Karin Rådström is steering Daimler Truck in a new direction as the world’s biggest truckmaker faces a growing challenge from China

Karin Rådström, the first woman to lead a DAX 40 company, is steering Daimler Truck towards a new direction as the world's biggest truckmaker faces growing competition from China. As CEO of Daimler Truck, which has over a century of history, she has overseen significant growth in zero-emissions vehicle sales, with a 67% increase in 2025. However, this success has not come without challenges, including supply-chain issues, semiconductor shortages, the war in Ukraine, geopolitical problems, and U.S. tariffs.

Rådström aims to change the company's culture by making it simpler, faster, and stronger. This includes quicker decision-making and greater autonomy. Despite her recent appointment as CEO, Rådström has already made an impact, increasing Daimler Truck's share price by almost 40%. Her authentic, strategic, and inclusive leadership style has been instrumental in this transformation.

Looking ahead, Rådström anticipates increased competition from China. While the European truck market remains relatively secure, Chinese electric vehicle sales in Western European markets have reached record highs, accounting for 14.2% of purchases in the first five months of 2026. Additionally, Chinese truck companies are expanding their presence in Europe, with SuperPanther and Sinotruk establishing production in Austria, and Windrose setting up a European headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium.

As China's trucks become increasingly technologically advanced, they pose a significant challenge to European truck manufacturers.