The assembly of various Mercedes-Benz truck model series is planned for the Senegalese Ministry of Defense, fire brigade and police and for use in the private sector
Daimler Truck has signed a letter of intent on locally assembled trucks together with the government of the Republic of Senegal and the company Global Truck Systems (GTS) on July 1st. Daimler Truck will support the two partners in setting up an assembly plant in Senegal and then supply vehicle component sets (CKD, Completely Knocked Down). The assembly of the trucks will be carried out entirely under the leadership of the Senegalese government in cooperation with Global Truck Systems on site. The Senegalese government and GTS have established a joint venture to implement the project. Daimler Truck is supporting this merger as the supplier and technology partner of the planned assembly plant. Vehicles from there are scheduled to go to customers next year.
The assembly of various Mercedes-Benz truck model series is planned. In future, these vehicles will be used, among other things, for the logistics requirements of the Senegalese Ministry of Defense, for the modernisation of the fleet of fire brigades and police, as well as for use as waste collection vehicles, in the construction sector and in the logistics and transport industry.
Franziska Cusumano, CEO Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: „With this project, our vehicles will enter the Senegalese market in close coordination with the German Federal Government. The delivery of CKD kits for on-site assembly, the transfer of know-how and comprehensive technical advice are our contributions to a successful, partnership-based cooperation.“
Michael Dietz, CEO Daimler Truck Middle East/Africa: „By signing this letter of intent, we are sending out a strong signal of our long-term commitment to West Africa. We are pleased to officially start industrial cooperation together with the government of Senegal and Global Truck System. With the relocation of the assembly plant, the creation of qualified jobs and the transfer of technological competences, we will be able to make a joint contribution to economic value creation in the region.“
German-Senegalese partnership as a foundation
Senegal has been a partner country of German development cooperation for decades. Since 2019, Germany has been supporting economic and social development in Senegal within the framework of the so-called bilateral reform partnership.
In 2023, development cooperation was transformed into a climate and development partnership with the Just Energy Transition Partnership. The CKD assembly project is an example of the close relationships between the two countries and the approach to driving economic development through local industrial value creation. The Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany is supporting the project.
Senegal strengthens industrial competence
In addition to financial participation, the Senegalese government provides industrial land, grants tax and customs relief for CKD imports and supports the training of local specialists. The project is part of the country’s overarching industrial policy and marks a milestone for the establishment of locally anchored automotive production in West Africa. At the same time, mobility needs are met in a targeted manner by special vehicles for defense, civil protection and municipal tasks.
GTS is responsible for setting up and operating the assembly body
The GTS enterprise is responsible for the technical, economic and industrial implementation of the project. This includes local recruitment processes and the qualification of production personnel as well as the planning of production facilities, the assembly of complete vehicles from CKD kits and the equipment with specific bodies such as container frames, cranes or recovery units. GTS is also responsible for the sales of the vehicles.
Daimler Truck delivers technology and know-how
As part of the supply of CKD kits for various Mercedes-Benz trucks, Daimler Truck ensures a reliable supply chain. Comprehensive quality assurance and technology transfer control measures are also implemented. The objective is to provide high-quality conditions for locally assembled vehicles, including long-term service support. With the commitment of Daimler Truck, the two local partners can create new jobs on site and thus contribute to the country’s value creation and economic development.
