Great Dane Divests 19 Dealerships, Shifts to Partner-Based Model

Key Details Trailer manufacturer Great Dane will sell all 19 company-owned dealership locations by the end of 2026. Performance Brokerage Services was selected to handle the sale, with dealerships expected to transition to a locally-driven retail model under new ownership. Why It Matters The divestment reflects Great Dane's strategic pivot toward a two-channel sales approach focused on dealer partnerships rather than company-owned retail locations. This move comes as the industry faces ongoing headwinds from the freight market downturn that has depressed trailer orders and demand. Current Challenges Great Dane has undertaken multiple rounds of layoffs across its 10 manufacturing facilities. In 2025, the company cut approximately 464 jobs total, with significant reductions at plants in Elysburg and Danville, Pennsylvania, and Kewanee, Illinois. Leadership Transitions The company appointed Mel Cohen as interim CEO in May 2024 while continuing its search for a permanent replacement. Cohen takes over as the company seeks a successor to Rick Mullininx, who announced plans to retire December 31, 2026, but remains in his current president and COO role. Market Context Trailer orders have remained depressed throughout 2025, dropping to historic lows of 5,780 units in May before showing modest recovery to 15,892 in October, still well below pre-downturn levels.