Daimler eyes integrated future

Daimler says its platform strategy is gaining pace, with common components and connected technology to reshape its product line-up

A major push in the fields of standardised electrics/electronic (E/E) architecture, intelligent platforms and modules, and connectivity technology is at the heart of Daimler Trucks' product strategy, says the global truck manufacturer.

The company is looking beyond its existing modular drivetrain components to other truck systems to develop further synergies and efficiencies of scale both within Daimler Trucks' brands and across the many regions in which the multi-national operates.

The head of Daimler Trucks, Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, said the company's efforts were placing it in a prime position to capitalise on the wave of coming innovations.

"At Daimler Trucks, our strategy is working out," he said.

"And we are systematically developing it further. We are implementing defined measures step by step – in all areas of our strategy. This applies to innovative technologies: we invented the truck – and we also intend to shape its future.

"That's why we are progressing with efficient drive systems just like with connected and autonomous driving. We are also strengthening our worldwide presence: already today, we are more globally positioned than any other manufacturer. With our new regional centres, we are moving even closer to our customers. And with the next stage of our intelligent platforms, we will maintain our lead over the competition also in this respect."

While the company has already made significant investments in common drivetrain components, it says it's now looking to areas such as uniform E/E architecture, chassis and cab components.

"Customers in the market will profit from this standardisation due to the quick availability and first-class quality of the relevant truck technologies," says Dr Bernhard.

"For Daimler Trucks, it will result in significant synergy advantages and free resources, which in turn can be used for new technology projects."

Daimler says it will introduce standardised connectively hardware for all of its trucks, with a common 'mobile router' harnessing an array of vehicle sensors and communicating in real time via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G, GPS or USB.

Incorporating Daimler's existing FleetBoard and Detroit Connect telematics systems, the module is an open system in that it can be installed in any vehicle, even those not produced by Daimler. However, the module will be fitted to heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz trucks as standard from 2017, when Daimler will integrate its trucks into the 'cloud'.

A uniform E/E architecture, meanwhile, will allow for the development of multi-brand modules such as instrument clusters, which may adopt different fascia from brand to brand but share common underpinnings.

Daimler eyes integrated future

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