Daimler Trucks marks production milestone in China

Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co (BFDA), a 50-50 joint venture between Daimler and Chinese manufacturer Foton Motor, recently celebrated the 150,000th production unit of the companies’ jointly produced Auman branded trucks. BFDA is an important pillar within Daimler Trucks’ global product and production strategy, with China being an integral element of this.

“As the leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, being right at home in the world’s largest truck market is extremely important for us,” said Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Daimler Trucks & Buses. “The production anniversary underlines that Daimler Trucks is successfully under way in China. Together with our local partner Foton, we are going to focus on offering the Chinese customers the best trucks possible for their purposes.”

Since the first Auman branded truck produced by the joint venture rolled off the production line at its production facility in a suburb of Beijing in July 2012, the company has further improved its market position in the world’s largest truck market. In 2013, BFDA sold about 103,300 units, equalling a 34 percent year-over-year growth rate, the highest growth among China’s top five medium- and heavy-duty-truck manufacturers.

“In a highly regional diversified industry, BFDA’s strong figures and market position prove that we are on the right track,” noted Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for China, and Chairman and CEO of Daimler Greater China. “Backed up by Daimler’s full commitment and the trust that our Chinese customers have in our products and services, we will continue to drive BFDA’s business into new heights.”

Going forward, BFDA plans to expand its production footprint in China. A Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty engine plant targets to cornerstone later this year at BFDA. The engine plant will produce Mercedes-Benz OM457 engines, which will be installed into Auman products to further diversify and upgrade BFDA’s product portfolio. The company expects additional momentum by a further expansion of the dealer network that consisted of about 450 outlets by the end of 2013.