Daimler displays Made-in-India BharatBenz 3723R, Fuso TV-R, Mercedes-Benz schoolbus at IAA 2016

At the 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition held in Frankfurt earlier this month, Daimler displayed the complete range of its portfolio. Next to exhibits of the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands, the company presented heavy-duty vehicles from America, Africa, Asia and China.

IAA Commercial Vehicles is the most important trade fair for mobility, transport and logistics around the globe. With more than 2,000 exhibiting companies from over 50 countries, IAA Commercial Vehicles was more diverse than ever.

Daimler is present with eight CV brands -- Mercedes-Benz, Auman Truck, BharatBenz, Freightliner, Fuso, Thomas Built Buses, Western Star and Setra – in all regions of the world. The company’s market strategy is based on three pillars: technology leadership, global presence and intelligent platforms. This facilitates a worldwide footprint accompanied by tailor-made regional offerings.

Made-In-India BharatBenz 3723R, Fuso TV-R and Mercedes-Benz schoolbus

At IAA, Daimler presented the BharatBenz 3723R, a five-axle rigid with a modular load body that spans 28 feet for a permissible gross vehicle weight of 37 tons. The load body parts can be easily replaced with individual modules for special transportation, making for a  flexible  solution for various needs in the Indian market. Major assemblies, such as the Mercedes-Benz OM 906 with an engine capacity of 6.4 litres, producing 175 kW (235 hp), which is built largely in India as well as the manual nine-speed Mercedes-Benz G 131 transmission are located below the bunk of the right-hand drive COE truck. The chassis features parabolic springs on the front axles, while the driven axle comes with air suspension and the two other rear axles are equipped with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

There was also the Fuso TV-R (Concept 4043S) heavy-duty tractor unit for export markets from India. As a tractor for heavy loads, the Fuso TV concept truck 4043S is targeted at growth markets in the Middle East and Latin America.

The left-hand drive, three-axle tractor unit for long-distance haulage is designed for a gross combination weight of up to 100 tonnes. Beneath its high-roof cab is the familiar in-line six-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-Benz OM 457, in a 315 kW (430 hp), Euro V version. The power is transmitted to the two driven rear axles by the 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift transmission G 330. The muscular looks are enhanced by mighty wheels with size 12.00 R 24 tyres, enabling the truck to tackle challenging terrain as well.

Daimler also displayed the made-in-India Mercedes-Benzs schoolbus custom-tailored to operator requirements in the Middle East. It is available as a complete vehicle, complementing the successful chassis from Daimler Buses India that have been offered to date.

The 9.1-metre long schoolbus is based on the Mercedes-Benz of 917 RF C front-engined chassis with rugged truck technology produced in the Indian Daimler Trucks plant at Oragadam, near Chennai. The four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 3.9 litres produces 125 kW (170 hp). It is optionally available in either Euro III or Euro IV, depending on the market and regional requirements. The school bus comes with 17.5-inch wheels, parabolic springs on both axles, anti-lock braking system, anti-roll bars and three-point seatbelts and comes with standard features like automatic stop arm, automatic fire suppression systems, CCTV cameras and a LED destination board.

Auman 430 EST: innovation from China

Vehicles such as the Chinese Auman were also very popular at IAA. The vehicle is built as part of a 50:50 joint venture between Daimler and Foton. The Auman EST is equipped with a 12-litre Euro V Mercedes-Benz OM 457 engine, achieving fuel savings of up to five percent compared with its predecessor in conjunction with the cutting-edge ZF Traxon transmission. The Auman features disc brakes, ABS and ESP as well as modern lighting technology with LED daytime driving lights.

Fuso FV Super Great V Spider: multi-function work machine from Japan

This is a mobile multi-function work machine of XXL format: the Fuso Super Great V Spider concept vehicle breaks the mould of conventional utility vehicles. Mounted behind the right-hand drive cab of the three-axle rigid truck from Japan are four arms equipped with different tools. These enable the Spider to drill, grab, chop and excavate as an extremely versatile construction vehicle. Four extendable support legs keep the truck horizontal during such work.

The vehicle is powered by the Fuso 6R10 (T8) six-cylinder in-line engine with a 12.8 l displacement, an output of 338 kW (460 hp) and a plentiful torque of 2500 Nm. Experts will note that the engine is closely related to the European Mercedes-Benz OM 471 and the American Detroit DD 13. Appropriately configured, the fully automated Fuso Inomat II 12-speed transmission, completes the powertrain.

Freightliner Inspiration Truck: autonomous truck from the USA

There were also typical US trucks. Two trucks from the Daimler Trucks CBE range were showcased at IAA: the Freightliner Inspiration Truck, on the basis of the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution, and the impressive Western Star WS 5700XE.

The Freightliner Inspiration Truck represents a milestone in the history of the truck. The technology behind the Highway Pilot with radar system, stereo camera and tried-and-tested assistance systems is based on the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck and has been configured for use on American highways.

The base vehicle for the Freightliner Inspiration Truck is the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution. The CBE vehicle with a long bonnet is characterised by its integrated drivetrain. At the front, at quite a distance from the driver, the Detroit DD 15 in-line six-cylinder engine, producing 294 kW (400 hp) from 14.8 litres is working away.