DaimlerChrysler (DC’s) Truck Group will launch its globally standardized heavy-duty engine platform at Freightliner in 2007 as part of DC’s global initiative to have Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Western Star, Sterling and Mitsubishi Fuso brands share 90% of their engine parts.
The Truck Group estimates that 52% of the new heavy-duty engines will be used by Freightliner in the NAFTA region, 40% by Mercedes-Benz in Europe and Latin America, and 8% by Mitsubishi Fuso in Japan.
The parts sharing initiative is a pillar in DC’s plan to achieve a profit margin of 7% for the Truck Group.
“We plan to achieve this position through an optimized model mix across all weight classes and brands, as well as through economies of scale generated by our modular strategy,” said Andreas Renschler, a member of DC board of management responsible for Truck Group & Buses.
The drivetrain offers the greatest potential for savings, DC said.
For more information, go to www.daimlerchrysler.com
