The first examples of the Mercedes-Benz multi-axle bus, Super High Deck SHD 2436, have been handed over to KPN Travels Chennai. The new rear engined intercity coach is made at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles plant at Oragadam.
The luxury bus employs a unique aluminium body to emerge as the lightest product in its segment. With a seating capacity of up to 61, the Mercedes-Benz SHD 2436 competes with the likes of Volvo 9400 XL (popularly referred as B9R) and Scania Metrolink coaches. Thanks to the high deck architecture, the bus has a luggage space of 14 cubic metres. The SHD 2436 is claimed to be the longest intercity coach in India.
The first set of Mercedes-Benz SHD 2436 buses were delivered to KPN Travels in Chennai.
Mr. Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, Mr. Markus Villinger, Managing Director, Daimler Buses India handed over the keys to Mr. KPN Raajesh, Owner of KPN Travels, at the plant. KPN is one of the largest private intercity bus operators in South India with a fleet of over 330 buses.
The new Mercedes-Benz multi-axle bus is equipped with a steerable tag axle which results in low turning radius. The bus is also fitted with advanced braking system and strategically placed fuel tank for advanced safety. Engine specifications have not been shared but going by the designation (2436), we believe that the vehicle produces 360 hp.
Through its 80 BharatBenz dealerships across the country, DICV is offering 24×7 technical assistance and attractive finance options for the Mercedes-Benz multi-axle bus. The company recently launched BharatBenz front engined buses.