Daimler Trucks achieved its objectives in 2014 again, while expecting significant increases in unit sales and profit for 2015 as well. In the year 2020, Daimler Trucks is looking to sell 700,000 units and aims to achieve in the medium term a return on sales of 8% over the cycle.
Last year unit sales and revenues rose slightly and earnings before interest and taxes grew by 18%. The world market leader in trucks is relying on three pillars – technological leadership, global market presence and intelligent platforms – for the continued expansion of its position in the future.
In the NAFTA region, an increase in the range of 10% is expected for the overall truck market in the medium-duty and heavy-duty segments (Class 6 to 8), whereas Europe should remain at the 2014 level.
A strong sales argument in the NAFTA region is the fully integrated powertrain. Daimler Trucks is the only manufacturer in North America to offer an combination of engine, transmission and axles from a single source– the most efficient solution on the market, which enjoys an excellent reception from customers.
The sales figures for Daimler Trucks should also rise in Asia, while the situation in Western Europe and Latin America remains challenging. But thanks to fuel-saving products, a high customer acceptance and a flexible production network, Daimler Trucks expects to maintain its very good position in the Western European market. In Brazil, the continued lack of economic growth and more unfavourable financing conditions should weigh on market demand and also on the sales of Daimler Trucks.
“In 2014, we achieved what we promised and improved our results significantly.” Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Trucks and Buses
Now getting back to units sales and profit in 2014, which was a successful year overall for Daimler Trucks, because the target were achieved and the units sales and operating profit were above the previous year. Unit sales were up by 2% to about 496,000 units, highest level since 2006. In Western Europe, Daimler Trucks managed a slight increase in market share to 24.4% in the difficult market environment (PY 24.1%) and strengthened its leading position. As for the NAFTA region, business have developed positively in 2014, because unit sales increased by 19% to a record high of 161,500 vehicles. Daimler Trucks is the undisputed market leader for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, with a market share of 37.2%.
