Global truck manufacturing giant Daimler announced Thursday its projection for maintaining steady profit margins in its industrial operations through 2026, with company officials anticipating stronger performance during the latter half of the year.
The major commercial vehicle producer forecasts its adjusted return on sales for industrial business will range from 6% to 8% in 2026, slightly below the 7.9% achieved in 2025.
Vehicle production is expected to increase, with Daimler Truck projecting unit sales between 330,000 and 360,000 vehicles in 2026, representing growth from the 315,000 units sold from ongoing operations during 2025.
Company officials cautioned that these projections depend heavily on broader economic conditions and international political developments, especially potential U.S. trade tariffs, while noting that supply chain interruptions or Middle Eastern conflicts could affect outcomes.
“For 2026, we are positioned for operational improvement on higher volumes and efficiency gains compensating materially higher tariff effects,” Chief Financial Officer Eva Scherer stated.
The truck manufacturing sector across Europe, including competitors Traton and Volvo, has faced challenges from declining North American demand as reduced freight activity and tariff-related uncertainty have impacted new orders.
Daimler Truck reported achieving cost reductions exceeding 100 million euros ($115.49 million) during 2025 through its European efficiency program and targets generating an additional 250 million euros in recurring savings throughout 2026.
