Holger Scherr became SuperPanther’s executive vice-president for Europe on 15 October 2026. In his new role, he will work with Michael Ruf, president of the manufacturer’s European operations, to expand the business across the region.
Scherr brings more than two decades of management experience at Daimler and Daimler Truck. He previously led Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive, a joint venture between the German group and Chinese manufacturer Foton. He also served on the management team at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
His career has covered commercial vehicle development, supply-chain management and operational leadership. He was also involved in projects related to the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Zetros truck ranges.
SuperPanther moves from pilot projects to wider European sales
Scherr’s appointment comes as SuperPanther shifts from its initial deployments towards larger-scale sales. In July 2026, the Chinese manufacturer began series production of the eTopas 600 electric tractor unit at the Steyr Automotive plant in Austria. Developed for European customers, the vehicle has already been delivered to its first operators.
DHL Freight is among the early customers. Since September, the company has been using the eTopas 600 in regular transport operations in the Netherlands. Before entering service, the truck underwent testing in real-world conditions in Austria.
SuperPanther has set ambitious delivery targets. The company aims to supply European customers with around 100 electric trucks by the end of 2026 and increase cumulative deliveries to 1,000 by the end of 2027. These are targets rather than confirmed results. Meeting them will depend not only on production capacity, but also on sales growth and the company’s ability to provide effective after-sales support.
SuperPanther already has a foothold in Poland
The company’s European push also extends to Poland. LONTEX Group is responsible for distributing SuperPanther vehicles in Poland and Czechia, as well as providing service support and charging-infrastructure solutions.
The eTopas 600 has already been presented to Polish hauliers, including at a June meeting of Transport and Logistics Poland in Serock. LONTEX is also arranging opportunities for transport companies to examine the truck and test it in operating conditions.
For Polish carriers, access to the tractor unit will be only one part of the decision. Running costs, charging options and the availability of technical support will be just as important.
Vehicle sales are only the beginning
SuperPanther is expanding its European service network and spare-parts logistics. The manufacturer works with, among others, the Alltrucks network and has two spare-parts warehouses within the European Union.
That infrastructure matters in heavy road transport, where a truck’s competitiveness depends on more than its purchase price or stated range. Fast repairs and the ability to minimise downtime are equally important to operators.
The appointment of Holger Scherr suggests that SuperPanther is building up its management capabilities in Europe alongside its sales operation. His experience at Daimler Truck, combined with his work in China’s automotive industry, could support the company as it develops its regional business.
For Europe’s commercial vehicle market, SuperPanther will now have to prove that it can compete with established brands. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on actual deliveries, vehicle reliability and the quality of support available to carriers.
SuperPanther electric trucks are already working in Europe
SuperPanther’s expansion is no longer limited to production plans. Since September, DHL Freight has been using the eTopas 600 in regular freight operations across the Netherlands and Belgium. The truck covers around 2,000 kilometres per week and is not assigned to a single permanent route; instead, it serves different connections across the operator’s network. This provides an important real-world test for a manufacturer seeking to increase European sales, although detailed figures on operating costs and actual energy consumption have not yet been published.
