Daimler Will Resume Selling Diesel Trucks in Oregon

The nation’s largest large truck manufacturer had stopped selling in its home state over a disagreement with DEQ.

default Truck on Cabbage Hill, Interstate 84, Oregon. (Oregon Department of Transportation)
By Nigel Jaquiss

The nation’s largest maker of large trucks will once again sell diesel trucks in its home state.

Daimler Trucks North America said in a statement late Jan. 13 that after a hiatus of nearly a month, it will resume sales in Oregon.

“Daimler Truck North America is resuming acceptance of all orders for new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles intended for registration in Oregon,” the company said in a statement.

“Acceptance of ICE orders was paused due to a misunderstanding in how zero-emission vehicles credits would be recognized in the state’s implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck rule,” the statement continued. “It has been clarified with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality that DTNA’s understanding of the implementation of ACT is correct, and we will receive credits for vehicles it reported to the state.”

As the Oregon Journalism Project first reported, Daimler, which is headquartered in Portland and employs 3,000 workers here, disagreed with DEQ about how to account for the sale of electric trucks. That disagreement mattered because Oregon and other states began a new quota system for electric trucks this year. In Oregon and other states that adopted Advanced Clean Trucks rules, seven of every 100 trucks that manufacturers sell this year must be electric. For the largest trucks, that percentage will increase steadily until 2032, when it reaches 40%. The requirements for the electrification of lighter trucks calls for even higher percentages.

In its statement, Daimler emphasized its desire for DEQ to be crystal clear in the future.

“This situation underscores the necessity for feasible, obtainable, and clearly defined regulations, enabling companies to align their business practices accordingly,” the company said. “Commercial vehicles are vital to Oregon’s economy, and DTNA values the ability to support our customers, the fleets of this nation, and the state’s economy.”

This story was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit investigative newsroom for the state of Oregon. OJP seeks to inform, engage, and empower Oregonians with investigative and watchdog reporting that makes a significant impact at the state and local levels. Its stories appear in partner newspapers across the state. Learn more at oregonjournalismproject.org.

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