In 1896, Gottlieb Daimler invented the truck – a revolutionary new vehicle concept that has kept the world moving ever since. And ever since, we’ve been reinventing it – for our customers and society. We are therefore not only celebrating 130 years of trucks. We are celebrating 130 years of FORWARD. Throughout the year, we will highlight milestones of this unique journey with our anniversary FORWARD series.
Past forward. Fast forward.
#1: Pioneering transportation
Past forward, with the first truck back in 1896, Gottlieb Daimler laid the foundation for modern transportation and created what would become the global backbone of economy and society. Even the first truck built in Germany’s Stuttgart region was sold to a company in London – an early sign of the international significance of this innovation.
Fast forward, our Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is decarbonizing long-haul trucking in Europe. 130 years after creating modern transportation, we’re now decarbonizing it – and we’re doing so at the speed of right, in line with our customers and market demand.
Daimler Truck – forward by innovation
#2: Pioneering beyond borders
Past forward, in 1951, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Virrey del Pino, Argentina, was inaugurated. It was the first Mercedes‑Benz commercial vehicle production site outside Germany. A bold step, driven by pioneers who believed in customers, markets and opportunities beyond borders. The LO 3500 was basically both: the first truck built in Argentina and the platform for the very first bus.
Fast forward, in May 2026, we take the next bold step, moving production to a new state-of-the-art industrial center in Zárate. Built on 20 hectares – roughly the size of 30 soccer fields – the new site is located near the port and combines manufacturing with a Spare Parts and Components Logistics Center. This improves logistic processes and will make us even faster in serving our customers.
Daimler Truck – forward beyond borders
