Germany Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030

Germany’s medium and heavy-duty truck market has transitioned rapidly since 2020, shaped by stringent EU emission regulations, digital fleet modernization, and energy transition policies. Traditionally led by diesel-powered vehicles from domestic OEMs such as Daimler Truck (Mercedes-Benz), MAN, and IVECO Magirus, the market has seen a sharp shift toward electrification and automation. Since the rollout of Euro VI Step E norms in 2021, vehicle platforms now integrate advanced exhaust after-treatment systems, particulate filters, and real-time NOx monitoring. As of 2023, Germany became the first EU nation to enforce mandatory CO₂ reporting for new heavy trucks under Regulation (EU) 2019/1242, setting reduction targets of 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. Innovations such as digital twin simulations for predictive maintenance, V2X communication, and semi-autonomous lane-keeping and emergency braking systems have become standard in premium models. Hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, like Daimler’s GenH2, and battery-electric heavy-duty trucks, including the eActros 600 and Volvo FH Electric, are entering full production backed by the German government’s fleet decarbonization program. Regulatory compliance includes KBA (Federal Motor Transport Authority) approvals, TÜV inspections, and adherence to EU Type Approval. Businesses must also comply with safety mandates under StVZO and emissions conformity rules under the Federal Emission Control Act (BImSchG). Compliance costs can exceed €30,000 per unit when including telematics systems, onboard diagnostics, noise emission verification, and periodic inspections. Germany’s climate action framework (Klimaschutzprogramm 2030) provides subsidies covering up to 80% of the cost difference between zero-emission and diesel trucks under the KsNI (Klimaschutzoffensive für den Güterverkehr) scheme. Tax benefits include exemptions from truck tolls for BEVs and FCEVs until 2025, plus depreciation incentives for electric truck investments. Compared to neighboring countries, Germany’s regulations are stricter and more technology-intensive, often influencing EU-wide policies and shaping competition through innovation-focused procurement incentives.

According to the research report ""Germany Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Germany Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck market is anticipated to grow at more than 3.43% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This market is driven by Germany’s strong industrial base, ambitious climate targets, and advanced automotive manufacturing ecosystem, which together shape the country’s demand, production, and innovation in medium and heavy-duty trucks. Raw material inputs such as high-grade steel, aluminum, battery-grade lithium, and hydrogen fuel cells are primarily sourced from domestic and EU partners, then processed and assembled at major facilities located in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony. Truck production in Germany is led by brands like Mercedes-Benz Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, and Iveco Magirus, with manufacturing hubs in Wörth, Munich, and Ulm. These facilities integrate advanced robotics, modular assembly lines, and real-time quality control systems for both diesel and electric models. Distribution follows a highly organized B2B dealer network with centralized warehousing, regional fleet partnerships, and digital sales platforms enhanced with telematics service subscriptions. Sales volumes are concentrated in logistics-heavy regions like North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, where freight operators, public transport providers, and construction firms maintain large fleets. Trends in the German market include rising adoption of electric rigid trucks, autonomous safety features, and vehicle-as-a-service subscription models, especially for SMEs needing cost flexibility. Promotional campaigns focus on lifecycle savings, low-emission zones, and smart fleet tools, often supported by OEM collaborations with utility companies and financial institutions. Demand is also rising in the municipal sector for low-noise, zero-emission trucks for refuse collection and maintenance services, influenced by state procurement mandates. Industries that rely heavily on this segment include e-commerce logistics, agriculture (especially in Brandenburg and Saxony), construction, mining equipment supply, and port logistics in Hamburg and Bremen.

