30th Anniversary of DAF ITs August 2002

30th Anniversary of DAF ITS

At the beginning of the 1970s DAF Trucks was the first truck manufacturer to introduce an international emergency service for stranded drivers. This year this service, ITS, celebrates its 30th anniversary. ITS has retained its trend-setting position as one of the most appreciated and professional roadside assistance services.

By the late sixties and early seventies, international road transport had already become a booming business.
Fifteen Languages
When it started its activities, the ITS department had only a few staff members, and a card-index box on the wall. Now, anyone dialling +31 40 214 30 00 will be connected to one of 18 operators, each of them able to speak at least four languages. In total ITS staff can communicate with drivers in fifteen different languages.

Modern computer equipment establishes which of the DAF service outlets is nearest to the caller. Fast response action has always been one of ITS’ great strengths. The sooner a truck or bus is back on the road, the better. Time is money. Help is not restricted to the truck itself. Assistance will also be given for the trailer, the superstructure or the driver himself.

When a call has been received, ITS contacts the dealer or the service outlet that will assist. It also contacts the dealer who normally looks after the maintenance of the vehicle in question. This enables the ITS operator to arrange a payment guarantee at the same time, so that the driver does not have to worry about financial settlement. ITS can also contact the driver’s home base, and keep his company posted about how repair work is proceeding.

In consultation with the ITS operator, who is constantly up to date on progress, it is also possible to decide whether a replacement truck should be organised. ITS has access to a vast and well-spread network of DAF dealers and service outlets throughout Europe. In as many as 31 countries, DAF customers can be assured of fast assistance in the event of vehicle failure or, for instance, an accident.

The ITS has come a long way in 30 years.