Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has expanded its BharatBenz bus portfolio with the launch of two new products—the Torqshift 1926 heavy-duty bus chassis equipped with an automated manual transmission (AMT) for intercity operations and the BharatBenz 917, an 8-metre fully built bus aimed at the school and staff transportation segment. The company unveiled the products in Ahmedabad on July 9.
The Torqshift 1926 has been developed for intercity and staff transport routes, where fleet operators are increasingly looking to improve driver productivity, reduce operating costs and address driver shortages. BharatBenz said the chassis features a globally proven Torqshift AMT paired with a 260 hp engine that automatically selects the optimum gear based on driving conditions, reducing the need for frequent clutch and gear operation. The company said the system is intended for routes of up to 500 km and could reduce the requirement for two drivers on longer trips.
"Fleet operators run on tight margins, and every hour a bus is off the road costs money. The BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 gives drivers an easier, more consistent ride while cutting downtime and lifecycle costs," said Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles.
The chassis is also equipped with features such as intelligent Eco Roll, multiple drive modes, tyre pressure monitoring with temperature monitoring, cruise control, hill start assist, indigenous glide air suspension and a five-stage electromagnetic retarder.
The second product, the BharatBenz 917, targets India's medium-duty bus segment, which is largely driven by demand from schools, industrial staff transport and institutional operators. According to the company, the vehicle has been designed for operation on narrow urban and semi-urban roads while balancing passenger capacity and operating costs.
Safety equipment on the 917 includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic vehicle stability control (EVSC), seat belts for all passengers, a large emergency exit door, a fire detection and protection system, and an optional PM2.5 air purification system. Passenger comfort features include air conditioning, ergonomic seating, anti-skid flooring, under-seat storage and a retractable lower footstep for easier entry and exit.
DICV said India's bus market continues to offer growth potential, citing increasing demand for feeder, last-mile and intercity connectivity. The company noted that India currently has around 24 buses per 100,000 people against a target of 60, while the overall bus industry recorded 5% year-on-year growth in calendar year 2025 and is expected to expand further in 2026, supported by replacement demand and rising passenger mobility.