PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) announced today that factory production has started for its Exterior Camera System, a new visibility solution designed to help operators and drivers navigate complex operating environments, reduce upfit costs and enhance performance on the jobsite.

Available now on Freightliner and Western Star vocational and medium-duty models, the Exterior Camera System expands DTNA’s existing backup camera capability. The system adds three new camera views – left side, right side and forward-facing – giving drivers visibility on all four sides of the vehicle from inside the cab, with a consistent in-cab interface and controls across a variety of applications and body configurations.

“Clear visibility around the vehicle is important for the work our customers do every day,” said Aaron Scates, vice president of vocational and medium‑duty market development at Daimler Truck North America.. “Offering an exterior camera system that covers all sides of the vehicle improves operator confidence. The breadth of camera options and system integration with our interactive touchscreen display make this one of the most complete visibility solutions available for vocational products today.”

The Exterior Camera System is automatically triggered by key vehicle inputs, including left and right turn signals and reverse gear, with live video displayed on the in-cab touchscreen. A forward-facing camera, mounted in the grille, can be manually activated by the driver when additional visibility is desired. Camera views and activation logic can be customized using DTNA’s Custom Hardware and Electronics Configurator (CHEC), a configuration tool used during vehicle build that enables camera views to correspond with specific vehicle functions such as turn signals, reverse gear or body equipment operation.

Together, the cameras support improved driver awareness around the vehicle, helping drivers operate more confidently in tight or unpredictable spaces. 

The Exterior Camera System is factory-installed to ensure full system integration and performance, with automatic activation and native touchscreen functionality that cannot be achieved through typical aftermarket installations. For maximum flexibility, customers may also spec a pre‑wire option, which provides wiring only and does not include a camera, allowing for customer‑supplied camera installation.

“The advantage of this comprehensive system is that everything works together seamlessly from day one,” Scates said, “Customers benefit from the performance and quality of a factory-installed system that’s designed specifically for how their trucks are used out in the field.” 

Backup cameras are standard equipment on Freightliner and Western Star vocational and medium-duty trucks. Additional features – including side and forward-facing cameras – are available based on customer needs.

Customers are encouraged to connect with their local Freightliner or Western Star dealer to learn more about available system configurations and discuss adding the Exterior Camera System to new truck orders.

About Daimler Truck North America
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is the largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks in North America and a leading provider of innovative products, services, and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. DTNA designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and related technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. As a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, DTNA is dedicated to delivering exceptional value and support to its customers - helping them keep the world moving.

About Freightliner
Freightliner Trucks is a brand of Daimler Truck North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon. With 80 years of experience, Freightliner produces and markets medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks as the leading heavy-duty truck brand in North America. DTNA is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck  AG , one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

About Western Star Trucks 

Western Star Truck Sales Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, specializes in producing heavy-duty Class 8 vocational trucks. Western Star is the leading manufacturer of purpose-built trucks and is a division of Daimler Truck North America. For more information, go to WesternStarTrucks.com.