Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (DICV) has launched four new BharatBenz models – three tractor-trailers and a construction-mining tipper – to complete a full circle of launches since unveiling its first set of HCV trucks in September 2012. “We will launch 17 models in 17 months” has been the statement from Mr. Marc Llistosella, Managing Director & CEO, DICV, since BharatBenz first entered the market. DICV has stuck to its plans for perfection despite the challenging market conditions in the commercial vehicle segment.
With the launch of the first three heavy-duty models in September 2012 (2523R, 2523C and 3123C), BharatBenz began offering a range of trucks. Subsequently, the company launched its range of medium-duty trucks in February 2013. It also launched its range of Made-in-India trucks for export under the FUSO brand in May last and during 2013, two more heavy duty trucks (2528 and 3128) were also launched. While other variants are to be launched, the introduction of tractor models enhances the BharatBenz range to cover segments from 9-49 tonnes GVW. BharatBenz is now present in all the major segments of medium and heavy duty trucking.
The four new models are now available in the market through the company’s fast growing world-class dealership network across the country. The BharatBenz Tractor and the construction-mining trucks will now bolster the capabilities of customer who operate in this segment adding the dimension of reliability, fuel-efficiency and an overall superior TCO benefit.
Speaking at the launch function, Mr. Marc Llistosella, said: “The trucking industry in India is passing through a tough phase. Under such circumstances, customers critically examine the offerings by manufacturers. BharatBenz trucks with their superior all-round performance and TCO benefit therefore enjoy a much greater advantage. With the launch of these trucks BharatBenz is now present in all major trucking segments as promised 2 years ago. The complete experience that the BharatBenz range provides has also triggered a substantial transformation in Indian trucking”.
BharatBenz has thus far delivered its promise of bringing about a trucking revolution in the country and offering customers a whole new experience by providing the best in terms of products and services and has changed the paradigm of customer orientation for the entire industry.
Mr. V.R.V. Sriprasad, Vice-President – Marketing, Sales & Aftersales, DICV, said: “Tractor-Trailers are at the very top of the value-chain in trucking. Hauling heavy goods over long distances, the qualitative aspects that BharatBenz provides in terms of efficiency, reliability, economy and overall TCO benefits become most important and imperative. With all the promised parameters established the Tractor-trailer operators would benefit most with BharatBenz. The Construction-Mining truck on the other hand will provide a very important aspect of reliability considering the conditions in which these trucks will be operated, demand continuous use under tortuous conditions”.
BharatBenz reached the fourth position in the industry in 2013 and continues to focus strongly on its business plan. Further models are planned, besides its focus on Daimler buses for India. The committed financial infusion from the parent Daimler AG continues as per plan and would support the vision of Daimler India towards achieving its plan to take the Indian commercial vehicle industry to the next level.
Since the launch of its first dealership in Chennai in August 2012, BharatBenz has established a network of 75 outlets in line with its plans to cover more than a 100 locations by early 2015. These dealerships are state-of-the-art and are equipped with modern facilities with well-trained manpower for both sales & service. While the sales team is trained to sell BharatBenz trucks based on values, the Pro-Active service from Aftersales ensures that the customer’s truck has maximum uptime and benefits him the most.
BharatBenz also provides industry-first and industry leading features in financing and insurance through its exclusive tie-ups with reputed financial institutions. BharatBenz Financial (BBF), a captive financing subsidiary of Daimler, offers a one-stop-solution for its customers at all dealerships.