Mercedes 2001 Annual Report Download - page 40

36 Commercial Vehicles
Restructuring at Freightliner, Sterling, and Thomas
Built Buses. The collapse of demand in North America
led to a substantial reduction in sales of our North
American brands in 2001 (-34% to 100,400 units). Our
leading position in the segment for Class 8 heavy
trucks (15 tons and up) nevertheless remained unchal-
lenged in the US. Our market share for Class 8 vehicles
reached 39% (2000: 36%), while in Class 6/7 (from 8.8
to 15 tons), it was 27% (2000: 24%).
To ensure a return to long-term profitability as
quickly as possible, Freightliner presented a turna-
round program in October. With this plan we should be
able to achieve continuously increasing positive effects
on profitability, amounting to an annual US $850
million from the year 2004. Numerous measures
are already being implemented and showing positive
results.
Mercedes-Benz and Setra Buses defend market position.
Last year 26,700 complete buses and bus chassis of the
Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands were sold worldwide
(2000: 27,500), making DaimlerChrysler by far the
world’s leading bus manufacturer once again. Unit
sales in Western Europe (including Turkey) were down
16% on the record year of 2000 to 6,600 vehicles as a
result of generally negative market developments,
particularly in the segment of tourist buses, and the
severe decline of the important Turkish market. In South
America, we did not maintain the high sales level of
the previous year with unit sales of 11,000 vehicles
(2000: 11,900). We nevertheless remained the leader
in Western Europe, with a market share of 26%
(2000: 26%), as well as in Brazil (52%; 2000: 59%),
and Argentina (72%; 2000: 68%).
Mercedes-Benz Vans expand global presence. A total
of 243,200 vans were sold in the year under review,
thereby surpassing the record set in 2000 by 1%.
Unit sales in Western Europe were up 3% to 202,100
vehicles, while market share once again reached 19%.
Mercedes-Benz thus maintained its leading position
in the 2 - 6 metric ton segment in Western Europe.
In South America, where unit sales fell to 7,800 vehicles
(2000: 12,000), Mercedes-Benz remained the market
leader in the comparable segment. The Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter was launched in the US market under
the Freightliner brand name in mid 2001 and sales
reached more than 2,200 by the end of the year.
Global components strategy continues successfully.
DaimlerChrysler is one of the world’s leading
manufacturers of diesel engines for commercial ve-
hicles. We recently gathered together the worldwide
component activities of Mercedes-Benz, MTU/Diesel
Engines and Detroit Diesel Corporation in the
DaimlerChrysler Powersystems business unit. This has
enabled us to more efficiently structure the develop-
ment, production and marketing of diesel engines and
components. Long-term synergies have already been
identified and realized, particularly in purchasing.
Our global components strategy, which is de-
signed to increase the share of Group components in
our brands, was further pursued throughout 2001.
The engine for the Mercedes-Benz Axor truck, for
example, is built by a production network involving São
Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, and Mannheim, Germany.
Further economies of scale will be achieved through
the decision to produce transmissions and steering sys-
tems along with engines and axles in Brazil. In addition,
our operations in the US are being expanded through the
establishment of a manufacturing plant for drive shafts
and steering systems. The integration of our diesel-
engine activities in the off-highway business also had a
positive effect. With the added benefit of a clear brand
strategy we are present in this market with an attractive,
competitive range of diesel engines covering the entire
output spectrum.
The most modern long-distance bus in the world:
The Setra TopClass 400 generation of long-
distance buses offers innovative technology,
high economy and exemplary comfort.