Seeing the increased speed towards CO2-neutral transportation and the accelerating development of software and connectivity, Daimler Truck AG brings together all essential technology and powertrain activities into one division, the Truck Technology Group (TT).
Andreas Gorbach will head the new division, which will create a global competence centre for research, development and production for all future powertrain technologies (combustion engine, battery-electric and fuel cell).
In addition, TT will be responsible for vehicle software, electrics/ electronics and global purchasing. These changes make it possible to economically scale differentiating technologies through broad use in all regions and leverage global synergies.
Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Truck AG, said, 'The new business structure gives Daimler Trucks & Buses the best of both worlds Maximum customer proximity and entrepreneurship in our regions and maximum, focused engineering power for future technologies. Andreas Gorbach is a proven leader with broad experience in both conventional and zero-emission powertrains. He is the perfect match for the new Truck Technology Group Board of Management position.'
Gorbach is currently CEO of the fuel cell joint venture with the Volvo Group and has largely contributed to Daimler Truck AG's success in making hydrogen drive systems ready for series production.'
Sven Ennerst, previously responsible for Development, Purchasing and Region China, will pursue as General Representative China until the end of the year, fully focussed on the company's success in this important market for Daimler Trucks.
Frank Reintjes, previously responsible for the Global Powertrain division, will accompany the realignment of Daimler Truck AG as a Senior Executive Advisor to the CEO until the end of the year. Both executives will start their well-deserved retirement at the end of the year.
Further, to accelerate the pace of technological development and better serve its customers' needs in each region, Daimler Truck AG has decided to realign its business structure. Accordingly, the operating units and brands, which are globally active in the most important sales regions of North America (Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses), Europe & Latin America (Mercedes-Benz Trucks) and Asia (FUSO & BharatBenz), will be given more entrepreneurial independence and room to manoeuvre in the future.
In the future, the decision-making authority and the necessary product development resources will be organised alongside the respective Daimler Truck brands in the regions. It will include the Chief Engineer functions for the entire vehicle development, previously structurally anchored in the central development of Daimler Trucks & Buses, being assigned to the corresponding regions. The objective is to allow vehicle brands such as Freightliner in North America, Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Europe and Latin America, FUSO in Asia to deliver the best possible product and service offering for their customers.
Financial Services
An additional step towards greater customer orientation is the establishment of a new, company-owned financial services unit for the truck and bus business. The new subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG will provide targeted support for the sales of the world's largest truck and bus manufacturer with tailor-made financing, leasing and mobility solutions and will strengthen customer relationships.
Colleagues of the future Daimler Truck Financial Services organisation will transfer from Daimler Mobility AG to the new company ahead of the planned spin-off and listing and become part of the worldwide Daimler Truck family.
Stephan Unger will take over the management of this new in-house financial services unit from July 1, 2021. In his capacity, he will become a member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG as per that date.
NB: Photo is representational; courtesy: Daimler.