Daimler

By 2026, the traditional "Daimler" entity has fully completed its legal and corporate restructuring, resulting in two distinct, independent giants: Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG. For both brands, 2026 serves not only as a milestone celebrating the "130th Anniversary of the Invention of the Truck" but also as a pivotal year for their comprehensive transition toward electrification and digital transformation.

Mercedes-Benz Group

Core Positioning: Global top-tier luxury passenger car and light commercial vehicle manufacturer.

2026 Model Refresh:

Core Update: In April 2026, Mercedes-Benz simultaneously refreshed its flagship models—the S-Class, Maybach S-Class, and all-electric EQS—at its Sindelfingen factory in Germany.

EQ Family Evolution: The EQE and EQS series received significant performance upgrades. For instance, the EQE 320+ replaced the 350+, boosting power to 315 hp. Next-generation battery technology significantly optimized both charging speed and range.

New Product Line: The 2026 lineup introduced the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, the brand’s first soft-top convertible ultra-luxury sports car, along with the all-new CLA 250+, which incorporates EQ technology.

Technical Breakthroughs: 

DRIVE PILOT Evolution: Mercedes’ Level 3 autonomous driving system gained approval for deployment in additional countries and regions in 2026. It now supports system-controlled driving at higher speeds and under more complex road conditions.

MB.OS Operating System: 2026 marked the key year for the comprehensive rollout of the self-developed MB.OS operating system. This achievement enables a full-link Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) experience, integrating everything from entertainment to power management.

Daimler Truck

Core Positioning: The world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, welcoming the "130th Anniversary of Truck Invention" in 2026.

130th Anniversary Celebration (1896-2026): 

The brand launched a global celebration named "130 Years of Forward" to honor the first truck invented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1896.

At the 2026 Stuttgart Retro Classics show (Retro Classics), the brand displayed a replica of the first truck from 1896.

Zero Emission Transition: 

Main Model: The all-electric long-haul truck Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has achieved mass production and large-scale delivery, dominating approximately 35% of the European electric heavy-duty truck market. 

Hydrogen Fuel Layout: Deep cooperation with Volvo and Toyota, accelerating commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell heavy trucks through the joint venture cellcentric accelerating the NextGenH2 project enters an intensive testing phase in 2026.

Market Performance: Strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, with new orders surging 50% year-on-year, especially strong demand in the North American market (Freightliner brand).

Daimler and the Chinese Market in 2026 

Localized Production: Mercedes-Benz continues to implement the "China First" strategy in China. In 2026, multiple models based on the new MMA modular architecture went into production at Beijing Benz, including long-wheelbase intelligent driving versions optimized specifically for the Chinese market. 

Commercial Vehicle Joint Venture: Beijing Daimler Truck (Foton Daimler) continued to deepen the market penetration of localized Mercedes-Benz Actros in 2026, launching multiple customized electric tractors targeting the Chinese efficient logistics market.

Strategic Partners: Geely Holdings and BAIC Group remain important shareholders of Mercedes-Benz.