Karin Rådström, responsible for the regions Europe and Latin America and the brand Mercedes-Benz, explained that – despite some extraordinary challenges for the industry – Mercedes-Benz is making good progress to drive the segment’s turnaround: Personnel cost reduction programs worth €280 million are already halfway through and the organization is becoming leaner by reducing the number of management positions. In addition, Mercedes-Benz is well on track with the streamlining of the existing product portfolio and the associated reduction of the number of base models. Finally, also material costs have been lowered successfully. Further, the company is focusing on targeting the more profitable heavy-duty segment as well as on further increasing customer satisfaction and expanding its service offerings.
John O‘Leary, President and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), emphasized, that the North American business segment continues its successful path to grow from strong to stronger. To meet its target, DTNA plans to continue to maintain its strict cost discipline and defend its on-highway business while capturing an increased share of the vocational market. DTNA will also continue to further expand its aftermarket capabilities to safeguard customer experience, increase revenue generation and strengthen its connected vehicle services offerings.
Karl Deppen, who will take over as Head of Truck Asia (TA) on December, 1, pointed out that the Asian business is already well on its way to achieving its ambitious goal of benchmark profitability. Through continued cost optimization and service expansion the segment plans to drive profitability and strengthen the position of the FUSO brand. BharatBenz is currently experiencing very strong growth in India and TA plans to further build on this success. Moreover, TA expects that China will serve as an important game-changer for the segment’s growth as it focuses on localizing to suit the market. With Daimler Truck’s experience regarding e-mobility as well as its battery and FCEV product pipeline, the segment is well prepared to cater for these opportunities in the future.
Stephan Unger, Member of the Board, responsible for Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS), provided a clear roadmap for leveraging the 40+ year history of Daimler’ Financial Services Business into building a best-in-class segment focused exclusively on Commercial Vehicles. A multi-wave ramp up of the portfolio, ongoing excellence in risk management, strict cost control from day one and benefit of new IT systems will drive the segment to achieving its 14% adjusted Return on Equity ambition in 2025 under strong market conditions. DTFS will drive enduring customer relationships, support sales of Daimler trucks and buses and provide critical insight, know-how and balance sheet strength to unlock the Services ambitions of the group.