Daimler restructure to separate trucks from cars

Daimler’s truck and car divisions are to split under restructuring plans, it has been announced. The truck division, which includes Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Freightliner, Western Star, Setra and Fuso, will be branded Daimler Truck, while the remaining car and van business is intended to be renamed under the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Daimler Truck will be a standalone company with an independent management team, chairman and supervisory board.

Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, said: “This is an historic moment for Daimler. It represents the start of a profound reshaping of the company. Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans and Daimler Trucks & Buses are different businesses with specific customer groups, technology paths and capital needs… Both companies operate in industries that are facing major technological and structural changes. Given this context, we believe they will be able to operate most effectively as independent entities.”

“This is a pivotal moment for Daimler Truck,” said Martin Daum, chairman of the board of management of the division.

“With independence comes greater opportunity, greater visibility and transparency. We will grow further and continue our leadership in alternative powertrains and automation. We have already defined the future of our business with battery-electric and fuel-cell trucks, as well as strong positions in autonomous driving.

“With targeted partnerships we will accelerate the devel-opment of key technologies to bring best-in-class products to our customers rapidly,”

Other major manufacturers, including Renault, Scania and Volvo, split their car and heavy vehicle divisions many years ago.