PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks North America recorded its strongest-ever market share performance in the U.S. Class 6-7 medium-duty commercial vehicle segments.

Sales for Daimler’s combined medium-duty brands surpassed its competitors in 2007 for the first time in the company’s history.

Continuing its growth trend, DTNA reported 31.5 percent of U.S. Class 6-7 market share, while Navistar International Corp. recorded 30.6 percent. DTNA increased its share by 3.5 percentage points, while International lost 6.9 percentage points in 2007.

Thanks to brands like the Freightliner M2, Daimler
Trucks NA moves to the top of U.S. MD rankings.

“Daimler Trucks North America has continued its trend of steady growth in Class 6-7 sales, and we’re excited that we have consistently increased our market share,” said DTNA President and CEO Chris Patterson. “We attribute this growth to our outstanding product offerings, unmatched commitment to customers, and our focus on developing new technologies that benefit our customer’s bottom line.”

DTNA’s medium-duty market share was particularly strong for Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Thomas Built Buses and the Freightliner Business Class M2. Share gains were reported in motorhomes, utility, TL/LTL small and large, specialized hauling, construction, and distribution vehicles.

DTNA continues to be the market share leader Class 8 commercial vehicles, besting International by 14.6 percentage points and Paccar by 8.3 percentage points.

Three decades ago, the L and LP Mercedes-Benz-badged medium-duty trucks became popular throughout the U.S. and most notably in the Northeast.

Recognizing the need for an American-built truck, DTNA introduced Freightliner Trucks’ Business Class line in the early 1990s.

The acquisition of Sterling and introduction of the Acterra solidified DTNA’s presence in the medium-duty market, says the company.

In Canada, however, Navistar International has been the class 6-7 market share leader for several years.