DICV launches new BharatBenz 16-tonne intercity coach

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has expanded the BharatBenz brand portfolio. As per the new product plan announced in 2015 with the start of the company’s bus business, the all-new BharatBenz intercity coach completes the brand’s bus line-up.

Targeted at the growing segment of inter-city travel, the 16-tonne, 238 hp (175 kW) front-engine coach complements BharatBenz’ portfolio of school, staff and tourist buses in the 9-tonne category, which have been available since the end of 2015.

Speaking at the launch event in Chennai, Markus Villinger, managing director Daimler Buses India said: “We designed the all-new BharatBenz intercity coach to take inter-city travel to the next level: a safer and more comfortable experience for passengers and drivers, and more value for operators at the same time. Building on our acceptance in the market and this strong product with proven BS-IV technology, we are very confident to capture opportunities in this growing segment.”

With its optimised wheelbase, the 12-metre-long BharatBenz intercity coach has what the company claims “best-in-class cabin space distribution for easy seating, offering 790mm of legroom for passengers. Refined interiors and wider windows provide for a relaxed journey with panoramic views. The front and rear air suspensions are calibrated with chassis performance to minimise impact of road undulations. Overall, the vehicle also offers a more quiet ride thanks to its unique open saloon design which enhances acoustic insulation despite a front-mounted engine. A powerful air-conditioner with engine-driven compressor assures not only a pleasant cabin environment for passengers but also a workplace for drivers that helps them to stay alert.”

High on safety

The BharatBenz intercity coach adopts a holistic approach towards safety and is fitted with a comprehensive range of seamlessly integrated active and passive safety features. The robust aluminique body meets the stringent safety standards for roll over as per the AIS-031 CMUR Bus Body Code. Fabricated without any welded parts, the lightweight structure not only gives extra strength to the vehicle but also lowers its centre of gravity, which provides extra stability to the vehicle. The wider brake lining (410 x 220 for all four tyres) guarantees effective braking leading to a better braking distance. With regard to interiors, the vinyl flooring comes with an anti-skid top layer and fire retardant materials which are carefully designed to ensure a safe walkway for passengers in case of emergency situations.

Focus on operator profitability

With a focus on higher profitability for bus operators, the BharatBenz intercity coach is designed for lower cost of ownership. The vehicle body’s unique aluminique structure considerably lowers its gross vehicle weight, while the aerodynamic body design and tubeless tyres reduce drag and rolling resistance, altogether improving fuel efficiency. The coach also offers unmatched oil change and gearbox oil change intervals of 100,000km. The extended warranty that BharatBenz offers for all its vehicles nationwide is also available. DICV also offers annual maintenance packages that cover both the body and chassis, ensuring optimum maintenance.

Proven BS-IV technology with SCR

BharatBenz BS-IV vehicles meet the upgraded norms using a system based on SCR technology proven in Daimler commercial vehicles in many markets for over a decade The SCR technology uses an aqueous urea-based fluid called AdBlue, which is sprayed into the exhaust stream to break down dangerous nitrogen oxides emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. AdBlue consumption is only a fraction of fuel consumption, so refill intervals are fewer. AdBlue is available nationwide at all BharatBenz dealerships and other outlets, says DICV.