The eight new models include six trucks and two buses, all equipped with COVID-19 prevention features including infection-proof fabric seats, safety kits and disinfection fogging machines. The company has also announced the launch of a points-based ‘BharatBenz Rewards’ loyalty program.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has added eight new products to its range of BharatBenz commercial vehicles – six new trucks and two new buses equipped with new user-centric features and design elements. Since the start of BS-VI sales in April 2020, BharatBenz has almost doubled its market share and increased its network to 250 touchpoints across India. In line with its innovation-driven market focus and commitment to offer customized solutions, BharatBenz’s new set of commercial vehicles are designed to provide unmatched reliability and safety. The company has unveiled six new trucks including the BSafe Express – a reefer truck for vaccine transportation, 1917R, 4228R Tanker, 1015R+, 42T M-Cab, and 2828 construction vehicle. The two new BharatBenz buses to hit the road soon are the wide-body 1017 variant with a seating capacity of up to 50, and the 1624 chassis available with a parabolic suspension. Additionally, the company has introduced the BSafe Pack, a range of features available across the entire portfolio that will enhance safety for drivers and passengers.
Speaking on the occasion, Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, DICV, said: “In today’s rapidly-changing environment, it is vital to meet the dynamic needs of society. With this in mind, we proudly introduce BharatBenz’s expanded new range with special covid-prevention features. Both new and current customers will be delighted by our updated portfolio offering the industry’s best TCO, as well as our new loyalty program designed to reward the customers for their trust placed in brand BharatBenz.”
‘BSafe Express’
In line with the Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure seamless vaccine distribution, BharatBenz offers the ‘BSafe Express’ for the fight against COVID-19. BSafe Express is a range of 10t to 42t, fully built reefer trucks, custom built for pharma and vaccine logistics. The currently showcased solution is built on the sturdy 2823R platform known for its reliability, quick turn-around time and low maintenance. The reefer unit is built with best-in-class thermal insulation for outstanding resistance to water and external temperatures. It also contains a Smart Connectivity System that ensures complete traceability of temperature and other sensor data from shipment to last mile delivery. With this host of advanced features, ‘BSafe Express’ has emerged as a state-of-the-art solution capable of delivering vaccines in perfect condition to even remote destinations.
The new trucks
The 1917R is available in 20, 22, 24, and 31-foot load span options, which are ideal for a wide range of on-highway applications and great for freight movement for sectors like FMCG and e-commerce.
The 4228R features an innovative M cab, granting it one of the longest loading spans for fully built trucks in its class. The M Cab retains all the safety and comfort features of BharatBenz’s proven factory fitted cabin. Making an additional room for the load span to grow, this allows an overall loading span of 31 ft, suitable for parcel and container applications.
Additionally, a special variant of 4228R with a fully-built 34-kiloliter tanker has been designed with a wide range of safety features, making the vehicle a preferred choice for POL applications.
The 1015R+ stands as a classic example of BharatBenz’s technological prowess. The earlier 1015R has received an upgrade in its powertrain with a stronger G85 gearbox that strengthens its reliability and gradeability. Meanwhile, BharatBenz’s iconic 2828C is now available with 22 cubic meter loading capacity refreshed with Covid-protection features to cater to coal transportation. It comes with the longest wheelbase in its class, making it the most stable coal carrier in the market.
The new buses
To address the concerns of the public regarding social distancing during travel, BharatBenz is offering an all-new 1017 bus with a 50 seating capacity that is ideal for staff, school, and college. The additional capacity allows customers to maintain social distancing and delivers a secured bus journey experience.
The next new category is the 1624 chassis that comes with a parabolic suspension, a high demand product from the mofussil bus customers, and also popular for staff and short intercity applications. BharatBenz bridges the demand gap by introducing air suspension and parabolic suspension offerings in the intercity segment.
Addressing COVID-19 Safety Protocols
BharatBenz’s ‘BSafe Pack’ comes as a standard fitment on all BharatBenz trucks at no additional cost. The pack includes infection-proof fabric seats to curtail infection transfer and curtains for physical separation between the cabin crew and the driver resting on the rear sleeper berth, and a recommended COVID Safety Kit including an N95 mask for the driver, hand sanitizer, and surface disinfectant spray. Additionally, BharatBenz can provide a Disinfection Fogging Machine and UV Sanitizer Box. For BharatBenz buses, the BSafe Pack includes touch-less entry with pneumatic doors, an auto sanitizer dispenser at entry point, auto temperature sensor at entry point, infection proof fabric seat covers, additional disposable seat fabric, and a UV filter & fresh air circulation kit.