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The trucking industry is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors in the world. Truck brands are expected to deliver not only powerful and reliable vehicles but also constantly innovate to meet the demands of the transportation world. Today, it is increasingly important for trucks to meet the standards for zero-emission zones or environmental zones. In this article, we will take you through the top 10 truck brands, discuss the most important brands for business use, the market leaders, innovations in the sector, and much more.
The brands that make it to the top 10 truck brands are internationally known for their excellent performance, reliability, and the versatility they offer for various sectors within the transport industry. They provide trucks for diverse applications, ranging from long-distance transport to heavy-duty construction work. Here are the top 10 truck brands:
Mercedes-Benz
Volvo Trucks
Scania
MAN
Freightliner
Kenworth
Peterbilt
Iveco
DAF Trucks
Mack Trucks
For companies, it is crucial to choose a truck brand that suits their specific business needs. The most popular truck brands for business use include:
Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes offers a range of trucks for long-distance transportation and urban distribution, known for their fuel efficiency and comfort. Popular models include the Actros, which excels in long-haul transport thanks to advanced driving assistance systems and fuel-saving technologies, and the Atego, which is perfect for urban distribution.
Volvo: Volvo is renowned for its innovative technologies, such as automatic driving assistance systems, and its strong performance in challenging conditions. Their offerings are extensive, allowing you to find the right truck for your specific transport needs. The Volvo FH is a favorite for international transport due to its powerful engines and aerodynamic design, while the Volvo FM and FMX are ideal for distribution and construction transport, respectively.
DAF: DAF is ideal for European transport companies due to its low fuel consumption and excellent driving comfort. The trucks are designed for maximum efficiency and reliability, with a focus on low operational costs. DAF offers a wide range of models, including the popular XF, CF, and LF series, which are suitable for both long-distance transportation and distribution transport.
Scania: Scania offers models that are often praised for their robust engines and high performance on long journeys. The brand is known for its fuel-efficient engines and modular design, allowing trucks to be easily adapted to specific business needs. Popular models include the Scania R-series, a powerful and comfortable truck ideal for long-distance transport, the Scania S-series, which offers extra luxury and driving comfort for drivers spending long days on the road, and the Scania P-series, a versatile option perfect for distribution and construction transport.
The largest truck brands in the market are companies that exert a massive influence worldwide. Brands such as Freightliner, Scania, Kenworth, and Volvo Trucks dominate the market. These companies not only offer a wide range of trucks for different applications but also have a strong presence in both the European and North American markets. The dominance of these brands is due to their long history of innovation, reliability, and strong customer service networks.
Read also: American truck brands
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Innovation is critical in the truck industry, where technological advancements not only improve performance but also optimize safety and fuel efficiency. Thanks to these innovations, truck brands are able to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards and ensure the industry adapts to the needs of a sustainable future. The five key innovations currently shaping the industry are:
Electric and Hydrogen Trucks: Electric trucks are increasingly used, especially in urban distribution and medium-range distances. They are emission-free and provide a quieter driving experience, making them ideal for deliveries in cities. For long-distance travel, hydrogen trucks are a promising option. They use a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity and can be refueled more quickly than battery-electric trucks.
Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Trucks: Modern trucks are getting smarter with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), which improve safety and efficiency. Examples include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane assistance. Work is also underway on fully autonomous trucks, which could reduce the need for drivers.
Sustainable and Aerodynamic Designs: Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption. New designs make trucks more efficient. In addition to aerodynamics, lighter materials such as aluminum and composites are being used, which reduce vehicle weight and further lower fuel consumption.
Smart Connectivity and Digitization: With telematics and IoT (Internet of Things), trucks can continuously collect and transmit data to transport companies. This helps with:
Fleet management: Real-time insights into routes, consumption, and performance.
Predictive maintenance: AI predicts when parts need to be replaced, reducing downtime and costs.
Over-the-air updates: Software updates can be performed remotely, just like with Tesla cars.
Since the transport sector is responsible for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions, manufacturers are seeking more sustainable fuels to replace diesel. In addition to electric and hydrogen trucks, biofuels, LNG, and synthetic fuels (e-fuels) are becoming increasingly important.
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil): HVO is a biofuel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. It works in many existing diesel engines without major modifications.
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): LNG is a liquid form of natural gas and is seen as a transitional fuel between diesel and fully emission-free trucks. It reduces CO₂ emissions by 10-20% and NOx emissions by 70-80%.
E-fuels (Synthetic Fuels): E-fuels are made from renewable energy (wind, solar) and hydrogen, making them fully CO₂-neutral.
Depending on specific business applications, companies can choose trucks that meet their unique requirements. Selecting the right brand can make a difference in the efficiency of operations based on the type of work being performed.
Reliability is one of the most important factors for transport companies because downtime leads to direct costs and impacts the efficiency of the logistics chain. The reliability of a truck is determined by factors such as build quality, engine performance, maintenance costs, and the availability of spare parts. Some of the most reliable brands in 2025 are Volvo, Scania, and Mercedes.
When choosing a truck brand, it is important to consider various factors that impact the vehicle's performance, costs, and efficiency. Here are five key considerations that transport companies should keep in mind when purchasing a new truck:
Fuel Efficiency: Fuel is one of the largest expenses in the transport sector. A fuel-efficient truck can save thousands of euros in fuel costs annually while reducing CO₂ emissions.
Reliability: A truck should have minimal downtime, as every day that a vehicle isn't running costs a company money. Reliability depends on build quality, engine performance, and maintenance intervals.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The purchase price of a truck is only a part of the cost. It's important to look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes all costs throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
Technology and Innovation: The latest trucks come equipped with advanced technologies that contribute to efficiency, safety, and driving comfort. Digitization and electrification play an increasingly significant role.
Safety: A safe truck protects not only the driver but also other road users. Safety is an essential factor, especially for long journeys and international transport.
