Smart future in store

Image source: Daimler

"Particularly in a challenging environment, the value of the company's strategy is apparent," says Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the board of management of Daimler AG and responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses.

"At Daimler Trucks, our strategy is working out. And we are systematically developing it further. We are implementing defined measures step by step - in all areas of our strategy. This applies to innovative technologies: we invented the truck - and we also intend to shape its future. That's why we are progressing with efficient drive systems just like with connected and autonomous driving.

"We are also strengthening our worldwide presence. Already today, we are more globally positioned than any other manufacturer. With our new regional centres, we are moving even closer to our customers. And with the next stage of our intelligent platforms, we will maintain our lead over the competition also in this respect."

The platforms for drivetrain components for medium and heavy-duty engines and for automated transmissions are already in the market. The company says it is now introducing multibrand platforms for other truck module groups, thus utilising existing synergy potential. This includes uniform electrics/electronics (E/E) architecture, chassis and cab. Joint development and purchasing will be carried out wherever there is no impact on customer perception and brand differentiation.

"Customers in the market will profit from this standardisation due to the quick availability and firstclass quality of the relevant truck technologies," says Bernhard. For Daimler Trucks, it will result in significant synergy advantages and free resources which can be used for new technology projects."

Connected trucks

In the future, the company will apply standardised E/E architecture across various regions and brands. This is the basis for bringing electronic modules into vehicles and innovations to customers faster. Speed is especially important when it is a matter of connectivity innovations and the company is introducing newly developed, standardised connectivity hardware for all of its trucks.

The module is the heart of the connected truck and is where all real-time data is received and transmitted. This 'mobile router' will thus be the basic building block for the sustainable and efficient logistics of the future.

How exactly will it work? On the one hand, the module constantly checks the truck's pulse: it receives data from all of the sensors, cameras and so on installed in the truck, and evaluates them for various applications. In addition, the module is the interface for all connectivity services, and is therefore responsible for the truck's external communications. Like a modern smartphone, the device communicates in real time with the infrastructure, other vehicles and other players involved in the logistics process. They might be haulage companies, logistics centres or service workshops.

Maximum standardisation also needs to fit with maximum adaptability for regional customer needs with the use of software and apps. A decisive factor is that the hardware allows an open system; that is, it can be installed in vehicles that are not produced by Daimler. The company will also integrate its trucks into the cloud in 2017, when heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz trucks will be delivered in Europe with the module as standard equipment.

"Our latest example of intelligent platforms shows that we implement what we announce. And we have initiated the right measures to offset short-term fluctuations and to achieve our long-term goals," says Bernhard.

"We continue to assume that we will achieve unit sales of the magnitude of 700,000 vehicles in 2020 - and will thus safeguard our position at the top of our industry."

Source: Business Day