BharatBenz Launches 19.5-Tonne Heavy-Duty Bus for Intercity Routes

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has launched the BB1924, a heavy-duty bus chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 19,500 kg designed for India's intercity passenger transport segment. The launch targets operators seeking higher payload capacity and reduced operating costs as India's bus market, valued at USD 51.09 billion, expands at 5.36% CAGR through 2030.

The chassis accommodates up to 51+1+1 seats and is built on BharatBenz's 92% localized supply chain. Field trials conducted on routes including Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Jaipur, and Chennai-Bangalore demonstrated reduced total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions.

"The BB1924 represents a paradigm shift in how we think about intercity mobility. By combining advanced safety features, industry-leading localization, and a focus on total cost of ownership, BharatBenz sets a benchmark for value and reliability in intercity mobility. Our extensive field trials with leading operators across routes like Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Jaipur, and Chennai-Bangalore have demonstrated significant reduction in total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions," said Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV.

The BB1924 is powered by a BS-VI OBD-II OM926 six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler, producing 241 hp and 850 Nm of torque. It features a six-speed synchromesh gearbox optimized for highway efficiency and comes with a six-year or 600,000-kilometer powertrain warranty.

Safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Vehicle Stability Control, and a five-stage electromagnetic retarder that reduces brake wear by 40%. The chassis uses a high-tensile steel frame measuring 255 x 73.3 x 7 mm with a wheelbase of 6,850 mm. Front and rear pneumatic suspension with anti-roll bars provides ride comfort, while factory-fitted Michelin 295/80 R22.5 radial tubeless tires offer traction and durability.

The bus has a 380-liter fuel tank providing over 1,300 km range. The first service is scheduled at 60,000 km, with subsequent services at every 120,000 km intervals. The chassis is designed for 10-15 years of service life.

The BB1924 will be available through BharatBenz's network of 398 authorized touchpoints across India. DICV has partnered with over 15 banks and non-banking financial companies, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bajaj Finserv, offering financing with interest rates starting at 8.5% per annum and EMI tenures up to five years.

After-sales support includes 24x7 roadside assistance and 95% parts availability within 24-48 hours through the localized supply chain. The company offers maintenance packages for up to six years or 600,000 kilometers, IoT-based telematics for predictive maintenance, and driver and technician training programs in regional languages.

DICV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and produces trucks from 10 to 55 tons, as well as BharatBenz buses, Mercedes-Benz coaches, and bus chassis. Its manufacturing plant at Oragadam near Chennai spreads over 400 acres and exports products to over 60 markets globally. DICV represents an investment of more than INR 9,560 crores.