Daimler showcases India-made trucks, eyes more global markets

At an international commercial vehicle show in Germany, Daimler showcased products produced at its Chennai plant

Looking to expand the market for its India-made trucks, German automaker Daimler AG on Wednesday showcased a couple of products produced at its Chennai plant at international commercial vehicle show.

The company, which is present in India through wholly-owned subsidiary Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), showcased BharatBenz3723R, a five axle rigid truck with a gross vehicle weight of 37 tonnes at the 66th IAA International Commercial Vehicles exhibition.

"Indian brand BharatBenz is an example of Daimler's global dynamism. Since the sales launch four years ago, well over 40,000 heavy duty and medium duty BharatBenz trucks have been supplied to customers," the Stuttgart-based automaker said.

BharatBenz trucks play an important role not just in India but also in the development of many other growth markets, the company added.

The components of the truck are largely produced in India and assembled at DICV's Oragadam plant near Chennai. Daimler has made an initial investment of Rs 4,400 crore for the truck manufacturing and additional Rs 425 crore for the bus plant at the facility, which is spread over 400 acres.

The company also showcased Fuso TV-R, a heavy duty tractor, from the Oragadam plant.

"Kenya was the first market where it was launched in August 2016 and it is now gradually being introduced in further Fuso growth markets," Daimler AG said.

The three axle tractor unit used for long distance haulage is designed for a gross combination weight of up to 100 tonnes.

Fuso is one if the brands of Daimler AG.

The DICV-built FUSO trucks from Oragadam plant are exported to markets in South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Daimler also displayed made in India Mercedes-Benz school bus at the show.

"The collaboration between Daimler buses and bodybuilder Wright Bus in India is bearing further fruit. The launch with fully equipped touring coaches under the Mercedes-Benz brand is now followed by the appearance of a rugged school bus for emerging economies in the Middle East," the Germany-based automaker said.

DICV produces and sells trucks ranging between 9 to 49 tonnes in India under the brand name BharatBenz.

Under its bus division, the company produces and sells BharatBenz buses and Mercedes-Benz buses from its manufacturing plant at Oragadam.

Products manufactured at various locations, including Germany, Japan and the USA were also displayed by Daimler at the biennial event.

Focusing on future trends, the company showcased an all electric Mercedes-Benz Urban e Truck, all electric Fuso eCanter and Mercedes-Benz Future bus at the show.