With operating income (earnings before interest and taxes, EBIT) of 2.5 billion euros, 2019 was the third most successful financial year in the history of the business division despite a decline (minus 11% compared to 2018). At EUR 40.2 billion (previous year: EUR 38.3 billion), sales were above the previous year's level. The return on sales for 2019 amounted to 6.1% (minus 1.1% compared to 2018).

From the third quarter of 2019, the company felt the beginning of an economic normalization in important key markets. The high demand at the beginning of the year, particularly in North America, Europe and Japan, declined at the end of 2019. After a record year in 2018, unit sales at Daimler Trucks fell by six percent overall to 488,500 units in 2019 (previous year: 517,300 units). Daimler Trucks therefore already adjusted production worldwide accordingly in the third quarter of 2019. In view of the cyclical nature of the commercial vehicle business, the company stated that the sales trend was normal and in line with the industry as a whole.

Further declines expected for 2020
In 2020, Daimler Trucks anticipates a further normalization of the particularly high demand seen in recent years. The company anticipates challenging economic conditions in the most important truck sales markets. In the North America region, the company assumes that the market for heavy trucks (Class 8) will decline significantly. The basis for comparison is the very high level of 2019.

In a persistently weak macroeconomic environment in the EU30 region (EU, UK, Switzerland and Norway), demand for heavy trucks is expected to fall significantly compared to the robust level of the previous year. In Brazil, sales of heavy trucks are likely to remain at around the previous year's level following the strong recovery of previous years. In Japan, Daimler Trucks anticipates a significant decline in demand for heavy trucks.

Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck © Daimler

Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck: "2019 was a solid year for Daimler Trucks. At 2.5 billion euros, we achieved a good result. We have adapted to the economic headwinds in important regions and adjusted our production. We want to and will permanently reduce our costs. We have therefore intensified our efficiency measures. We will lead the change in the industry. Earnings power for extensive investments in future technologies are the key to success. This is how we will achieve the sustainable transformation towards emission-free, automated and connected transportation of the future."