Leinfelden-Echterdingen / Kielce (Poland) – Daimler Truck Defence is expanding into a new business field through the sale and local assembly of Mercedes-Benz truck engines. Together with Mercedes-Benz Powertrain, a Daimler Truck business unit, Daimler Truck Defence will export engine components and support local companies in assembling components and providing aftermarket services.

Daimler Truck Defence and the Polish defence group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. (PGZ) have signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on this form of industrial cooperation at the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO in Kielce, Poland. Under the agreement, PGZ is expected to establish and operate the assembly capabilities in Poland. Furthermore, both partners intend to develop a long-term cooperation covering service, maintenance, repair and technical support. The engines are intended to be integrated into defence vehicles of PGZ Group companies for the Polish Armed Forces.

Dennis Kinzelmann, CEO of Daimler Truck Defence: “The cooperation with PGZ is a prime example of the consistent implementation of our global Daimler Truck Defence strategy. For our customers, we ensure full access to Daimler Truck’s global capabilities, enabling us to offer the right solution for every requirement, ranging from fully integrated military vehicle concepts based on Daimler Truck’s global portfolio to individual components. Together with PGZ, we are leveraging our proven engine portfolio while benefiting from the experience, synergies and economies of scale of our large-scale production network. At the same time, we are strengthening the close partnership between neighboring European countries and their industries.”

The production line planned by PGZ in Kalisz, Poland, is expected to begin operations next year. In the long term, the facility is expected to assemble a four-digit number of Daimler Truck diesel engines annually. Under the strategic leadership of Daimler Truck Defence, Mercedes-Benz Powertrain, a Daimler Truck business unit, will contribute its expertise in powertrains and components from the civilian sector to military applications.

Gerald Tropper, Head of Sales Mercedes-Benz Powertrain and Engine Production at Daimler Truck: “Our engines are distinguished by their robustness, efficiency and reliability. They are used in agricultural, forestry and construction machinery, mining applications and other demanding industries. We are now transferring our global strength in the production, sales and servicing of truck engines to the defence business.”

PGZ is Poland's largest defence technology manufacturer and comprises around 60 companies from the country's security and defence industry. The group plays a central role in the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces and the development of national industrial capabilities.

Robust Engine Technology for the Polish Armed Forces

The initial focus of the cooperation with PGZ will be on Mercedes-Benz truck engines from the medium-duty and heavy-duty engine families. Engine displacement ranges from seven to 15 litres, with power outputs between 240 kW (326 hp) and 460 kW (625 hp). The engine technology is characterized by its robust design, high reliability and long service intervals. Within Daimler Truck, these engines are used in vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz Unimog and Mercedes-Benz Zetros.

To support the ramp-up of the production line in Poland, the agreement provides for a gradual expansion of local assembly activities. This ranges from largely pre-assembled engines requiring only the installation of selected components to the delivery of CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits, consisting of more than 700 individual parts that are assembled locally into complete engines according to defined quality standards. As a result, both the assembly workload and local value creation will increase over time.

To support these activities, the partners intend to establish a competence centre in Poland for the maintenance, repair, overhaul and modernization of Mercedes-Benz truck engines. Daimler Truck will not only supply the power units but will also provide comprehensive technical consulting, training and support in implementing manufacturing and quality processes. This includes production line design, quality assurance, testing technology and painting processes.

About Daimler Truck Defence

Daimler Truck Defence consolidates Daimler Truck's activities in military commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes military-specific versions of the Arocs, Unimog, Zetros and other Mercedes-Benz truck platforms, as well as related service and support solutions.

About Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. (PGZ)

Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. is Poland's leading defence industry group. The group comprises approximately 60 companies and develops, manufactures and maintains systems for land, air and naval forces. PGZ plays a key role in the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces and the strengthening of national industrial capabilities.