In preparation for an independent future with improved profitability and to play a leading role in the transformation of its commercial vehicle business, the reorganisation will see more entrepreneurial freedom and greater product development responsibility given to regional operating units and brands
In preparation for its spin-off from Daimler AG and its independent listing on the Frankfurt stock exchange planned for late 2021, Daimler Truck AG has announced the composition of its new Board of Management and a series of significant management and organisational changes, set to take place as of July 1, 2021. These changes are designed to increase Daimler Truck AG’s efficiency, decision-making speed and ability to better serve customer needs across the globe. Further, to accelerate the pace of technological development and to better serve the needs of its customers in each region, Daimler Truck AG has decided to realign its business structure.
This means that the operating units and brands, which are globally active in the most important sales regions of North America (Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses), Europe and Latin America (Mercedes-Benz Trucks) and Asia (FUSO and BharatBenz), will be given more entrepreneurial independence and room to manoeuvre in the future. Going forward, decision-making authority and the necessary product development resources will be organised alongside the respective Daimler truck brands in the regions.
This will include the chief engineer functions for the entire vehicle development, previously structurally anchored in the central development of Daimler Trucks and Buses, being assigned to the corresponding regions. This is designed to allow vehicle brands such as Freightliner in North America, Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Europe and Latin America and FUSO in Asia to deliver the best possible product and service offering for their customers.
Truck Technology Group
In light of the megatrends CO2-neutral transport, software and connectivity, Daimler Truck AG has been driving the transformation of the industry for years. The company has focused on developing the right solutions for these trends – be it the world premieres of battery-powered e-trucks in the light, medium and heavy segments, the recently presented hydrogen truck for long-distance travel (Mercedes-Benz GenH2) or the autonomous Future Truck 2025. Given the increased speed towards CO2-neutral transportation and the accelerating development of software and connectivity, Daimler Truck AG is bringing together all essential technology and powertrain activities into one division, the Truck Technology Group (TT).
This will be headed by Dr. Andreas Gorbach (45), and a global competence centre for research, development and production for all future powertrain technologies (combustion engine, battery electric and fuel cell) will be created. In addition, TT will be responsible for vehicle software, electrics and electronics as well as global purchasing. These changes will not only make it possible to economically scale differentiating technologies through broad use in all regions but also to leverage global synergies. “The new business structure gives Daimler Trucks and Buses the best of both worlds: maximum customer proximity and entrepreneurship in our regions and maximum, focused engineering power for future technologies,” said Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Truck AG. “Dr. Andreas Gorbach is a proven leader with broad experience in both conventional and zero-emission powertrains. He is the perfect match for the new Truck Technology Group Board of Management position,” he added.
Gorbach is currently CEO of the fuel cell joint venture with the Volvo Group and has largely contributed to Daimler Truck AG’s success in making hydrogen drive systems ready for series production. Sven Ennerst, previously responsible for development, purchasing and the China region will pursue as General Representative China until the end of the year, fully focussed on the company’s success in this important market for Daimler Truck AG. Dr. Frank Reintjes, previously responsible for the global powertrain division, will accompany the realignment of Daimler Truck AG as Senior Executive Advisor to the CEO until the end of the year. Both executives will start their well-deserved retirement at the end of the year.
Commented Daum: “I would like to sincerely thank my both esteemed colleagues Sven Ennerst and Frank Reintjes for their extraordinary dedication and contribution to Daimler Truck AG. Over decades, they both shaped significantly their respective areas of responsibility – Frank Reintjes in creating a highly performing global powertrain entity and Sven Ennerst in creating a global product portfolio with industry-leading technology in safety and efficiency. Both have had significant impact on our successes within their respective areas.”