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Daimler Truck sticks to guidance as U.S. orders surge

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Daimler Truck kept its FY guidance after a robust start in the U.S. First‑quarter order intake surged, driven by an 86% jump in incoming orders for its North America trucks unit. The German maker said the rebound positions it well despite a tough overall quarter this period cycle.

Mercedes‑Benz Trucks, the premium arm, recorded a 33% rise in order intake, while global orders climbed 50% year‑on‑year. Unit sales slipped to 68,849 units from 75,758 a year earlier, reflecting lingering softness in Europe. The contrast highlights how U.S. demand is offsetting weaker performance elsewhere in the market.

The industrial segment, which contributes the bulk of revenue, posted a 14% decline to 9.14 billion euros. Return on sales fell to 5.0% from 9.6%, underscoring pressure on margins. Such a dip signals that cost discipline will be crucial as the company leans on its North American recovery for growth.

CEO Karin Radstrom said the firm is “well positioned for continued improvement” despite the challenging quarter. Investors will watch whether the U.S. momentum can sustain earnings growth and offset the dip in its core industrial business. The latest figures keep the outlook unchanged for the remainder of 2024 now.