Almost three months after the first effects of the COVID-19 pandemic suspended manufacturing operations, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has reopened all nine of its manufacturing locations in North America. Manufacturing resumed on April 20 at Daimler Trucks’ Portland, Ore., factory.

DTNA also announced it is expanding its Extended Next program as an option for all levels of active Extended Engine Coverage, a program that was previously only available to customers who had purchased specific levels of Extended Engine Coverage.

DTNA's Saltillo and Santiago Truck Manufacturing Plants in Mexico reopened on June 1 with established localized task forces comprising plant leadership and labor union representatives to implement universal safety protocols. Both plants implemented measures tailored for each facility in its network to make workspaces as safe as possible and fully comply with all federal, state and provincial, and local regulations, DTNA stated.

Among the safety measures implemented are:

• Standardized cleaning regimens
• Redesigned workflows in observance of social distancing
• Redesigned layouts of common spaces
• Employee and visitor temperature screening with health questionnaires
• Frequent communications to the employees.

Extended Next program

Extended Next is an extended engine warranty that allows fleets to continue with the OEM level of coverage when the purchased Extended Engine Coverage is close to expiring. The program expansion provides an option for all owners of a DTNA Extended Engine Coverage plan to cover their trucks for up to a maximum of seven years or 750,000 miles, whichever comes first.

“We know that a customer’s truck is more than just a vehicle – it’s their livelihood,” said Paul Romanaggi, chief customer experience officer, DTNA. “By opening up Extended Next eligibility to all extended coverage plans, our customers now have more options for protecting their uptime and financial security. A little extra peace of mind can go a long way, especially in today’s environment.”

In addition to expanded eligibility, DTNA has introduced an Extended Next option that does not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) service exchange. Customers can now purchase Extended Next with or without the DPF service exchange and can have one year or 120,000 miles prior to their current extended warranty expiration to add Extended NEXT. In some cases, customers can also upgrade from the level of active coverage they have into an even more comprehensive Extended Next package.

“Our commitment to the customers and drivers on the road for us, our families, and the world remains steadfast. Whether at our dealers’ sales and service centers, our parts distribution centers, or at our manufacturing operations, DTNA is open for business, and we are here for you,” said Roger Nielsen, president and CEO of DTNA. “Thank you for keeping the world moving.”