By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – Daimler Trucks sold almost 500,000 trucks in 2014. Despite partly difficult market conditions, the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles succeeded in increasing deliveries to 445 300 units in the first 11 months of 2014, an increase by three percent over the same period last year.
Based on December 1 figures, Daimler Trucks finished 2014 with a considerably positive sales growth reaching nearly 500 000 units. In 2013, Daimler Trucks sold about 484 200 vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz, FUSO, Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses and BharatBenz brands.
For commercial vehicles, 2014 was dominated by developments that varied widely from one region to the next. Weak economic prospects and political uncertainties put a strain on the market development in Latin America. In Europe, sales were impacted by the lack of dynamic economic development in addition to the introduction of the new Euro VI emissions standards and the difficult political situation in Eastern Europe.
The situation is very different in North America and Japan: In these markets, Daimler benefited from the strong overall local business environment for commercial vehicles.
One major reason for the high market acceptance for trucks from Daimler is the extremely competitive total cost of ownership (TCO) of the vehicles, which is the most important argument for buyers of trucks as a capital good. Enhanced efficiency for the good of the customer is paramount in all regions, for all brands and for all vehicle models.
On a more serious note, the highlight of 2014 at Daimler Trucks was the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025. The autonomously driving truck was presented at the 65th International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles in Hanover in September.
The Future Truck 2025 protects resources, reduces all types of emissions, guarantees maximum traffic safety and increases connectivity in road traffic. Radar sensors and camera technology make it possible for the Future Truck 2025 to drive autonomously, independent from other vehicles or control centres. Mercedes-Benz combines this technology within the highly intelligent “Highway Pilot” system, a system similar to an autopilot in an aircraft.
“The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 epitomises efficiency, safety and connectivity like no other truck. Consequently, it provides relevant answers to the future challenges in road freight transport. That is why I am convinced that this technology will open up new business prospects for Daimler Trucks in the future,” said Bernhard.