October 3, 2012: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) today began production of its Light-Duty Truck (LDT) range with the 9-tonne rigid, 12-tonne rigid and 12-tonne construction models under the BharatBenz brand.

Coming on the back of the much-anticipated launch of the heavy-duty models last week, the LDT models, based on the Fuso Canter platform, are powered by 140hp and 170hp engines that feature four valves per cylinder. The company claims its LDT models are 10 percent more fuel efficient than its competition.

Marc Listosella, managing director and CEO, DICV says, "With fuel prices soaring, customers will want trucks that are more fuel efficient, reliable and robust. The BharatBenz LDT range will offer quicker turnaround time and the lowest total cost of ownership. In the coming months, we will strategically release our products in the market that will include LDT and HDT range." With around 85 percent localisation, the LDT models will be manufactured alongside the HDT range at the 36,000 capacity plant in Oragadam, near Chennai.

KARTHIK H