Freightliner to Become Daimler Trucks North America
U.S. truck and engine maker Freightliner LLC said late Friday it is changing its name to Daimler Trucks North America LLC, effective Jan. 7.
Freightliner LLC — which includes diesel engine maker Detroit Diesel and heavy-duty truck makers Freightliner Trucks, Sterling Trucks and Western Star Trucks — said the change will not affect existing operations, structure or brand strategies, or impact dealer or supplier operations.
The group also includes Freightliner Custom Chassis, Thomas Built Buses and Mercedes-Benz engines and transmissions. It has been part of Daimler AG or one of its predecessor companies since 1981.
“Our business has changed dramatically in the past decade, and our name should reflect that reality,” said Chris Patterson, the company’s chief executive officer.
“The transition occurring in our parent company presented us with the opportunity to stop and examine our own organization and position in the industry,” he said in a statement.
The move follows a vote by shareholders of the former DaimlerChrysler AG on Thursday that approved a corporate name change to Daimler AG.
