BharatBenz launches new trucks, buses as part of renewed drive

It was last year when Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) made known its intention to migrate from tonnage to application-based vehicles. 

Staying true to this objective, the Chennai-based company today unveiled six new trucks and two buses based on applications. These include the recently showcased BSafe Express 2823R for transporting Covid vaccines as well as the 4228R, 1917R, 1015R, 42T M-Cab and 2828C. In buses, DICV showcased the 10T Bus (50 seater) and 1624 - parabolic suspension. 

The virtual event, BharatBenz Premiere 2.0, was intended to drive home the message on offering customised solutions. The new offerings will come with a mandatory BSafe pack comprising seats with infection-proof fabrics, a physical separation between the driver and crew resting area in the cabin, Covid safety kits with N95 masks, sanitisers etc. Other safety features can be had for an additional cost. A loyalty programme, ‘BharatBenz’ Rewards for trusted customers, was also part of today's parade. 

“It is vital to meet the dynamic needs of society and the rapidly changing environment," said Satyakam Arya, MD and CEO. It is keeping this in mind that the portfolio has been expanded along with Covid protective measures. "We continue to transform the CV market in India and with BharatBenz Rewards, customers will be able to accumulate points for every rupee spent at our outlets,” he added.

Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, Vice-President, Product Engineering, said the BSafe Express 2823R reefer truck has the best-in-class thermal insulation along with a complete AC solution to meet the demands for carrying vaccines and other cold storage products. It also comes with fully integrated telematics solutions. 

"All our trucks now come with an improved service interval of 50,000 KM. We have upgraded the powertrain In the 1015R while the 2828C trucks will have a 22 cubic metre loading capacity to help out in coal transport,” he added. 

According to Thimmaiyan, the 1917R will have more payload than the 1617R while retaining its top characteristic. It will be offered in 20,22, 24 and 31-foot loading capacities with the option of tubeless and radial tyres. Highway and parcel services are the targeted user base for this product which offers multiple fuel tank options. 

Karl-Alexander Seidel, CEO and Head of Daimler Bus India, said the BSafe pack would extend to buses too. He was also hopeful that the new safety measures would help revive demand at a time when people are paranoid about using public transport. 

“It is unfortunate that this industry is not picking up," said Seidel. The safety features are available as a retrofit from company dealers. Keeping the imperative of social distancing in mind, wider bodies are now being built over the chassis. 

"We think the 1624 - parabolic suspension will have a good response in the city segment and in the next couple months you will see more products coming up in the segments that we are not offering,” he said.