Daimler AG aims to build Mercedes Benz-branded heavy trucks in China by revamping truck plants owned by its local joint venture.
The German auto maker believes that this revamp initiative will deepen the alliance between Daimler and its Chinese truck JV partner, Beiqi Foton Co. This comes after the purchase of a five per cent stake in Daimler by Beijing Automotive Group Co, Foton’s parent group.
Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive (BFDA) will add Actros to its production lines which are mainly used to make Auman trucks.
According to Reuters, the JV aims to make over its No.3 plant, which will have an annual capacity of 60,000 heavy trucks, and expand capacity at its No.2 plant to 100,000 units from 60,000 now.
All Mercedes Benz trucks currently sold in China are imported and priced significantly higher than domestically made Auman trucks. The truck joint venture, which was founded in 2012, sold more than 100,000 units in China last year.
