Although a late entrant into the Indian bus market, Daimler’s BharatBenz has grown into one of the most sought-after brands of buses in recent times. As an extension to its product portfolio consisting of fully-built buses, the company has stepped up its onslaught by offering bus chassis in the domestic market.
At Prawaas 2019, Daimler Buses India took the opportunity to promote its 9T (9.8 m) and 16T (12 m) bus chassis products. Commenting on the company’s presence at the show, Mr. Thomas Fricke, Managing Director, said: “This is our second participation at Prawaas – a platform that acts as a knowledge exchange, between the industry and the community of bus operators, to push the industry forward across the entire value chain including suppliers, governments, and fleet operators.”
The 9T bus chassis is powered by 4D34i engine generating 170 hp power and 520 Nm of torque, which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It features parabolic suspension for both the axles. The 1623 chassis, on the other hand, is offered with fully-integrated air suspension, along with internationally-renowned 6.4-litre OM906 diesel engine that delivers an output of 235 hp power and 850 Nm torque. It is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Interestingly, three new bus models built on the BharatBenz 1623 chassis, presented by three different independent coach builders, made their debut at the show. Overwhelmed by the market pull for its chassis, Mr. Fricke said: “This shows how well our chassis is received and appreciated in the market. Each body builder has exhibited their own landmarks in these products, catering to a range of categories including a luxury sleeper, luxury semi-sleeper and economical seater”, while also acknowledging on the flexibility of the chassis in meeting a wide array of customer requirements.
When asked about the positioning of the BharatBenz bus chassis in the local market, the Managing Director observed: “Premium doesn’t mean you pay more to get the same thing; premium means you pay more to get something more than the rest. In our case, unmatched fuel economy and ride comfort makes our chassis cater to the premium segment of the market.”