News: February 2010

European recognition for Eckstreme Twin Deck Trailer

The Eckstreme Twin Deck Trailer from manufacturer Van Eck has received European Commission recognition for its contribution to reducing the number of movements on European roads. Logistics provider Emons, which uses this semi-trailer, has also received Marco Polo subsidies thanks to this transport concept. The concept provides extra space between the axles and offers a dual loading level giving an extra load capacity of 60%.

Daimler hopes to return to profit in 2010

Daimler AG has published its financial results for 2009, and despite a better performance in the second half, the group’s EBIT is still negative at -1.513 billion EUR, of which -1.001 billion were recorded by the Daimler Trucks division alone. The Mercedes-Benz Vans division, by contrast, was able to benefit from better market conditions at the end of the year and posted a positive EBIT of 26 million EUR. The group will not be paying any dividend. For 2010 the group only forecasts a mixed recovery for HGV’s, with a more marked recovery in the NAFTA zone, although this follows three years of decreases.

In Europe, Daimler believes that the light utility market will develop a little better than in 2009, but that the over 6 tonnes market will stay at the same level as last year. Within this context Daimler Trucks is set to achieve a positive EBIT of 200 million EUR in 2010 and Mercedes-Benz Vans 250 million EUR.