Daimler Trucks Achieves Milestone of One Million Engines

The Mannheim plant of Mercedes-Benz and Detroit Diesel Corporation, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) subsidiary Detroit Diesel Corporation together achieved the really special milestone of producing 1,000,000 heavy-duty engines in the world of international powertrains. This achievement highlights the success of the standardized powertrain platform strategy of Daimler Trucks.

As the millionth in-line six-cylinder engine which is used in heavy-duty commercial vehicles came off the production line, it was surrounded by the proud team of the Mannheim engine plant.

Daimler Trucks has been using a standardized powertrain platform for its heavy-duty trucks for more than ten years. This policy covers mainly engines, axles and transmissions. Though a standardized platform is used, this generation of engines is expected to have key components and production operations which can be adaptable depending on the needs of a particular customer or the requirements of specific markets like Japan, Europe, and USA.

Detroit Diesel started series production of the heavy-duty engine in 2007 and this was followed three years later by production of the in-line six-cylinder engine at the Mannheim location in close collaboration with colleagues from North America. Over a period of six days, the engine goes through all production stages from the foundry and the machining to assembly.

The successful heavy-duty engines from Daimler Trucks

Daimler’s in-line six-cylinder engine is a true success story. It is characterized by minimal emissions, maximum efficiency and outstanding performance. It offers a displacement range between 10.7 l and 15.6 l and has an output that ranges from 240 kW to 480 kW.

All heavy-duty powertrains have benefited from improvements which have been implemented on a continuous basis from the time production started. Some of the notable improvements include new low-friction engine oils, further advanced transmissions and a refined driving strategy of the anticipatory cruise control system Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). This strong and highly durable engine is used in many renowned heavy-duty commercial vehicles like the Super Great from Fuso, the Mercedes-Benz Actros and the Freightliner Cascadia as well as the touring coaches and inter-urban buses from Mercedes-Benz and Setra. The heavy-duty engine has hence, over the years, proved to be a true global player.

Global Powertrain at Daimler Trucks
The term Global Powertrain stands not only for integrated drivetrains, but also signifies the integration of all global locations and relevant functions along the value chain. The unit produces highly advanced and reliable drive system components which confirm to globally uniform quality standards. These components are supplied to external customers and all of Daimler’s commercial vehicle divisions and brands. At about 50 percent, drivetrains account for a significant share of a truck’s value added and hence this unit plays a key role in the growth and financial success of Daimler Trucks.