Daimler Trucks Asia, under which Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) are cooperating closely, boldly showcased its competencies at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 in Hanover, Germany. While the world premiere of the FUSO brand’s all-electric light-duty truck eCanter is Daimler Trucks Asia’s tech highlight, DICV was represented with products from all three brands built at the Chennai plant: BharatBenz, FUSO, and Mercedes-Benz.
“Daimler Trucks Asia’s presence at the IAA 2016 has been a bold demonstration that we are ready for the future. Our all-new FUSO eCanter, as our technology highlight, proves we’re leading e-mobility in this segment, and we’ve showcased strong products built in India, for India and for growth markets worldwide”, said Mr. Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of MFTBC and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia.
The BharatBenz 3723R five-axle truck with modular load body is designed for special transport solutions in India. As a tractor for heavy loads, the FUSO TV concept truck 4043S is aiming at growth markets in the Middle East and Latin America. Also designed for Middle East markets is the Mercedes-Benz school bus OF 917 RF C, which at the same time marks the entry of Daimler Buses India into the export of complete buses, extending its export portfolio beyond bus chassis.
At the sidelines of the IAA, Daimler Trucks Asia also announced that a third truck product family has been assigned to be built at DICV’s plant at Oragadam near Chennai, a new sub-9 tonne product family for exports and the domestic market. Production is planned to begin in 2017.
Mr. Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said: “It is great news for DICV to extend production beyond our existing medium and heavy-duty models to include a third truck product family below 9 tonnes. This shows the flexibility and quality of our manufacturing operations. It also underlines that exports will be more and more complementing our successful domestic BharatBenz business. This is ‘Make in India’ at its best.”
Commenting on the recent achievements at DICV, Mr. Nesselhauf continued: “2016 has provided a remarkable series of milestones for us. Within less than four years, we have crossed the mark of 50,000 produced vehicles at our plant, and we have handed over the 40,000th BharatBenz truck to the customer. We have launched our updated MDT generation. To optimally prepare us for future growth, we have continued to expand and round off our manufacturing operations, taking overall investment to well beyond Rs. 5,000 crores.”
With regard to 2017, preparations are already under way for launch of the updated generation of BharatBenz heavy-duty trucks and for the start of production of the third, new sub-9t product family. In the bus business, the product portfolio will be extended into the 16 tonnes segment as planned.