Daimler Targets Growth in European Mercedes-Benz Truck Sales

Daimler AG plans to sell 20% more Mercedes-Benz trucks this year in the European market, boosted by demand for a revamped version of the long-haul Actros model, Bloomberg reported.

Daimler spent more than 2 billion euros ($2.9 billion) to develop and assemble the 18-ton truck, which will reduce fuel consumption compared with the current, 15-year-old version by as much as 7%, Daimler said in a statement.

Andreas Renschler, head of the Daimler Trucks division, said in a speech in Brussels that freight-forwarding companies were getting a boost from the recovering global economy, which is “having a positive impact on truck manufacturers as well,” Bloomberg reported.

Growth in the European market for trucks weighing 6 tons or more will exceed 25% this year, said Daimler, which makes Freightliner and Western Star trucks in North America.