Mercedes 2012 Annual Report Download - page 142

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Another significant increase in unit sales and revenue.
After many truck markets had posted strong sales growth in the
first half of the year, all core markets saw demand slow down
or even decrease in the third and fourth quarters. In Europe,
the sovereign-debt crisis and the resulting economic weakness
led to a marked decline in purchases, and economic con-
straints limited demand in the NAFTA region to the procurement
of essential replacement vehicles. Although reconstruction
activities led to an upswing in Japan following the earthquake,
this development slowed considerably. In Brazil, weak economic
growth and the introduction of tougher emissions standards
led to a significant drop in unit sales throughout the year. In spite
of these difficulties, Daimler Trucks managed to further in-
crease its revenue and unit sales. As a result, the division was
able to grow, particularly in Asia and the NAFTA region. We
sold 462,000 vehicles during the year under review, or 9% more
than in 2011. Revenue totaled €31.4 billion (+9%). Due to lower
unit sales in Brazil and Western Europe as well as scheduled
expenses for the current product offensive, EBIT of €1.7 billion
was 9% below the prior-year level.

4.03
Daimler Trucks #1 safeguards the division’s sustainable
profitability. With the launch of the “Daimler Trucks #1” excel-
lence initiative, Daimler Trucks aims to become a leader also
in terms of profitability. DT#1 is part of the Global Excellence
Strategy and encompasses excellence programs at the individual
operating units as well as cross-business initiatives. DT#1
has precise targets and is expected to contribute €1.6 billion
in earnings by the end of 2014 from both additional business
activities and cost-cutting measures. Daimler Trucks aims to
achieve a significant portion of the cost reduction by the end
of 2013.
The overall goal of the business units’ growth and optimization
programs is to ensure that the division either remains or
becomes the market leader in each region. The associated
measures encompass the entire value chain.
For example, we have determined that there is great potential
in the optimization of production and the reduction of material
costs and fixed costs. Moreover, our current product offensive
will play a key supporting role as we strive to meet our growth
and efficiency targets.
Daimler Trucks
2012 was a multifaceted year for Daimler Trucks. The Antos for heavy distribution transportation,
the new medium-duty engine generation and the completely new model range of the BharatBenz brand
once again demonstrated our innovative capabilities and substantially expanded the product lineup
for our customers. The joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Foton took over the production of
Auman brand trucks last summer. Despite higher unit sales, EBIT was lower than in 2011.
4.03
Daimler Trucks
2012 2011 12/11
Amounts in millions of euros % change
EBIT 1,714 1,876 -9
Revenue 31,389 28,751 +9
Return on sales (in %) 5.5 6.5 .
Investment in property, plant,
and equipment
989
1,201 -18
Research and development
expenditure
thereof capitalized
1,197
180
1,321
251
-9
-28
Production 450,622 435,918 +3
Unit sales 461,954 425,756 +9
Employees (December 31) 80,519 77,295 +4
4.04
Unit sales Daimler Trucks
2012 2011 12/11
In thousands % change
Total 462 426 +9
Western Europe 58 61 -6
thereof Germany 31 31 -0
United Kingdom 78 -9
France 78 -9
NAFTA 135 114 +18
thereof United States 114 97 +17
Latin America (excluding Mexico) 46 62 -25
thereof Brazil 29 44 -34
Asia 164 135 +21
thereof Japan 35 27 +30
Indonesia 69 62 +10