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

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 →
ACT Expo 2026: Highlights in Photos
The 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo featured a broad range of commercial vehicle technologies, from EVs to autonomous trucks to the latest diesel and alternative-fuel engines.
Read More →
Hendrickson Debuts Electraax E-Axle for Medium-Duty Trucks
Developed with Driventic, Hendrickson's new integrated e-axle is designed to improve efficiency, reduce weight, and extend range in Class 6-7 EV applications.
Read More →
Peterbilt Unveils Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589
Peterbilt’s just-announced limited-run patriotic Model 579 tractor celebrates America’s 250th birthday with custom styling and premium features.
Read More →
Mack Unveils EPA 2027-Compliant MP13 Engine With More Power, Better Fuel Economy
Along with unveiling its EPA 2027-compliant MP13 engine, Mack outlined powertrain changes across its Class 6-8 lineup, including new Cummins-based X10 engines.
Read More →
Kodiak and Roehl Transport Launch Autonomous Route Between Dallas and Houston
Kodiak AI and Roehl Transport have begun autonomous freight operations on a regular Dallas-Houston route, marking another step toward Kodiak’s planned driverless launch by the end of 2026.
Read More →
Autonomous Trucks at ACT Expo 2026
Autonomous trucks commanded a lot of attention from attendees at ACT Expo this year. Check out this photo gallery.
Read More →
How Volvo’s New D13 Engine Meets EPA 2027 Emissions Without Sacrificing Power or Fuel Efficiency
Volvo says advances in combustion and aftertreatment helped its new EPA 2027 D13 engine avoid the fuel-economy penalties many once expected from tighter NOx emissions limits.
Read More →
Fleet Advantage TLDI Highlights Rising Costs of Aging Fleet Equipment Amid Higher Diesel Prices
Fleet Advantage’s latest Truck Life Cycle Data Index shows fleets operating older Class 8 trucks could face significantly higher costs as diesel prices rise, while newer 2028 equipment may deliver savings of more than $12,000 per truck annually.
Read More →
