Freightliner Econic SD to roll out in the US

Daimler Trucks has unveiled its waste collection vehicle, the Freightliner Econic SD, to the North American market.

According to Daimler, the Econic SD is better known to European customers as the Mercedes-Benz Econic, which is frequently used by waste disposal companies. Both vehicles are primarily characterised by their low-entry concept with a low, extra large driver's cabin providing an all-round panorama field of vision.

The Freightliner Econic SD with the DD8 (350 hp) six-cylinder in-line engine is equipped with a major assembly produced in Detroit, Michigan, stemming from the Medium Duty Engine Platform (MDEP) family deployed worldwide by Daimler Trucks.

With its truck brands Freightliner and Western Star, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has claimed to be the undisputed market leader with a market share of around 40 per cent in the medium-duty and heavy-duty segments (Class 6-8).

In Europe, the Mercedes-Benz Econic has been part of the streetscape of cities and municipalities for around 20 years and has reportedly proven its reliability in numerous applications. More than 12,000 units have been sold in Europe and Australia since 2006, particularly in leading markets like Germany and Great Britain.