Medium-duty trucks (3.5 to 16 tonnes) are widely used in regional logistics, urban goods transport, parcel delivery, refrigerated food movement, and utility services across cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Stuttgart. These trucks are preferred for last-mile and mid-range operations due to their maneuverability, lower operating costs, and compliance with city-level emission zones. Leading OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz (Atego series), MAN, and Iveco offer a variety of medium-duty models fitted with lightweight chassis, electric drivetrains, and advanced telematics. This class also sees strong demand from small fleet operators and municipalities, where electric versions receive procurement preference under EU green transport directives. Heavy-duty trucks (above 16 tonnes), on the other hand, dominate long-haul freight, construction material movement, port logistics, and cross-border transport, particularly along corridors connecting Germany to France, Poland, Austria, and the Netherlands. This segment features high-powered tractor-trailers, articulated trucks, and long-chassis carriers built for 40-tonne payloads. Daimler’s Actros, MAN TGX, and Volvo FH series lead the market in this category, equipped with ADAS, aerodynamic enhancements, and increasingly, electric or hydrogen propulsion. Heavy-duty trucks are the backbone of the country’s industrial transport system, serving sectors like steel, automotive, chemicals, retail, and construction. Regulatory emphasis on Euro VI compliance, CO₂ emission reporting, and noise control has pushed innovation in engine design and exhaust treatment. Additionally, Germany’s toll system (LKW-Maut) encourages cleaner technologies by offering exemptions to electric and fuel cell trucks in both classes. While heavy-duty models command a higher share of fleet value and mileage, medium-duty trucks are gaining momentum with electrification and regional policy support, making both segments essential to Germany’s freight and logistics ecosystem.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks, particularly diesel-powered, continue to dominate in both medium and heavy classes, primarily because of their reliability, range, and robust fueling infrastructure. These vehicles serve long-haul transport, construction, and industrial logistics, especially across autobahns and EU freight corridors. Brands like MAN, Mercedes-Benz, and Scania still manufacture high-efficiency Euro VI-compliant diesel trucks featuring advanced exhaust gas recirculation, selective catalytic reduction, and particulate filtration systems. However, electric trucks are gaining substantial momentum, spurred by Germany’s national subsidy program (KsNI), which covers up to 80% of the cost difference between diesel and zero-emission models. OEMs like Mercedes-Benz (eActros), Volvo Trucks (FH Electric), and Renault offer full-electric heavy trucks, while MAN’s eTGM serves the medium-duty urban segment. These EVs are increasingly used in parcel logistics, supermarket supply chains, and municipal fleets, especially in low-emission zones like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne. Battery-electric trucks benefit from toll exemptions until at least 2025, plus reduced maintenance costs and eligibility for green public procurement. Other propulsion types include hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks. Although limited in volume, hydrogen trucks like the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 and Hyzon Heavy Duty are being piloted for future freight corridors, supported by the German National Hydrogen Strategy and H2 Mobility network expansion. CNG trucks, such as those by IVECO and Scania, operate in specific use cases like urban waste collection or food delivery, especially where refueling infrastructure exists.

Rigid trucks are widely deployed across urban delivery, municipal services, and regional freight movement. Common in cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf, these trucks are often used for food and beverage distribution, postal services, utilities, and short-range construction transport. OEMs like Mercedes-Benz (Atego), MAN (TGM), and Renault offer rigid-body models in both diesel and electric variants, favored for their compact size, low-emission compatibility, and ease of navigation in congested zones. Tractor-trailers or articulated trucks dominate the long-distance freight segment, crucial for Germany’s role as a central EU logistics hub. These vehicles support international trade and intermodal transport across major freight corridors connecting Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Poland. High-powered units like the MAN TGX, Volvo FH, and Mercedes-Benz Actros haul containers, automotive components, industrial equipment, and bulk goods. Articulated trucks are optimized for payload efficiency, often equipped with telematics, automated gearboxes, and aerodynamic trailer designs for fuel savings. Tipper or dump trucks are essential in construction, mining, and infrastructure development projects common in federal motorway expansion, renewable energy site preparation, and urban redevelopment zones. Scania, IVECO, and MAN offer robust tipper models with reinforced axles and powertrains suitable for transporting aggregates, debris, and soil. Other body types include refrigerated trucks (used in pharma and food), fuel tankers, car carriers, and mobile cranes, which are critical to sectors like chemicals, automotive logistics, energy, and events. The body configuration influences chassis choice, axle setup, emissions compliance, and driver certification.

Logistics and transportation is the largest sector using these trucks, driven by Germany’s position as a European freight hub with dense networks of autobahns, rail terminals, and ports. Fleets of articulated trucks, operated by DHL, DB Schenker, and numerous SMEs, handle e-commerce deliveries, automotive parts, chemicals, and intermodal goods, particularly in regions like North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Hamburg. Construction and mining sectors deploy rigid and tipper trucks for site prep, equipment transport, and material hauling, especially for ongoing housing developments, railway upgrades, and renewable energy projects. Companies in Berlin, Leipzig, and the Ruhr Valley use heavy-duty dump trucks and mixers for infrastructure expansion, with demand rising due to Germany’s green building initiatives. Agriculture and forestry fleets, concentrated in Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Bavaria, use medium-duty trucks and flatbeds to transport livestock, crops, timber, and machinery between rural production zones and urban markets. Utility and municipal applications include street maintenance, refuse collection, fire response, and water management, with cities like Munich, Stuttgart, and Cologne shifting toward electric trucks for noise and emission reduction. Electric rigid trucks are gaining traction here, supported by local procurement mandates and federal grants under the KsNI scheme. Other sectors include airport ground handling, mobile healthcare, broadcasting, and energy logistics each requiring specialized trucks such as tankers, mobile command units, and crane carriers.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Vehicle Class
• Medium (3.5 to 16 Tonnes)
• Heavy (16 Tonnes and Above)

By Propulsion
• ICE
• Electric
• Other

By Body Type
• Rigid Trucks
• Tractor-Trailers / Articulated Truck
• Tipper / Dump Trucks
• Other

By end users
• Logistic transportation
• Construction and Mining
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Utility And Municipal
• Other Show more