DTNA Optimistic on 2014 After Strong January
CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico — Daimler Trucks North America, which achieved nearly a 40% market share in 2013, expressed optimism about the coming year following a strong January.
David Hames, general manager of marketing and strategy, said orders during the first month of 2014 totaled 13,343 — the highest since 2006.
“The U.S. economy is set to accelerate, and we’re optimistic,” Hames said.
He and other executives met with reporters here Feb. 18 during a presentation to spotlight the Freightliner brand.
Portland, Ore.-based DTNA garnered 38.2% of heavy-duty market share last year, the company said.
Hames cited the popularity of the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution model, which is providing greater fuel efficiency, and said the company’s Detroit DD15 engine is in high demand.
“Our testing shows 5% to 7% fuel economy improvement,” Hames said of the Cascadia.
The vehicle has been in production for 11 months. During its test phase, the company learned from drivers that refueling had changed because they were able to drive longer distances.
“They were getting that much more fuel economy out of it,” Hames told Transport Topics. “That’s how orders rose for January.”
