PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) today announced the expanded role of Kevin Bangston as president and CEO of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) in addition to his current role as president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses (TBB), effective May 3, 2024. Bangston succeeds Jeff Sather, who will be retiring after 23 years of dedicated service at DTNA.
With over 25 years of experience in the transportation industry, Bangston is well-equipped to lead FCCC into its next era of business. Bangston started his DTNA career in 2001 working in corporate finance. His success in various roles led to international leadership positions in Germany, Southeast Asia and Japan. He returned in 2019 as the general manager of Distribution Network Development and has been serving in his current role at TBB since June 2021. Under his leadership at TBB, Bangston has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and has helped fuel Thomas Built’s growth in the electric vehicle market, having recently announced the delivery of their 1,000th all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school bus.
Both FCCC and TBB teams will report to Bangston under this new structure where he is responsible for strategic vision, overseeing operations and driving growth across key business areas of DTNA’s Specialty Vehicles division, which includes recreational vehicles, walk-in vans and delivery vehicles, as well as commercial, shuttle and school buses.
“Building a legacy of innovation requires a commitment to shared organizational goals,” stated Jeff Allen, senior vice president, operations and specialty vehicles of DTNA. “Kevin’s extensive experience in the industry, both within DTNA and outside, will enable him to leverage the strengths of the two companies to further promote innovation and growth while keeping the customer at the center of focus.”
“Combining FCCC’s and TBB’s leadership presents an opportunity for these exceptionally strong businesses to capitalize on synergies,” said John O’Leary, president and CEO of DTNA. “Kevin is an impactful leader, and we look forward to the role he will play in elevating both companies and driving our vision of leading in sustainable transportation.”
Bangston earned a master’s degree in international business from the Moore School at the University of South Carolina.
About Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation:
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) is a leading manufacturer of gas, diesel and alternative-fuel chassis for the medium-duty pick-up and delivery markets. FCCC supports its industry-leading chassis with a comprehensive suite of services, including 24/7 factory direct support, a nationwide service network with more than 400 dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and an official customer-support mobile app. FCCC also manufactures chassis for the motor home, school bus and shuttle bus markets. FCCC is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTG), one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. For more information, visit fccccommercial.com or call 1-800-FTL-HELP.
About Thomas Built Buses:
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. Learn more at https://thomasbuiltbuses.com or at https://www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.
About Daimler Truck North America:
Daimler Truck North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. Daimler Truck North America designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTG), one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
