Diminishing sales for Daimler Truck AG’s Asia segment have reflected an overall downturn in demand for the manufacturer across its global operations according to its recently released 2024 financial report, however figures and demand remain strong in the face of broader economic challenges across the globe.
Unit sales in Daimler Truck’s Asia segment dropped to its second-lowest total in the past six years, with a total of 125,234 sold compared to 161,171 in 2023.
FY20 saw 110,205 trucks sold in the region.
Despite this, strong Q4 demand across Daimler’s operations were underpinned by positive development in the Trucks Asia region.
Daimler’s Trucks Asia segment also saw a book-to-bill ratio of 96 per cent on the year with 120,702 incoming orders and 125,234 which indicates rising demand for the product compared to 2023’s book-to-bill ratio of just 83 per cent.
Group revenue across Daimler operations dipped by three per cent when compared to 2023, to a total of €54.1 billion (A$93 billion).
“In the past year, we achieved an adjusted EBIT of 4.7 billion euros and an adjusted return on sales in our Industrial Business of 8.9 percent. This makes 2024 another solid year – and I look at it from two sides: We are proud of what we have accomplished, and I would like to sincerely thank our global Daimler Truck team for their dedication and great work. At the same time, 2024 varied across our segments,” Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström says.
“Trucks North America and Daimler Buses continued very strong. Mercedes-Benz Trucks did very well in Brazil but was affected by weak demand in its European core markets. Trucks Asia delivered solid operating results despite continued weak markets. In sum, we are convinced that we can do even better, and we are committed to unlocking even more of our potential.”
The truck segment assumptions for FY25 indicate Daimler is expecting a further slowing in sales in its Trucks Asia market, with guidance indicated expected sales between 95,000-115,000 units.
Daimler is expecting a large increase to the demand for its European Mercedes-Benz Trucks segment.
The new Next Generation Fuso eCanter, which has been successfully rolled out in Australia, Japan and Europe, is also being introduced to other Asian markets due to its success in existing sales markets.
2025 has seen another strong start for Daimler’s Fuso brand in Australia according to the Truck Industry Council.
Fuso is currently the third-leading truck seller in the country as at the end of February with a total of 496 vehicles, behind Isuzu’s 1794 deliveries and Hino’s 588 deliveries, and ahead of Kenworth’s 464 deliveries.
Overall, Fuso currently boasts an almost eight per cent share of Australia’s heavy vehicle market.
It is showing particular success in the light-duty segment, where only Isuzu has delivered more trucks this year than Fuso’s 290.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks have sold a total of 221 trucks in 2025 as at the end of February.
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