Breaking barriers at the top

Karin Rådström became CEO of Daimler Truck in 2024, making her only the second woman to lead a DAX 40 company. She's one of just 43 women CEOs in the Fortune 500 Europe.

“The best way to increase the number of leadership opportunities for women is, of course, to be successful.”

Strong start despite headwinds

Since Rådström took over, Daimler Truck's share price jumped 40% and zero-emissions vehicle sales rose 67% in 2025. She's navigated supply-chain issues, semiconductor shortages, and tariffs.

130 years of history

Daimler Truck became independent in 2021 when Daimler AG split into Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Truck. The company traces back to 1896 when Gottlieb Daimler built the first motorized truck.

Cutting through German bureaucracy

Rådström was surprised by layers of hierarchy and lengthy approval processes. In early meetings, she had to formally approve truck cab designs accompanied by long slide decks.

“Those things don't work in the changing environment that we have now.”

Simpler, faster, stronger

Rådström's mantra encourages quicker decisions and greater autonomy. She's pushing cultural transformation, arguing that waiting for perfect information means missing opportunities.

“You never have 100% of the information you'd like, so if you don't decide, you might miss big opportunities.”

Cultural change takes time

Analysts say Rådström has created a more decentralized organization and reduced bureaucracy. But Q2 net profits dropped 48% compared to last year, primarily due to tariffs.

Chinese EVs dominate Europe

Chinese electric cars hit 14.2% of Western European purchases in early 2026, up from 3% in 2024. Foreign brands are losing ground in China's own market.

Technology gap widens

Chinese EVs are technologically superior to many European vehicles, especially in Southeast Asia. One professor compares European cars to listening to vinyl in the age of Spotify.

“It's viewed as cute and nostalgic.”

Trucks still safe, for now

Chinese companies hold just 1.36% of the European commercial vehicle market. Three of the four biggest truck makers are European, including Daimler Truck, Volvo, and Traton.

China knocking on the door

SuperPanther and Sinotruk started production in Austria, while Windrose opened European headquarters in Belgium. Windrose's truck has a 700 km range versus Daimler's 500 km flagship.

“They [Chinese companies] are at the doorstep, they're coming.”

EU emissions rules create opening

Europe requires 40% emissions cuts from new heavy-duty vehicles by 2030, but only 2.4% of EU trucks are zero-emissions. One in four trucks sold in China in 2025 was electric.

Customers need proof, not experiments

Rådström says Europe needs better charging infrastructure and less bureaucracy to stay competitive. Truck carriers operate on tight margins and need evidence that new tech reduces costs.

“Our customers run on tight margins, so they don't have the time to experiment with new technologies.”

Defense becomes growth pillar

Daimler Truck aims to double defense revenues to €1 billion by 2028. The company secured contracts with German, French, Lithuanian, and Canadian armed forces over the past year.

“A lot of the time it's about defending democracy, and that's not something that makes me sleep badly at night.”

Autonomous trucks by 2027

Daimler Truck plans to release Level 4 autonomous trucks to the U.S. market by 2027. The company hopes military partnerships will drive innovations that translate to civilian vehicles.

A small part of history

Rådström stays humble about her role in the 130-year-old company. She aims to hand over a better company than she inherited and make customers more satisfied while growing employee engagement.

“Even if I stay in my role for 10 years, I'm still a pretty small part of the long history of this company.”