- Showcases BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) and FUSO FJ 2528R Left-Hand Drive trucks for the Indian and export markets, respectively
- The BharatBenz 3143 will be launched in India next year
- FUSO FJ 2528R LHD will address wider export markets
Mumbai : Daimler AG, the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer today, unveiled two world-class, highly competitive, made-in-India products at the 65th IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) show in Hanover, Germany The new BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) and FUSO FJ 2528 R Left-Hand Drive trucks were showcased to the media, potential customers, business associates and the general public at the fair along with other key brands of Daimler like the Mercedes-Benz, Setra and FUSO to name a few. These products were meticulously developed and designed in India to cater to the niche requirements of the domestic and wider choice for the export markets, respectively.
The BharatBenz 3143, currently showcased as a concept vehicle is slated for launch in the year 2015 and is specially designed keeping in mind the ultimate requirements of the Indian mining sector. Highly researched and meticulously engineered, the BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) will be made and sold in India, targeting the niche deep-mining segment, hitherto operated by highly priced premium deep-mining trucks from global players. With high levels of localisation, the product will offer the Indian mining truck owners an unbeatable value proposition and higher return on investments. Developed on the existing HDT platform – the Mercedes-Benz Axor platform – the BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) is the first truck with higher horse-power (430 HP) made-in-India, optimally engineered to meet the most demanding operating conditions at the mining sites.
The BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) will first be available in heavy-duty mining variant with short wheel base that meets the mining regulations of India. The truck is capable of carrying heavy-loads up to 48 tonnes suitably crafted for Indian usage patterns. BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) comes with highly efficient equipment and operator controls that are aptly required for Indian operating conditions. BharatBenz follows the low TCO value methodology across its range of products and the new BharatBenz 3143 will be a perfect example to validate.
The other class-leading product from India, the new FUSO FJ 2528R Left-Hand Drive variant is specifically designed to cater to the requirements of the export markets of DICV. The new FUSO trucks manufactured at DICV’s plant in India were introduced in May 2013 and have been making rapid inroads in the export markets, effectively managed and distributed by the MFTBC network. The 2528R truck is highly efficient and homologated to meet the burgeoning needs of the customers in Asia and Africa. With the new Left-Hand Drive truck, Daimler Trucks Asia will gain access to much wider markets like the Middle East, ASEAN and Latin America.
The new FUSO FJ showcased is a EURO 5 variant, developed specifically for Latin America and other leading markets. The truck comes with (6X2) rigid application with a wider wheelbase of 4500 mm, a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 25 tonnes and engine power of 280 HP. With customised features and standard equipment the truck will offer better value for money for the customers. The new FUSO FJ is currently sold in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Brunei, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania was commercially launched in Indonesia at the 22nd Indonesia Motor Show a few days ago.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the board responsible for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses said, “India is a strategic market for Daimler Trucks globally. Its long term market potential is intact. Our new products and our investments in new dealerships are proof of our long-term commitment to India. We will continue to expand our product line-up. By now, it should be clear that we intend to be a main player in the Indian CV market.”
Sharing his views on the new products, Mr. Marc Llistosella, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Aftersales, Trucks Asia & DICV, said, “It is highly imperative to have product suiting every requirement of every customer. We have established a solid base in India and Japan and we are witnessing the change that it has made for Daimler in Asia and African markets. The new product from BharatBenz, the 3143 (Concept) will reinforce our commitment to the Indian truck market and the new FUSO truck has been a great success in other markets since we rolled out. The company will continue to re-invent and address the markets innovatively.”
Adding to this, Mr. Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, DICV, said, “The Indian truck market is still witnessing the prolonged downturn. However, with our class-leading, highly reliable products, we have been gaining solid traction in the market. We are quite confident of strengthening our footprint further and penetrate deeper with the addition of these new products into the already available comprehensive product portfolio.”