The TRATON GROUP increased its total unit sales by 10% year-over-year to 78,900 vehicles in the third quarter of 2026, according to preliminary figures. The gain was primarily driven by significantly stronger customer demand in the United States, marking a further acceleration in the group's sales momentum following a slow start to the year and 4% growth in the second quarter. Cumulative unit sales for the first nine months of 2026 reached 230,400 vehicles, 3% above the prior-year level.
The US recovery was most visible at International Motors, which recorded a 48% year-over-year increase in third-quarter unit sales to 19,900 vehicles, more than offsetting the decline recorded in the first half of 2026. International's unit sales for the first nine months were thus 3% above the prior-year level. The performance underscores how quickly the North American commercial vehicle market has rebounded and how heavily the group's overall growth now depends on that region.
Scania Vehicles & Services increased its unit sales by 3% in the third quarter to 22,100 vehicles, supported by the ramp-up of production at the new plant in Rugao, China, and the government-supported "Move Brasil" loan program in Brazil. For the first nine months, Scania's unit sales were 1% above the prior-year period.
MAN Truck & Bus recorded a slight decrease of 1% in third-quarter unit sales to 24,500 vehicles, as the truck business developed positively while the bus and van business declined. Over the first nine months, MAN's unit sales were 5% above the prior-year period. Volkswagen Truck & Bus posted a 5% increase in third-quarter unit sales to 12,500 vehicles, also helped by the Brazilian loan program, though its nine-month sales were 1% lower due to a weak first quarter.
Electrification trends within the group were mixed. All-electric vehicle sales rose 29% to 2,670 units in the first nine months, with Scania up 69%, MAN up 36%, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus up 7%, while International's electric sales fell 8%. In the third quarter alone, however, group electric sales slipped 6% to 770 units, largely because International's electric volume dropped 72% to 100 vehicles.
The preliminary figures suggest TRATON is entering the final quarter with stronger momentum than it began the year, though the uneven regional and electric performance will be closely watched. The company will publish its 9M 2026 Interim Statement on October 28, 2026, which will be available through its investor relations publications page. More information about the group and its brands is available at www.traton.com.
