Daimler Truck CEO Rådström expects Chinese electric truck makers to step up their push into Europe
Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström expects Chinese manufacturers to accelerate their expansion into the European electric truck market. While their presence remains limited today, she says European OEMs must continue innovating and reducing costs to stay competitive.
As first reported by sister publication Vado e Torno, Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström believes Chinese truck manufacturers are likely to intensify their efforts in the European electric truck market in the coming years, urging Europe’s established OEMs to prepare for stronger competition. Indeed, Chinese truck makers will be among the major protagonists of the incoming IAA Transportation, scheduled in September in Hannover.
Speaking to German news agency DPA, Rådström said the current presence of Chinese electric trucks on European roads remains limited, but the situation could change rapidly. “I expect an offensive in the truck sector as well,” she said. “It is up to us to be prepared.”
According to Rådström, the competitive strength of Chinese manufacturers is rooted in the scale and dynamism of their domestic market. “Truck manufacturers in China are very strong. There are dozens of different producers, and there will inevitably be significant consolidation. But I believe we have to be ready to compete with them,” she said.
At present, however, she considers the threat more potential than immediate. “There are many announcements in the truck sector, but we do not yet see these vehicles in customers’ fleets,” Rådström noted. Nevertheless, she stressed that European manufacturers cannot afford complacency. “We must continue working to stay ahead and optimise our cost base,” she said, highlighting innovation and efficiency as key factors in maintaining competitiveness.
The electric bus precedent
Rådström drew a comparison with the European battery-electric bus market, where Chinese manufacturers have been active for more than a decade. “They have gained market share, but they have not taken over the industry,” she observed.
Since December 2025, Rådström has also chaired the Commercial Vehicles Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), giving her a central role in representing the interests of Europe’s truck industry.
