DTNA Q1 Truck Sales Drop 24.5% as Freight Market Weakens

Key Details Daimler Truck North America sold 29,432 trucks and buses in Q1 2026, down 24.5% from 38,992 units in the same period last year. The decline also represents a 13.5% sequential drop from Q4 2025's 34,017 vehicles, though Q1 is typically a slower sales quarter. Why It Matters Freightliner's market share fell to 35.3% of Class 8 retail sales in 2025, down from 36% the previous year as brand sales declined 14.9%. Persistent weakness in freight markets combined with Trump administration trade policy uncertainty has forced fleets to delay equipment purchases and capital expenditures. The Mixed Picture While DTNA struggled, parent company Daimler Truck's global Q1 sales fell just 9.1% to 68,849 units, supported by Mercedes-Benz Trucks' strong 12.5% increase to 34,486 vehicles. North American weakness pulled down the worldwide total despite European market strength. Looking Ahead Orders have surged more than 100% year-over-year in February and March 2026, suggesting potential recovery ahead. However, actual sales remained down double-digit percentages in January and February compared to 2025. Daimler Truck will release complete Q1 financial results May 6.