Daimler India starts production of Mercedes Benz and BharatBenz buses

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) plant in Oragadam, Chennai, is spread over an area of 400 acres. The state of the art plant first started truck production back in June 2012. In May this year, the company started bus production from the same plant, but a different new facility. Built at an initial investment of INR 4,400 crores and additional INR 425 crores, the company rolled out the first bus under the BharatBenz and Mercedes Benz brand name yesterday.

All BharatBenz buses produced at this plant will be front engined buses for short travel distances specially targeting school, staff and the tourist segments. Mercedes-Benz buses will be positioned in the premium segment and will be rear engine buses for inter city travel.

DICV facility in Oragadam has installed capacity of 1,500 units which will be increased to 4,000 units in due course and marks its beginning with production of BharatBenz and Mercedes-Benz buses. Each of these buses caters to the demands of an emerging market and providing all the facilities demanded by consumers while setting new standards in the bus segment in the country.

Producing buses in the 9, 16 and above 16 ton range, BharatBenz school buses will sport outstanding safety features ensuring total safety for school children. The buses will also demonstrate exceptional reliability and lower running costs for operators while exterior appearance and interior comforts will be at a premium.

Mercedes-Benz buses are multi axle buses and first 15m buses in the country. These buses are light weight and portray better styling while increased capacities make the buses well suited to the demands of its segment.

DICV plant in Oragadam will be producing trucks, buses and engines with three brands, Mercedes-Benz, BharatBenz and FUSO. Export of bus chassis to Egypt have already commenced with more export markets to be added in due course.

News Release