Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) continues to strive to make a consistent, significant, positive impact on global trucking by maintaining its commitment to industry-wide leadership through quality and innovation. This dedication defines the core of the company’s genetic makeup.
Built on the singular challenge that still motivates us today—that of building a better truck—DTNA began in the late 1930s when Consolidated Freightways Trucking Company President Leland James used aluminum to build truck components instead of steel, hiring a team of engineers and building them himself, proving his skeptics wrong with immediate success.
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Leland James changed his company’s name to Freightliner Corporation in 1942, and it would eventually become North America’s leading heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer. After briefly converting to WWII parts manufacturing during wartime, truck production grew steadily for decades. Daimler-Benz AG acquired the company in 1981, doubling sales over the next 10 years.
Overview: Brands
An archival site for articles, press releases, images, facts and news features on DTNA’s worldwide impact, the media room is an excellent resource for researching our history of market leadership, founded on innovation and delivering recurring impact.
Explore Media RoomFrom our corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon, to offices in Charlotte, North Carolina—and numerous locations in-between—we've established ourselves in some of America's best cities. Come be part of Daimler Trucks North America and enjoy living in unique and bustling cities. Explore career opportunities and learn more about each location in the DTNA family.
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