Daimler Trucks to produce new medium-duty engines in Detroit

Daimler Trucks announced a USD 375 million investment to enable production of the new DD5 and DD8 medium-duty engines at its manufacturing facility in Redford, Mich., U.S.A.

The Detroit integrated powertrain – which includes Detroit Engines, axles, and the DT12 transmission – is part of Daimler Trucks’ Global Excellence Strategy to have uniform production standards and processes worldwide.

“This is an exciting day for Daimler Trucks and Detroit. Our investment is a tangible example of how we maximize the use of our global platforms optimized for regional markets,” said Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler AG Board of Management member responsible for Trucks and Buses.

“Detroit medium-duty engines will provide what no other manufacturer in North America can offer – a total vehicle solution that matches Daimler’s global engineering prowess with the most complete line-up bar none in the industry,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). “I am pleased to announce that select Daimler Truck North America vehicles will be available with medium-duty power by the end of 2016, and full production will take place in Detroit by the end of 2018.”

The new DD5 and DD8 lines will add approximately 160 new jobs to the Detroit Headquarters facility and requires a minimum investment of USD 375 million. The new engines were developed in an uncompromising manner for environmental friendliness, economy and performance by Daimler’s global powertrain engineering team. DTNA’s entire product line-up, including vehicles equipped with the DD5 and DD8, will meet GHG17 standards early. The engines will be initially built and shipped from Daimler’s powertrain facility in Mannheim, Germany and will be produced at the Detroit facility in 2018.

For sale in limited quantities, the Detroit DD5 medium-duty engines will be available in 2016 on the Freightliner M2 product line with extensive availability in 2018 across DTNA’s product portfolio including Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation vehicles.