BharatBenz launches new generation medium duty trucks

Key features include multi drive mode, payload advantage, improved fuel efficiency, higher service intervals, radial tyres and enhanced feature-loaded driving comfort

 Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd (DICV), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, recently launched its new generation of BharatBenz medium duty trucks dubbed MD IN-POWER. Featuring four new generation medium duty BharatBenz models (914R, 1214R, 1214RE and 1217C), the new trucks are launched each in a base and a premium variant and are commercially available at BharatBenz dealerships across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles said, “Only three years after having introduced our first BharatBenz product line of medium-duty trucks, we are again raising standards in the segment with our new generation MD IN-POWER. As demand for medium-duty trucks is expected to surge nationwide in India, we are in an excellent position to participate in the MDT segment’s growth with the superior value our MD IN-POWER trucks offer to customers.”

The new MD IN-POWER range underlines the BharatBenz brand’s strong focus on customer requirements and its emphasis on R&D and innovation to further boost its hallmark value-for-money proposition. The most prominent example – and an industry-first in India’s MDT segment – is the Multi Drive Mode (MDM) which allows drivers to optimise engine settings either for urban traffic or highway trucking with the push of a button.

Furthermore, the MD-INPOWER range comes with an enhanced focus on payload advantage, improved fuel efficiency, higher service intervals, radial tyres and enhanced feature-loaded driving comfort. The radial tyres offer better traction, longer life and greater returns. Other new key features include better low-end torque, longer service intervals, and contemporary styling. Keeping its commitment to a clean environment, the new BharatBenz range of MDTs is available in BS-III, BS-IV and Euro-V ready.

Backed by the financial power and expertise of Daimler’s financial arm – Daimler Financial Services – customers can benefit from the captive financier under the name of ‘BharatBenz Financial’. BharatBenz Insurance offers cashless facility, including zero depreciation and a host of other value-additions for commercial vehicles. This integrated approach offers customers the combined benefit of products and financial services under one roof, making ownership a hassle-free experience.

BharatBenz has also tied up with several leading Indian financial institutions – currently including ICICI, HDFC, Karur Vyasa Bank, Canara Bank and others, who offer tailored financing solutions for BharatBenz customers. 

DICV currently produces and sells above 9 to 49 tonne trucks for the Indian volume market, under the brand name – BharatBenz.  Under the umbrella of Daimler Trucks Asia, DICV and MFTBC (Mitsubishi Trucks and Bus Corporation) are optimising research activities, product development and sourcing. The DICV built FUSO trucks from Oragadam are exported to markets in South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The state-of-the-art production plant at Oragadam, near Chennai, spreads over 400 acres (160 hectares). It includes a modern test track designed to simulate Indian conditions – making it one of its kind in Asia. DICV has made an initial investment of Rs. 4,400 crore and additional Rs. 425 crore for the bus plant facility.