Daimler Launches Local Production for the Chinese Market

Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive (BFDA), the joint venture of Daimler Truck Holding AG (“Daimler Truck”) and Foton Motor, celebrates the first locally produced Mercedes-Benz trucks during an inauguration ceremony at its new state-of-the-art production site in Huairou, Beijing. With the scheduled start of series production, Daimler Truck opens a new chapter in China. Ten years after commencing operations in China, BFDA continues to expand its presence and leverage the potential for profitable growth. The new plant covers an area of more than 400,000 m2 and features a highly flexible and scalable production line based on lean production principles.

(Peking, China) Karl Deppen, member of the board of Daimler Truck Holding AG, Head of Daimler Truck Asia: “China is the largest market for heavy trucks in the world and offers significant growth potential for Daimler Truck. We are very pleased that the first Mercedes-Benz trucks produced in China for China are now hitting the roads. With the most advanced technology from Daimler Truck, which relies on our global platform strategy, we aim to exceed our customers’ expectations in the evolving heavy truck market segment in China.”

Mercedes-Benz Actros Models Tailored to Customer Requirements in China

The production portfolio of BFDA at the new plant in Huairou includes two product lines of tractor units of the Mercedes-Benz Actros model, both developed on Daimler Truck’s global platform for heavy trucks. Since the launch of the first Actros generation in 1996, more than 1.5 million units of this model have been sold worldwide.

The localized Mercedes-Benz Actros from BFDA is equipped with the state-of-the-art OM471 third-generation engine, setting the standard for optimized transport efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz Actros C model is the option for customers with flexible logistics requirements. Both localized product lines have been developed according to Mercedes-Benz Trucks standards to reliably meet the needs of customers in China. Local expertise, local value creation, and supplier development, combined with Daimler Truck’s global research and development as well as manufacturing expertise, ensure the highest quality standards.

Dr. Holger Scherr, President and CEO of Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co. Ltd: “To meet the growing market expectations in China, we need to understand and consider how our products and services help our customers succeed. For us, the truck is not just a sum of features, but a comprehensive product that meets the demands for performance, reliability, and functionality while providing the driver with a more attractive working environment that reduces fatigue. We are confident that the localized Mercedes-Benz Actros and Mercedes-Benz Actros C will bring significant value and benefits to customers and drivers, thereby contributing further to the customer-centric brand promise of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in China.”

Customer-Oriented Strategy with Both Locally Produced and Imported Trucks

In addition to the locally produced tractor unit models Actros and Actros C, Daimler Truck continues to import Mercedes-Benz trucks to China, focusing on the chassis business for special applications such as fire trucks, concrete pumps, and even motorhomes. The existing Auman brand remains a solid foundation for BFDA.

Nicole Engel, CEO of Daimler Truck China Limited, adds: “By pursuing a robust, tailored business strategy, we provide our customers in various application segments in China with added value and support them in moving the world. With the important milestone of local production of our most successful heavy truck model from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, we are even better positioned in the local market. With the pioneering innovations from Daimler Truck and our long-standing experience, we are able to continue growing in China.”

The locally produced Mercedes-Benz Actros and Actros C are expected to be delivered to customers in China in November of this year.

Photo: © Daimler Truck