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Daimler

Daimler Truck claims to work “for all who keep the world moving.” It postures as a modern, forward-looking company. But there’s nothing modern about fossil fuels. Even though the German auto giant signed the Paris Agreement it’s making little headway on the electric transition—and it’s not moving fast enough. The numbers don’t lie: In 2024, 0.88% of the company’s sales were electric.

Company Name

Daimler

Headquarters

Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany.

Brands Owned

€54B

Reported net sales in 2024

€3B

Reported net profits in 2024

460,409

Trucks sold in 2024

0.88%

of sales were electric trucks

Data from Daimler 2024 annual report
Excerpts from daimler website

Excerpts from Daimler website.

Daimler: Drive the industry forward

Daimler says it wants to avoid bridging technologies that enable progress but don’t lead to CO₂-neutral transport. We couldn’t agree more. However, Daimler is dragging the transition. It’s moving too slow to hit the zero-emission targets we desperately need to reach. It also claims electric trucks don’t work for long distances, and says charging infrastructure can’t handle an electric revolution. These are all excuses. 

Electric trucks are coming. They represent the only viable solution to our growing health, climate, and economic crises. Daimler has the resources it needs to lead a just transition from toxic diesel to clean, affordable electric trucks. It’s time to stop talking and start driving change.

Daimler Reality Check

01
Daimler has the power

Change requires leadership and will. Daimler is the world’s biggest truck manufacturer, selling about 100K more vehicles than its second-place competitor. Yes, it has money. It also has the power to influence policy and other global players. Daimler could support regulations and drive international demand for clean trucks.

02
Daimler has the resources

With €3 billion in annual net profits, Daimler isn’t exactly running on a shoestring. It could fund an electric transition that works for everyone. Yet, Daimler continues to spend on diesel engines, liquid hydrogen, and other distractions that harm people and threaten its bottom line. Investors want to see fossil fuel disclosures. And companies that sink millions into outdated technologies risk stranded assets as the market shifts to electric. 

03
Daimler keeps moving the goalposts

It’s easy to set ambitious targets, but reaching them is all that matters. Daimler keeps pushing its dates for CO₂-neutral transport further into the future. We don’t have time to wait. Daimler needs to make real, achievable plans to electrify its fleets and decarbonize its investments. 

Commitments vs. Actions

Daimler positions itself as an industry expert while their business decisions reveal different priorities. Despite commitments to CO₂-neutral transport by 2050, their continued focus on diesel technology and minimal electric sales tell another story.

Commitments

  • Achieve CO₂-neutral transport on roads by 2050

  • Offer only CO₂-neutral vehicles in Europe, North America, and Japan by 2039

  • Focus investments on zero-emission vehicles and sustainable technologies

  • Develop a full range of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles

  • Ensure all production facilities are CO₂-neutral by 2039

Actions

  • Emission-free vehicles accounted for only 0.88% of total sales in 2024 (4,035 out of 460,409 vehicles)[X]2024 Daimler Annual report

  • Partnered with German company DEUTZ to continue developing fossil fuel engines for its trucks

  • Prioritized shareholders with €1.5 billion in dividends and a €2 billion share buyback over boosting zero-emission investments[X]2024 Daimler Annual report

  • Invested €1.4 billion in property and equipment, including continued support for traditional truck production[X]2024 Daimler Annual report

  • Expanded operations in China through BFDA (Auman and Mercedes-Benz trucks) and in India with BharatBenz, which continue to invest in diesel trucks[X]2024 Daimler Annual report

  • Allocated €2 billion to R&D, with continued investment in diesel technology or expansion of its “current portfolio”[X]2024 Daimler Annual report

It’s time to shift to electric

Electric trucks are ready to roll

Daimler has proven there’s a global market for electric trucks—and they’re available right now. In fact, studies show that 65% of medium-duty and 59% of heavy-duty truck routes could be electrified with existing technology. Battery prices have also plummeted by nearly 90% over the last decade.

Electric trucks are a smart investment

The billions Daimler has invested in diesel engine plants and conventional manufacturing will soon become stranded assets as the market shifts to electric. Today’s win is tomorrow’s loss—and Daimler’s choice to stall progress puts the entire company at risk. 

Electric trucks are a growth opportunity

The global market for replacing diesel trucks with battery-powered electric models could reach $320 billion by 2035, with an 18.3% compound annual growth rate. Those are real profits for Daimler to seize—if it commits to a zero-emission future. 

Electric infrastructure is not a roadblock 

Daimler claims that if electric trucks become widely available, charging stations and support won’t keep pace. Daimler already funds charging infrastructure in Europe and some parts of the U.S., where regulations and consumer demand are pushing the market to electric. If Daimler builds it, the electric trucks will come. It’s good for customers and the company’s bottom line.

Electric is the (only) answer today

Daimler says it wants to get CO₂-neutral transport on the road by 2050, powered by batteries and fuel cells. But electric is the cleanest technology available to replace diesel. It’s the only solution that can achieve near full circularity to protect people and our planet. Hydrogen and biofuels might sound good, but they’re looking more like dead-end roads. Daimler has the power to make a full-speed transition to electric.

Volvo and Daimler logos

Big promises demand bold action

We’re calling on Volvo and Daimler to accelerate a just transition to electric trucks; one that protects jobs, respects workers’ rights, and supports communities to transition away from fossil fuels. Your voice matters. Demand clean trucks for healthier air, a safer climate, and a sustainable future.

We demand that Volvo and Daimler:
01

Accelerate to 100% new zero-emissions truck sales by 2040 worldwide

02

Advance a zero-emissions truck industry that works for all

03

Foster the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to scale

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Daimler resumes desel truck sales in Oregon—but the real issue remains

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Daimler Truck North America recently paused diesel truck sales in Oregon over a dispute with the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding compliance with the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule. This rule, modeled after California’s regulations, requires truck manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year.

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We all need clean trucks, and we need them now.

We’re calling on Volvo and Daimler to accelerate a just transition to electric trucks; one that protects jobs, respects workers’ rights, and support communities to transition away from fossil fuels. Your voice matters. Demand clean trucks for healthier air, a safer climate, and a sustainable future.

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