Rumors Say Volkswagen to Bid for Paccar; VW Denies it
Rumors have been around for a while that Volkswagen will try to buy a U.S. truck maker. Earlier rumors centered on International, but the latest is Paccar, with Reuters running a story Thursday about takeover plans and VW denying it.
Rumors have been around for a while that Volkswagen will try to buy a U.S. truck maker. Earlier rumors centered on International, but the latest is Paccar, with Reuters running a story Thursday about takeover plans and VW denying it.
Reuters reported that Daimler's Wolfgang Bernhard told analysts at Bernstein Research that "serious, multiple sources" told him VW wll make a bid for Paccar next year.
However, a few hours later the news service reportd that Volkswagen strenuously denied those rumors, calling them "complete rubbish."
As Reuters notes, "analysts have long predicted VW would seek to enter the world's biggest trucks market."
VW has definitely been on an expansion tear when it comes to commercial trucks. Earlier this year it gained control of Swedish truck maker Scania in a 6.7 billion euro ($9.2 billion) takeover bid.
VW's goal is to combine Scania with its Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles business and the German truck maker MAN. VW gained full control of MAN last year after taking a majority stake in 2011.
Heading up this effort is Daimler's previous trucks chief, Andreas Renschler.
This is seen a big step in the German automaker's plan to create a massive trucks alliance to compete in global markets against rivals Volvo and Daimler – both of which have U.S. truck operations as well.
But Reuters reports, "Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn told the March 13 annual press conference that VW has no plans at present to expand the group through further acquisitions as it is focusing on integrating its 12-brand network."
Paccar was not immediately available for comment.
Related story:
More Equipment

More Trailer Data Through the Same Seven-Way [Video]
Can trucking’s standard seven-way connector handle more cameras and trailer data? Grote’s Adam Slade shows HDT how the company is using new technology with its 4See trailer system, not only to add a new backup camera but also to expand other capabilities — without adding another connection.
Read More →
Grote: More Cameras, Same Seven-Way Connector
The next-generation 4See rear-view backup camera from Grote uses the standard seven-way connector and supports additional cameras and other trailer data.
Read More →
Trucks at ATA's 2026 MC&E in Charlotte, North Carolina [Photos]
From rigs decked out in patriotic America's 250 paint schemes to autonomous trucks and more, check out these photos from ATA's 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition.
Read More →
Help HDT Find Trucking’s Top Products
Have you come across a new product that could make a difference for trucking fleets? Nominate it for HDT’s 2027 Top 20 Products Awards by November 9.
Read More →
Volvo Unveils New VNX Heavy-Haul and Vocational Truck
Volvo Trucks has launched the VNX, a new vocational truck also available as a tractor in day cab and two sleeper configurations, with one heavy-haul model. The Volvo VNX is powered by Volvo's D13 platform, which delivers up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 pound-feet of torque and is EPA 2027-compliant.
Read More →How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time
What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.
Read More →
Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots
Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.
Read More →
Continental Introduces New Regional Truck Tires
Continental says its new Generation 5 steer and drive tires for regional operations offer longer tread life, with estimated mileage gains of 22% and 19%, respectively.
Read More →
Tekmodo Introduces CargoBright Brand for Translucent Trailer Roofs
CargoBright is designed to diffuse daylight across the cargo area while performing as a working vehicle roof.
Read More →
Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook
ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.
Read More →
