Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has, since the launch of its three Heavy Duty Truck models in September 2012, reported sales of 1,098 units of its BharatBenz brand till December 2012. The sales data was released after the release of Daimler AG’s annual results last week. The Indian subsidiary of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer had launched its 25-tonne rigid, 25-tonne construction and 31-tonne construction models last year. The company has also lined up the launch of its Light Duty Trucks on February 20.

Marc Llistosella, managing director and CEO, DICV, said: “2012 was very eventful. We showcased our trucks, completed our plant, began the production of our trucks, and finally launched our Heavy-Duty Trucks in September. Even through tough market conditions during and after our launch, BharatBenz has achieved this milestone. This is a validation of our promise with our products and services.”

V R V Sriprasad, vice-president, marketing, sales and aftersales, said: “A clear substantiation of the success lies in the repeated interest expressed by our BharatBenz customers. We are confident that the market in 2013 will resurge and with newer additions to our product range, BharatBenz will create substantial impact.”

DICV’s manufacturing facility in Oragadam, Chennai had begun production of the Light Duty Trucks on October 3 last year. The plant has an initial capacity of 36,000 units, but can be ramped up to produce around 72,000 units per annum. Earlier, during the first launch in September, Llistosella had said that exports are on the anvil, but “domestic demands have to be met first.”

KARTHIK H