PORTLAND, OR – Daimler Trucks North America's strong performance in the U.S. Class 6/7 medium-duty commercial vehicle segments resulted in it surpassing its competitors in overall market share in 2007 for the first time in the company's history.

Continuing its growth trend, DTNA reported 31.5 percent of U.S. Class 6/7 market share, while Navistar International Corp. recorded 30.6 percent. DTNA increased its share by 3.5 percentage points, while International lost 6.9 percentage points in market share in 2007. DTNA has steadily grown in the medium-duty segment since 1990.

"Daimler Trucks North America has continued its trend of steady growth in Class 6/7 sales, and we're excited that we have consistently increased our market share," said DTNA President and CEO Chris Patterson. "We attribute this growth to our outstanding product offerings, unmatched commitment to customers, and our focus on developing new technologies that benefit our customer's bottom line."

Data shows that DTNA medium-duty market share was particularly strong for Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Thomas Built Buses and the Freightliner Business Class M2. Share gains were reported in motorhomes, utility, TL/LTL small and large, specialized hauling, construction, and distribution vehicles.

DTNA also continued to be the leader in market share for Class 8 commercial vehicles, besting International by 14.6 percentage points and Paccar by 8.3 percentage points.

Freightliner Trucks bested International in U.S. Class 8 by 5.1 percentage points.

Three decades ago, the L and LP Mercedes-Benz-badged medium-duty trucks became popular throughout the US and most notably in the Northeast.

Recognizing the need for an American-built truck, DTNA introduced Freightliner Trucks' Business Class line in the early 1990s.

DTNA acquired what is now FCCC, which is the chassis of choice for many motorhome and step van customers, in the mid-1990s. The acquisition of Thomas Built Buses and the introduction of the Sterling Acterra(r) solidified DTNA's presence in the medium-duty market, culminating with DTNA's attainment of the market leadership position in U.S. Class 6/7.

"DTNA products are fuel efficient, reliable, comfortable, and safe," Patterson said. "These benefits obviously have resounded with our customers as evidenced by the continued growth in Class 6/7 and the stronghold DTNA has consistently had with Class 8 vehicles."