Mercedes 1999 Annual Report Download - page 46

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
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excellent safety and high environmental standards. In 1999
the Atego was voted Truck of the Year, as was the Actros in
1997. In 1999 new registrations of Mercedes-Benz trucks
throughout Western Europe reached 79,400 units, signifi-
cantly exceeding last year’s high volume. As a result, we
were able to increase our market share to 25% (1998: 24%) in
the segment above six metric tons, further consolidating our
leading position in Western Europe.
Now that our product line has been completely renewed, we
are enhancing customer service. At the beginning of the year,
we introduced FleetBoard®, an innovative fleet management
system to help customers optimize vehicle use and boost
competitiveness.
As a result of unfavorable economic conditions in South
America, sales in the region fell to 44,600 units in 1999
(1998: 57,700). Nevertheless, in the market for vehicles over
six metric tons, we were able to defend our dominant position
in Brazil (36%, 1998: 36%) and Argentina (36%, 1998: 37%).
Our most important market launch last year was the 1938/
FSK—the first Mercedes-Benz cab-over-engine truck to be
manufactured in Brazil.
MERCEDES-BENZ VANS LEAD IN EUROPE. Mercedes-Benz
vans have enjoyed a commanding position on the European
market since 1997. In the Commercial Vehicle of the Year
awards, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places were taken by the successful
Sprinter (2.5–4.6 metric tons), the Vito and V-Class (up to 2.6
metric tons) and the Vario (4.8–7.5 metric tons), which offer
ideal versions for both commercial and private applications.
In 1999, both the Vito and the V-Class underwent substantial
model updates. The new CDI engines have been particularly
popular among customers. In the year under review, a total of
220,900 Mercedes-Benz vans (1998: 216,500) were sold
worldwide. The most important markets for the Vans unit
were Germany (69,300 vehicles; up 5%), and the other West-
ern European countries (119,800; up 7%). On the strength of
this performance, market share rose to 18.9% (1998: 18.4%),
further consolidating our leading position in Europe. In the
wake of the economic crises in Brazil and Argentina, sales
outside Western Europe decreased significantly to 31,800
(1998: 38,800) units.
VANEO COMPACT VAN EXTENDS PRODUCT LINE. The
Vaneo compact van will extend our product line into the fast-
expanding sector for vehicles under 2 tons. With its compact
exterior dimensions, the Vaneo can be used commercially or as
a family vehicle. It will be launched at the end of 2001.
LEADING MANUFACTURER OF BUSES WORLDWIDE. In 1999
DaimlerChrysler sold a total of 44,700 complete buses and bus
chassis (1998: 32,600). Growth in the markets of Western
Europe and North America helped offset a decrease in sales
in South America. In 1999, we were once again the world’s
leading manufacturer of buses over eight metric tons.
EvoBus GmbH, a 100 percent subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, is
responsible for our bus operations in Western Europe. In the
year under review, EvoBus’ sales of complete buses and bus
chassis fell slightly to 8,000 units. Of this total, the Mercedes-
Benz brand sold 5,200 units (down 8%), with Setra accounting
for 2,800 units (up 8%). As a result, EvoBus achieved a market
share of 26%. The two brands were therefore able to retain
their market leadership in Western Europe (including Turkey).
Among the major product launches in 1999 were the
Mercedes-Benz Travego travel coach and the S 317 GT-HD
from Setra. Our buses also did extremely well in the
Commercial Vehicle of the Year awards, capturing two 1st,
two 2nd and two 3rd places.
FREIGHTLINER AND STERLING GOING FOR GROWTH. The
greatest growth in the year under review was again achieved
in the North America region. On the strength of an attractive
product line, we were able to profit significantly from the positi-
ve development of the North American market last year. As a
result, we further consolidated our position as the leading
manufacturer of heavy trucks in North America. Total sales for
the region amounted to 193,000 units for the year under review
(1998: 125,600). In the US, in the segment for Class 8 heavy
trucks (15 metric tons and up), the combined market share of
our Freightliner and Sterling brands rose from 33.1% in 1998 to
37.3% in 1999. Our new Sterling brand alone achieved a market
share of more than 5%. Sales were particularly successful in the
segment for Class 6 and 7 medium-weight trucks (8.8–15 metric
tons), where we were able to improve on the substantial gains
made in 1998. Total US sales in this segment reached 41,400
The new Mannheim Customer Center, which opened on
July 19, 1999, is not only a stimulating source of
information, but also allows customers a look at the
production process. This engine center sets the standard
for other Powertrain centers.