Daimler Truck Own Retail Europe enters UK with eStar Truck & Van acquisition

Daimler Truck has announced a major investment in the UK market with the acquisition of eStar Truck & Van Ltd, establishing its Own Retail presence in one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle sectors.

The deal brings six sites in the north west into Daimler Truck’s direct retail network: Knowsley Truck, Knowsley Van, Stoke-on-Trent, Deeside, Trafford Park and Skelmersdale.

Located across one of the UK’s busiest logistics corridors, the sites provide strong access to key freight routes linking Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North Wales, as well as major infrastructure including the M6, M62 and the port of Liverpool.

The acquisition is aimed at improving service levels and strengthening relationships with UK customers, particularly fleet operators who rely on uptime, fast parts availability and consistent support.

Commenting on the announcement, Heiko Selzam, managing director, Daimler Truck UK, said: ‘This is a significant investment in the UK and a clear signal of our long term commitment to the market. By bringing these sites into our Own Retail network, we are strengthening our ability to support customers directly with faster response times, consistent service standards and closer day to day engagement.

‘The north west is a critical hub for UK logistics, and this move ensures we are well positioned to support operators across the region and beyond – particularly as the industry transitions towards zero emission transport.’

The newly integrated network will deliver a comprehensive range of services, including sales of new and used Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans, alongside Fuso Trucks.

The acquisition includes over 300 employees, ensuring continuity for customers and retaining local expertise across retail, fleet and public sector segments.

Sid Sadique, chairman of eStar Truck and Van Ltd commented: ‘I am pleased to announce the sale of eStar Truck and Van Ltd to Daimler Truck Own Retail, an important milestone that secures a strong and stable future for our 300 employees. Leading eStar alongside my co‑investor Ali Sharifi and the entire eStar team has been an immensely rewarding journey. I am confident that the existing board of directors and our dedicated eStar colleagues will continue to serve our customers with the highest standards of care and commitment, keeping their businesses moving every day. Supported by Daimler Truck Own Retail Europe and its team, eStar is well positioned to build on its growth and continue delivering an exceptional level of service to its customers.’

The sites are already equipped to support electric trucks, positioning Daimler Truck to support UK customers as demand for zero emission commercial vehicles continues to grow.

With direct retail operations now established in the UK, Daimler Truck aims to deliver a more integrated customer experience, combining vehicle supply, aftersales support and tailored service contracts.

The UK acquisition marks the latest step in Daimler Truck’s expansion of its Own Retail network across Europe, following recent developments in Germany, France and the Czech Republic.

By strengthening its presence in key markets, the company is building a more resilient retail network and enhancing support for customers operating across national and international transport routes.

Volker Hüntrup, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Own Retail, Europe, said: ‘Entering the UK market reinforces our commitment to being close to our customers where it matters most. Our new locations in the UK are situated in a strategically important region at the heart of the industrial and logistics hub of northern England and Wales.

‘This move strengthens Daimler Truck’s Own Retail (ORE) footprint and aligns with the company’s long term strategy to increase network resilience and enhance customer proximity in key European markets.’