Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has launched the upgraded BharatBenz BB1924 heavy-duty bus, designed specifically for India’s fast-growing intercity passenger transport segment. With a gross vehicle weight of 19,500 kg, the new chassis is aimed at operators seeking higher payload capacity, lower operating costs and improved passenger comfort to tap into rising intercity travel demand. With India’s bus market valued at $ 51.09 billion and projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.36% through 2030, the BB1924 is expected to help BharatBenz strengthen its presence in the premium intercity bus space.
Mr. Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business at DICV, said the BB1924 signals a fundamental shift in how intercity mobility is being approached. He noted that the combination of advanced safety features, high localisation and a strong focus on total cost of ownership sets a new benchmark for value and reliability. He added that extensive field trials conducted on key routes such as Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur and Chennai–Bengaluru have demonstrated a significant reduction in total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions.
The BB1924 will be available across BharatBenz’s nationwide network of 398 authorised touchpoints, ensuring wide service reach and delivery support. To ease vehicle acquisition, the company has partnered with over 15 leading banks and NBFCs including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finserv, offering financing at interest rates starting from 8.5 percent with repayment tenures of up to five years. After-sales support forms a key pillar of the offering, with every BB1924 backed by a six-year or six-lakh-kilometre powertrain warranty and 24×7 roadside assistance. The company claims 95 percent parts availability within 24 to 48 hours through its localised supply chain to minimise downtime. Operators also benefit from IoT-based predictive maintenance, regional-language training programmes for drivers and technicians, optional maintenance packs for up to six years or six lakh kilometres, and a dedicated customer support helpline.
Safety continues to be a core focus for BharatBenz. The BB1924 is equipped with ABS, Electronic Vehicle Stability Control and a CAN-based, ECU-controlled five-stage electromagnetic retarder to ensure better vehicle control and shorter braking distances under demanding conditions. The high-tensile steel chassis enhances structural integrity and crash protection, while factory-fitted Michelin radial tubeless tyres improve grip and durability. Driver training and predictive maintenance further strengthen the company’s safety-first approach to intercity operations.
On the technical front, the BB1924 features a BS-VI OBD-II compliant OM926 six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler, producing 241 hp and 850 Nm of flat torque across a wide RPM range. Power is transmitted through a six-speed synchromesh gearbox tuned for highway efficiency. The bus rides on front and rear pneumatic suspension with anti-roll bars and offers features such as cruise control, brake hold assist and driver warnings through a TFT display. With a wheelbase of 6,850 mm, a 380-litre fuel tank offering a range of over 1,300 km, and service intervals extending up to 1,20,000 km after the first service, the BB1924 is engineered for a service life of 10 to 15 years. It is capable of supporting up to 51+1+1 seating and heavy luggage loads, maximising revenue potential for intercity operators while keeping ownership and operating costs in check.