Freightliner Begins Production of Ford-Developed Trucks

Freightliner initiated the production of its own versions of trucks developed by Ford in St. Thomas, Ontario. This move marked the launch of the Sterling truck brand, which was positioned between Freightliner and Western Star in the heavy truck market. The Sterling brand was designed to cater to the needs of the North American market, offering a range of heavy-duty trucks that were built to meet the demands of various industries. The production of Sterling trucks continued until 2009, showcasing Freightliner's commitment to expanding its product offerings and enhancing its competitive edge in the trucking industry. The introduction of the Sterling brand allowed Freightliner to leverage Ford's established designs and engineering expertise, thereby streamlining its production processes and reducing development costs. This strategic partnership not only benefited Freightliner but also contributed to the overall growth of the heavy truck segment in North America, as it provided customers with more options and improved performance in their fleet operations.