LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Freightliner trucks built after November can be powered by an engine made by Germany’s Mercedes-Benz, another subsidiary of Freightliner’s parent company, DaimlerChrysler.
Freightliner Corp.
For the first time, Freightliner will offer an in-house engine, the Mercedes-Benz MBE 4000, to truck customers.
This will mark the first use of an “in-house” engine by the Portland, Ore., truck maker. Other manufacturers, such as International, Volvo and Mack, have offered trucks with their own brand of engines for years.
James L. Hebe, chief executive officer of Freightliner Corp., said that use of the Mercedes engine does not mark a move toward “vertical integration” of DaimlerChrysler companies and products. Freightliner will continue to offer trucks with engines made by other manufacturers.
“This is not intended to replace the big horsepower engines made by Cummins, Caterpillar or Detroit Diesel,” he said.
For the full story, see the Apr. 3 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
