Daimler’s Bernhard Sees Strong U.S. Growth
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The head of Daimler AG’s global truck and bus operations offered an extremely rosy outlook on the North American market and also urged greater cooperation between U.S. and European regulators.
“2014 could be the year that the dam breaks,” Wolfgang Bernhard said at the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association breakfast March 28.
The event, which drew more than 900 attendees, took place here during the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Bernhard, who took over his post one year ago, said more small- and medium-size fleets are entering the market. In addition, there is growing interest for rental vehicles, which he said is a strong sign of the increasing demand but that people are not yet convinced a true economic rebound will take hold.
A similar assessment was shared by Daimler Trucks North America President Martin Daum at a press briefing the previous day.
He said there could be more than a 10% increase in sales in 2014, if the order momentum that started late in 2013 carries through the entire year.
During his comments, Bernhard also urged the United States and Europe to pass free-trade agreements, as well as greater cooperation between emissions regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to create a single vehicle standard.
Additional coverage will be included in the April 7 print edition of Transport Topics.
