Eight models of ‘Bharat Benz' high-performance trucks, manufactured by Daimler AG's Indian subsidiary, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd (DICV), were globally unveiled at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Madhapur here on Friday.
The light and heavy duty trucks, between 9 tonne and 49 tonnes, are the first ones to be wheeled out of the company's world-class production plant spread over 400 acres at Oragadam, near Chennai. Three models would be launched on April 18 and 17 models would be wheeled out in the next 20 months, said Marc Llistosella, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, DICV.
“From the engine, the parts have been customised to suit Indian conditions and market requirement. It took us three to four years to build these with 80-95 per cent localisation for low cost. We have been here for the last six-and-half years without any returns till date and now our products are ready”, he said.
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DICV has invested Rs.4, 400 crore in the plant which also has an exclusive test track where vehicles were checked for the last three years.
“We have redeveloped and readjusted lot of things to tackle rugged terrain, poor roads, overloading and water logging,” said Aydogan Cakmaz, Vice-President, Product Engineering, who travelled from Chennai to Hyderabad in one of the new trucks. The trucks have superior suspensions, chassis, 40 per cent better braking system and improved comfort for the driver so that he would be fresh after driving for 500-1000 km.
About 220 variants can be custom-built as per specifications, including an AC cabin option. “Our trucks are priced competitively, fuel- efficient, have long lifespan for parts and longer service intervals. Starting with producing 36,000 units a year, DICV can scale upto 70,000 units and can also be scaled up further”, said V. R.V. Sriprasad, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, After Sales.
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About 2,000 potential customers are to be flown in here to showcase the trucks till March 7.