Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Daimler Trucks North America Makes Leadership Changes

David Carson has been appointed to SVP of sales and marketing at DTNA, thus consolidating responsibility for all sales and marketing of vocational and on-highway segments.

May 17, 2021
Daimler Trucks North America Makes Leadership Changes

David Carson has been appointed to SVP of sales and marketing at DTNA.

Photo: DTNA

2 min to read


Daimler Trucks North America announced that David Carson has been appointed to the expanded role of senior vice president of sales and marketing at DTNA, thus consolidating responsibility for all sales and marketing of vocational and on-highway segments.

Carson currently serves as SVP of vocational sales and marketing. He will begin his new role on June 1.

Ad Loading...

His expanded role adds responsibilities formerly held by Richard Howard, who has been appointed to the management board of Daimler Truck Financial Services responsible for North America and Asia, and president of the newly established Daimler Truck Financial Services USA.

Howard’s move aligns with the planned spin-off of Daimler Truck. Daimler Truck will be supported by the dedicated captive financial entity, intended to streamline sales processes with tailor-made financing and leasing solutions to increase customer loyalty and retention, DTNA officials said in a press release.

Carson’s role will include the entirety of the Freightliner and Western Star portfolios.

Ad Loading...

Carson was appointed to his current role leading Western Star trucks in 2017, which expanded in scope in 2019 to include leadership of the entire vocational segment for DTNA. Prior to this, he led Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC), where he oversaw engineering, operations, and sales and marketing. He also previously served as the general manager of human resources at DTNA.

Additionally, Drew Backeberg, currently VP of dealer sales for the on-highway segment, has been promoted to SVP of aftermarket at DTNA and will join the company’s operating committee as a result.

Backeberg replaces Stefan Krschner, who transitioned to DTNA CFO. Backeberg has also been appointed to DTNA’s Operating Committee as part of his promotion.

More Equipment

Gray Volvo tractor pulling trailer on open highway
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

New High-Horsepower Natural Gas Engine Could Expand Fleet Options

Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.

Read More →
Aurora Innovation self-driving truck.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 30, 2026

Hirschbach Announces Plan to Deploy 500 Aurora Autonomous Trucks

Hirschbach and Aurora Innovation have inked a non-binding deal outlining a path to deploy 500 Aurora Driver-powered trucks into fleet operations.

Read More →
Bosch-Kodiak self-driving truck partnership.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 30, 2026

Bosch, Kodiak AI Advance Toward Scaled Production of Autonomous Truck Hardware

New sensor integrations and component validation signal a shift from strategy to execution as Kodiak and Bosch push toward high-volume driverless truck deployment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Great American Trucks: REO
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 29, 2026

Great American Trucks: REO

The evolution of the modern truck was a long, slow affair. But perhaps no other company did more to establish the template for what a modern truck should be, and how it should perform, than REO.

Read More →
Western Star's Star Nation customer event.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

Western Star Doubles Down on Driver Pride With 2026 Star Nation Experience

Western Star has expanded its operator-focused Star Nation competition and outreach to spotlight skill, attract new drivers, and strengthen industry ties.

Read More →
HDT Spotlight: Volvo VNR test drive.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 23, 2026

Is the All-New VNR Volvo's Safest Truck Ever?

The all-new Volvo VNR is jam-packed with advanced safety features. Join HDT for a first-hand look at how Volvo is keeping drivers safer and productive on the road.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 Volvo VNR
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 22, 2026

Volvo Redesigns the VNR With Drivers and Tight Turns in Mind

At Volvo’s New River Valley customer center, the all-new VNR proves that maneuverability, safety, and driver confidence can coexist in a regional-haul workhorse.

Read More →
Great Dane trailer.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

FTR: Trailer Orders Jump in March, but Demand Still Lags

March trailer orders posted an unexpected monthly jump, but demand still trails historical norms as fleets prioritize power units over trailing equipment.

Read More →
Humble cabless autonomous freight hauler.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

Autonomous Start-Up Humble Announces Cabless Autonomous Electric Hauler

A new autonomous truck startup company is targeting yard, port, and short-haul freight with a lighter, fully autonomous platform designed for dock-to-dock moves.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →