Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturers NAICS 336120

Mar 25, 2026 - Daimler Truck's 2027 Lineup Reflects Industry Shift to Broader Engine Offerings

• Daimler Truck North America is significantly expanding its 2027 powertrain lineup by partnering with Cummins to offer a wider range of engine options alongside its own Detroit diesel platform, signaling how major truck manufacturers are adapting to tightening EPA emissions standards. The expanded portfolio spans gasoline, diesel, and natural gas options, giving fleet operators flexibility in how they approach compliance and long-term planning. Notable additions include a purpose-built commercial gasoline engine for medium-duty trucks - a relatively uncommon offering in the segment - as well as updated heavy-duty diesel engines featuring improved aftertreatment systems designed to meet stricter nitrogen oxide limits. The strategy reflects a broader industry shift away from single-fuel approaches, with OEMs increasingly offering multiple powertrain pathways so fleets can make decisions based on their specific operational needs, emissions goals, and infrastructure realities rather than being locked into one technology direction.
• Class 8 truck orders surged sharply in December 2025, providing a much-needed boost after a weak year, according to preliminary data from FTR Transportation Intelligence and ACT Research. However, analysts cautioned that freight fundamentals are still weak, fleet profitability remains constrained, and the spike likely reflects delayed orders and early compliance buying rather than a sustained market recovery. FTR reported about 42,200 orders, a 108% increase from November and 21% above December 2024, the strongest monthly result since October 2022. (ACT’s estimate was roughly similar.) The increase was driven by orders in both on-highway and vocational segments, with new clarity around tariffs and EPA emissions rules spurring buying activity. Recent policy developments, including less burdensome Section 232 tariffs and expected EPA revisions to the 2027 NOₓ standards, helped reduce uncertainty that had dampened demand. Year-to-date orders for the 2026 season remain well below last year’s levels.

• Sales of heavy duty trucks sank 14.7% year over year in July 2025 (the last month data was available), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as companies pulled back on spending due to tariffs and overall economic anxiety. Companies are reluctant to spend money on big capital purchases, like semi trucks, when they see tariffs causing widespread disruption on import prices and supply chains. Also contributing to the dip in heavy duty truck sales volume is low demand. Fleet sizes are at overcapacity and the surplus contributes to lower freight rates, which squeezes profitability and discourages freight transporters from investing in new trucks. Other factors keeping truck buyers away is uncertainty about what kind of electric vehicle mandates the industry might face and high interest rates and financing costs. The gloomy industry outlook means carriers are instead maintaining their current fleets as long as possible.
• Freight transportation forecaster FTR Transportation Intelligence downgraded its prediction for production levels of North American Class 8 trucks as the uncertainties in the market from US tariffs hamper new order demand. FTR’s adjusted prediction calls for shipments of about 240,000 Class 8 trucks in 2025, down from the previously estimated 288,000. Excess truck inventory and weak freight demand from tariffs have put the trucking industry in a bind and pushes a planned rebound of the industry into 2026 and maybe even 2027, per FTR experts. Equipment makers are pulling back on production to compensate, with Paccar - maker of Peterbilt and Kenmore trucks - scaling back its 2025 sales forecast, while engine maker Cummins delayed the launch of its latest heavy duty diesel engine from this year until the end of 2026. Trucking companies also worry about potential future tariffs on Class 8 trucks and parts themselves.