Mercedes 2013 Annual Report Download - page 153

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D | The Divisions | Daimler Trucks
Daimler Trucks #1 leads to first visible successes. To make
sure that Daimler Trucks is a leader also in terms of profitability,
the division launched the “Daimler Trucks #1” excellence
initiative in 2012. The program encompasses measures at the
individual business units as well as initiatives affecting the
entire division. By the end of 2014, we plan the implementation
of measures for the sustained improvement of cost structures
and additional business activities with an earnings effect of €1.6
billion. As planned, we already achieved 30% of our optimi-
zation targets with regard to earnings in 2013. Substantial prog-
ress was achieved for example with optimizing production
and reducing material costs and fixed costs. We will continue
to work hard on implementing the program this year. The
current product offensive and the development of new markets
are contributing considerably to the achievement of our
growth and efficiency targets for all the division’s brands.
The initiatives affecting all of the division’s units also make
an important strategic contribution so that we can benefit
as effectively as possible from our global positioning. As part
of its module strategy, for example, Daimler Trucks aims
to achieve a much higher proportion of shared parts in its prod-
ucts, without eliminating key distinctions between the various
brands. Reduced complexity and fewer types of parts generate
cost benefits in procurement and significant economies
of scale in production and logistics. The after-sales business
is another focus of our program. In this area, global coop-
eration has been significantly strengthened by the systematic
exchange of successful business processes across all regions.
Furthermore, the revenue generated by the remanufacturing
of components is to be increased by 30% in the medium term
by means of expanded regional product portfolios and
by developing new markets.
In our business in Asia, we made considerable progress in
the year under review as a result of more intensive cooperation
between FUSO and Daimler India Commercial Vehicles. That
includes closer cooperation in the areas of finance, development
and sales. In addition, the production of FUSO trucks started
in May in Chennai, India.
Unit sales rise to highest level since 2006. In line with our
forecast, Daimler Trucks slightly increased its unit sales in
2013, resulting in the highest level in seven years. Because the
global economic situation continued to be difficult, the truck
business actually made a very weak start to the year. However,
the gap in demand compared with 2012 decreased gradually
as the year progressed. Customers responded extremely well
to Daimler Trucks’ new model range, enabling us to increase
our market share in many countries.
In 2013, Daimler was the first truck manufacturer to change over its complete European product range to Euro VI emission standards.