The 1990s marked a decade of acquisitions and significant growth for Freightliner. 1995 saw the purchase of Oshkosh Corporation's chassis division to found the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation. Also in 1995, Freightliner acquired firefighting/emergency vehicle manufacturer American LaFrance. In 1997 Freightliner purchased the heavy truck division of Ford Motor Company and soon after launched the Sterling brand. Continuing its acquisition of complementary products, in 1998, as a member of the newly formed DaimlerChrysler, Freightliner acquired school bus manufacturer Thomas Built Buses.
