Daimler unveils new product range

Along with the inauguration of the bus plant, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) also unveiled its new product range at Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. Soon after the inauguration ceremony, Daimler unveiled the new Bharat Benz 3143 mining truck and the Bharat Benz 4940 heavy duty tractor. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Board of Management responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses, said, “We continue to strengthen our presence in the Indian commercial vehicle market with new products, now also including buses. In doing so, we are opening a new chapter of growth. This investment represents the ongoing pursuit of our strategy of targeted expansion for our global market presence.”

With the Bharat Benz 3143, Daimler makes a break through into the mining segment. And that makes it the first mining truck to be locally manufactured. The Bharat Benz 3143 has been developed on the existing Daimler platform and is powered by an engine that makes 430 horses. This truck will be made available in two variants, a 19.5Cu.M rock body and a 32Cu.M coal carrier. Along with the 3143, Daimler also unveiled the Bharat Benz 4940 heavy duty tractor. 

Along with the mining trucks, Daimler also introduced three Bharat Benz buses – a staff bus, a school bus and a tourist bus. All of these buses are powered by the same 3,907xx unit that makes 142PS and 420Nm. All three buses come mated to a 6-speed transmission. And for the safety of the passengers, they come equipped with ABS. The German commercial vehicle manufacturer produces chassis and engines of each of these vehicles at their plant in Orangadam while the body will be manufactured and fitted by Wrightbus International at the same plant. 

Daimler will bring all of these offerings on sale in the third-quarter of the year.