Related: Volvo Trucks to Lay Off 734 Employees at Virginia Plant
Daimler Announces Cuts at North Carolina Truck Plant
Daimler Trucks North America plans to lay off more than 900 people at its Freightliner plant in North Carolina, according to published reports, an action expected to be temporary as the company adjusts to expectations of a softer year for truck sales.

Photo: DTNA

Daimler Trucks North America plans to lay off more than 900 people at its Freightliner plant in North Carolina, according to published reports, an action expected to be temporary as the company adjusts to expectations of a softer year for truck sales.
The company is cutting production at its Cleveland Truck Manufacturing plant by a third “in anticipation of a softer North American truck market in 2016, which will be somewhat below the very strong market of 2015,” spokesman David Giroux said in a statement, as reported by the Charlotte Observer.
The move is a response to a “sustained reduction in orders and a diminished build rate and is considered temporary.” The plant makes heavy-duty Freightliner and Western Star trucks.
The news follows last month’s announcements that Volvo Trucks was laying off employees at its assembly and powertrain plants.
Class 8 inventories hit an all-time record high last fall, pointing to a cooling off of the market, according to FTR Associates, industry analysts and forecasters.
Demand was boosted by record fourth-quarter orders in 2014. "This resulted in tremendous order backlogs and as a result, OEMs greatly increasing production rates in 2015,” explained FTR’s Jonathan Starks. “Unfortunately, retail sales got off to a slow start and never really got caught up with the number of trucks being built.”
Retail sales are not expected to be strong in the first quarter of 2016, Starks said, leading to the cuts in production.
More Equipment

DTNA Software Update Gives Truckers More Time Before DEF Derates Take Effect
The changes reflect EPA guidance aimed at reducing downtime caused by emissions-system faults while maintaining compliance requirements.
Read More →
Great American Trucks: The International MaxxPro MRAP
Built from an International WorkStar chassis and powered by a MaxxForce diesel, the MaxxPro MRAP became one of the most important military trucks of the Iraq War era.
Read More →
New Mack Granite Cab Puts Driver Comfort Front and Center
Mack’s next-generation vocational truck features a roomier cab, premium seating, advanced steering technology, and a driver-focused interior designed with direct input from professional operators.
Read More →
Mack Unveils Fan-Selected Patriotic NASCAR Pioneer Wraps
Racing fans picked the patriotic design now featured on three Mack Pioneer trucks hauling NASCAR equipment across the country during the 2026 season.
Read More →
Michelin Expands X Line Grip D Tire Line
Michelin is expanding its X Line Grip D drive tire lineup with a new pre-mold retread and additional sizes, building on what the company says is strong fleet adoption of the tire's traction, mileage, and fuel-efficiency benefits.
Read More →
Engine Technology Forum Launches SCR, DEF Resource Center Amid Emissions Debate
The Engine Technology Forum’s new online hub aims to provide fleets, policymakers, and equipment owners with fact-based information about selective catalytic reduction technology, diesel exhaust fluid and emissions compliance.
Read More →
Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership
A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.
Read More →
Lessons Learned About Alternative Fuels: Start Small, Stay Flexible
Practical advice on adopting alternative fuels and ZEVs from HDT's 2026 Top Green Fleets, from renewable diesel and natural gas to electric trucks.
Read More →
Kenworth Names Peter Ahrens General Manager
Leadership changes at Kenworth take effect July 1 as the OEM promotes two longtime Paccar executives to key management roles.
Read More →
Hino Adds Electric Class 6/7 Truck
Hino says the Le Series is an important step in the company's efforts to reduce environmental impact and support its customers’ sustainability goals.
Read More →
