Freightliner to Woo Detroit Diesel Customers

Freightliner LLC said it soon will unveil a sales program targeted at Detroit Diesel heavy-duty engine purchasers who may no longer have access to Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines from other OEMs. The truck maker said the program, which will offer customers a comprehensive incentive package for purchasing new Freightliner, Sterling or Western Star trucks equipped with Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines, will be launched in three weeks.

"Our upcoming sales program will offer tremendous benefits and exciting incentives to Detroit Diesel engine buyers currently running competitor trucks," said James L. Hebe, Freightliner president and CEO. "We intend to show these Detroit Diesel customers the advantages of doing business with us."

Because Detroit Diesel Corp. was purchased by DaimlerChrysler, Freightliner's parent company, Freightliner's competitors in the North American heavy-duty truck market have or soon will stop offering Detroit Diesel engines in their trucks.

Hebe did not disclose the details of the program, but said it would contain a package of benefits that only Freightliner and its North American DaimlerChrysler affiliates can deliver.