Daimler eyes global sales milestone

Based on data for the first 11 months of 2014, Daimler Trucks says it's on track to achieve sales of nearly half-a-million units for the full year

Daimler Trucks recorded global sales of 445,300 units over the first 11 months of 2014, posting a three per cent increase over the previous corresponding period despite some tough market conditions.

The manufacturer says the figure puts it on track to achieve a 2014 total nearing half-a-million units, with final worldwide sales figures to be announced at Daimler's annual press conference on February 5.

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Daimler Truck & Bus, said the result underlined a successful year.

"Our intense efforts in all regions are paying dividends," he said.

"Despite many economic challenges in some key markets, we can look back on 12 successful months. With almost 500,000 trucks sold we are already coming very close to our target envisaged for 2015."

Daimler Truck & Bus achieved total worldwide sales of 484,200 in 2013.

Business for the manufacturer was strong in North America and Japan, while progress in Europe was hampered by a lack of economic development and unrest in Eastern Europe. The market in Latin America remained bleak, in line with the region's current weak economic prospects and political uncertainties.

Dr Bernhard said Daimler's technological prowess and broad portfolio would allow it to capitalise on future opportunities.

"With our global presence, our technological leadership and our intelligent platform strategy we are well prepared to react swiftly and appropriately to unpredictability in the economic environment," he said.

"That is why we at Daimler Trucks will continue to work steadily on further expanding our position as the world's leading truck manufacturer in 2015."

In the first 11 months of 2014 Daimler Trucks North America recorded 147,200 sales, an increase of 19 per cent. In October DTNA recorded the highest monthly order intake ever achieved by a manufacturer in the US truck industry – 31,300 units – with increasing numbers of buyers opting for Freightliner's Cascadia Evolution (pictured).

Daimler Trucks recorded 39,900 sales in Japan, an increase of 16 per cent, while sales dropped in Indonesia (to 51,400) but rose significantly in India (to 9700).

In Western Europe sales of Daimler Trucks products fell by 11 per cent, to 50,500 units, while sales dropped by 20 per cent to 44,500 units in Latin America.

A smaller drop was recorded in China, where 89,800 Auman-branded trucks were sold, the figure down from 94,000 for the previous corresponding period. Auman trucks are built by Foton Daimler Automotive Co Ltd – a 50/50 joint venture between Daimler and Chinese state-backed giant, Foton.

Here in Australia, Daimler Truck & Bus enjoyed mixed fortunes in 2014. According to the latest TIC T-Mark data, Mercedes-Benz increased its sales in the heavy duty segment by 2.1 per cent (to 382 units) but suffered a drop in medium duty, where its sales contracted by 6.1 per cent (139 units). Mercedes-Benz did, however, enjoy considerable success with its Sprinter van, which continues to dominate the local large van market.

Freightliner's sales dropped by 21.3 per cent in the heavy duty segment (to 692 units) but Fuso grew its heavy duty sales by 7.6 per cent (to 423 units). The Daimler-owned Japanese brand also grew its sales by 2.8 per cent in the medium duty market (1067 units), although its sales dropped by 8.4 per cent in the light duty market (1706 units).

Daimler eyes global sales milestone

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