Daimler Raises North American Truck Sales Estimate
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Daimler Trucks raised its estimate for 2011 industrywide sales of Class 6-8 trucks in North America to a gain of 30% to 35% over last year, to 286,000 trucks, company executives said.
That’s up from its earlier projection of a 20% to 25% increase, said Andreas Renschler, head of the company’s global truck business.
Class 8 sales will rise 42% over last year to 153,000 units, added Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Trucks North America.
The projected sales increase is broad-based, Daum said, adding that “we don't see a segment which would lag.”
The two executives were interviewed as the Mid-America Trucking Show opened here Thursday. Daimler makes Freightliner and Western Star trucks in North America.
Truck and engine manufacturer Navistar said it expects North American sales to increase 35% to 40%, while Volvo Trucks North America said truck sales will increase to 220,000 in 2011 from 142,000 last year.
