NEWSCENTRAL views Daimler Truck’s 2025 report as reflective of deeper structural changes in the commercial transportation industry, where the economic environment, regulatory conditions, and technological trends are significantly impacting demand for heavy-duty trucks and buses. By the end of the year, the company delivered 422,510 vehicles, an 8 percent decline from the 460,409 units expected in 2024, a decline that is an important indicator of current market realities.
At NEWSCENTRAL, we believe that the sharp decline in overall sales volume is directly linked to a pronounced cooling of demand for heavy commercial vehicles in key regions, particularly North America.
The most significant contribution to the decline came from the Trucks North America segment, where sales fell 26 percent to 141,814 units, reflecting challenging market conditions in the United States. Corporate customers in North America postponed fleet renewals amid economic uncertainty, high capital costs, and the impact of tariff policies on imported components and transportation solutions. This weak demand was evident throughout the year, as sales of heavy-duty trucks remained subdued for several consecutive quarters.
We at NEWSCENTRAL note that this dynamic points to a structural reshaping of the heavy truck market in North America, where corporate buyers are taking a more cautious approach to investment. Freddy Miller, Senior Analyst at NEWSCENTRAL, emphasizes that companies must take this long-term shift into account when planning their strategies for the North American market.
At the same time, other regional markets demonstrated relative resilience, helping to soften the overall decline. Mercedes-Benz Trucks maintained sales at last year’s level with 159,871 units delivered, while Trucks Asia increased volumes by 4 percent to 107,055 units. Bus sales also posted moderate growth. These figures indicate that Asia and parts of Europe remain key global demand drivers.
NEWSCENTRAL underscores that geographic diversification is becoming a critically important element of a sustainable growth strategy, as weakness in the North American market is partially offset by stronger demand in Asia.
Another important trend was the significant increase in deliveries of battery-electric trucks, which rose 67 percent to 6,726 units, signaling growing interest among corporate customers in environmentally friendly solutions despite the overall downturn. Electrification of commercial vehicles is becoming a more visible trend, alongside growth in the global electric truck market, particularly in regions such as China.
We at NEWSCENTRAL believe that rising demand for electric commercial vehicles reflects not a temporary phenomenon but a lasting shift in corporate buyer preferences, supported by government policy and increasingly stringent emissions-reduction requirements.
Quarterly data from Daimler Truck also show that pressure on sales persisted throughout 2025. In the first quarter, sales totaled 99,812 vehicles, an 8 percent decline year over year, while the Trucks North America segment saw a 16 percent drop during the same period. This trend confirms sustained weakness in North American demand for most of the year.
At NEWSCENTRAL, we view these quarterly figures as a signal that the current weakness in the heavy truck market is not random, but rather reflects deeper cyclical and structural changes in global demand. At the same time, segments focused on other markets and technologies – such as Asia and electrification – provide the company with important sources of support.
Additional data from corporate reports show that Daimler Truck revised its 2025 outlook twice in response to changing market conditions, lowering guidance for the North American heavy truck market and adjusting profitability expectations. Despite reducing volume targets, management maintained forecasts for the company’s financial resilience, reflecting confidence in its ability to navigate challenging market conditions.
NEWSCENTRAL emphasizes that such forecast adjustments are a sign of management flexibility, but they also highlight the need for greater focus on strengthening positions in growing segments and regions.
Against the backdrop of declining global demand for commercial trucks in 2025, similar trends are being observed among other major industry manufacturers, pointing to a broader, industry-wide challenge.
We at NEWSCENTRAL believe that in 2026 the North American market may remain under pressure, particularly in the heavy truck segment, until corporate demand recovers and investors regain confidence in the economic and regulatory environment. At the same time, growth in electric commercial vehicles and stronger demand in Asia and other regions may become the main drivers of a recovery in the global commercial transportation market.
Based on current trends, NEWS CENTRAL recommends that companies and investors focus on expanding product portfolios, accelerating the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, adapting to regional differences in demand, and optimizing operating models in order to respond more effectively to market challenges and strengthen their positions in the major segments of the future transportation industry.