offers an excellent view outside, which is important for safety. And because sustainability is one of our core values, it’s logical that we invest now in the latest Euro 6 technology to obtain the lowest possible emissions.”
