[directinjection]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

Daimler unveils BharatBenz - The Times of India
According to the above mentioned TOI report (Not sure how correct it is...)
May be some components from TACO or other TMs associated companies?

This reminds me of Daimler Benz's proposal in early 1990s to get its proposed "world concept truck" license-manufactured by TML in an export oriented unit, for export to the international market. The trucks were to be built to Daimler's standards and were to bear Mercedes Benz logo and name. Some 10-12000 trucks were to be exported from India annually. TML was to be allowed to use the new engine & transmission on its own trucks also. This would have revived the technical collaboration between the two companies which had expired in 1969. TML was considered for this project along with Daimler's Brazilian subsidiary. Eventually, the project went to Brazil since the truck proposed had a much bigger engine (8-9 litre category) which Tata felt was too big (and less economical!) for India, Tata's primary market. And soon thereafter, TML tied up with Cummins. The Germans were'nt amused at all!

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Well, TML were right then.

If the 3 (and more) axle trucks, volvos (buses and trucks), MAN, and MBs are thriving nowadays, it is because of the GQ. And stringent action against overloading. Else, we would be still seeing Nissans and Canters carrying 15+ tonnes of loads.

[GTO]

Appears that BharatBenz trucks will be launched in India on the 4th of January, 2012 (on the eve of the Auto Expo).

[aparbansal]

Watch the live premier of BharatBenz Trucks on 2nd March from 1045 AM at Index: BharatBenz .com | bharatbenz.com

[D33-PAC]

Hopefully the ones being presented at the launch are much more pleasing to the eye. Even the Primas look better !

[zalaps]

First noticeble thing is amazing cabinbody component sharing acrros full range of LDT, HDT, Tippers & Tractors!

Headlight/Side indicator unit
Front wind sheild
Door Window
Signature grill
Wipers

Quite a few engine options as well. Whats are the detailed specs?

[zalaps]

Webcat is not started yet. Or I'm missing it :(

Foundout following from Forbes:
Daimler’s planning is spot on. 85 percent localisation is complete. It includes localisation in the engine and transmission department. Daimler is working with roughly 400-450 suppliers in India. “And 75 percent of these suppliers were not known to Daimler in 2008. This is a completely new landscape of suppliers,” said Listosella. Now what about the product? 17 products will be launched by mid 2014. The Heavy trucks are built on the Mercedes-Benz Axor platform while the medium and light duty truck is built on the Fuso canter platform. Prices will be announced closer to the launch in March 2012. Listosella claimed that pricing will be competitive. You should expect to pay a premium for German engineering.

Read more: Forbes India Magazine - BharatBenz: Finally Here

Fuso link: MITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK & BUS CORPORATION

Light Duty Trucks are current version of orginal & still pupulor Mitshubishi-Eicher Canters!!!

[jalsa777]

BharatBenz launches a range of high performance trucks for India

Brief:

• Market launch in 3rd Quarter of 2012 with 3 models.
• 17 models will be launched over 20 months.
• With an overall investment of Rs. 4,400 crore, it is one of the biggest greenfield investments outside Europe that Daimler has ever made.

Services:

• 70 dealerships in the first phase. More than 100 dealerships by 2014.
• Sales force consultants will be the main contact point for the customer over the whole life cycle of the truck.
• 24/7 service roadside assistance.
• Daimler Financial Services will provide finance, insurance and service contracts under the name of BharatBenz Financial.
• BharatBenz Insurance, India's first Branded Commercial Vehicle Insurance, offers cashless facility including zero depreciation and full maintenance contracts.
• BharatBenz also has tied up with three leading Indian banks – HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Sundaram Finance, who will offer tailored financing solutions for customers.

About the Trucks:
The range of trucks unveiled includes Light Duty Trucks (LDT) & Heavy Duty Trucks (HDT) in the 9, 12, 25, 31 and 49 tonnes category.

The Light Duty Trucks (LDT):

• Based on the Fuso Canter platform.
• Four-cylinder engine in two variants of 140 HP and 175 HP.
• Available as 9-tonne Rigid, as well as 12-tonne (Rigid or Construction).
• An industry first in the LDT segment, BharatBenz offers Anti-roll bars for added stability, as well as optional A/C.

The Heavy Duty Trucks (HDT)

• Based on the Mercedes-Benz Axor platform.
• Six-cylinder engine in two variants of 231 HP and 279 HP.
• Available as 25-tonne (Rigid or Construction), 31-tonne (Rigid or Construction) and 49-tonne tractor-trailer.
• Another industry first, the rigid truck offers intra-axle differential lock as a standard fitment and balancer type rear suspensions that gives more traction on loose ground. Also unique is the fact that engine driven applications (like Mixers) can directly be powered from the truck-engine, without having to add a separate engine for the application.

Other Points:

• The trucks have been re-developed and re-designed for Indian conditions like overloading, rugged terrain and poor roads.
• 85% localization.
• Tested for over 45 lakh kilometers on a specially designed test track.

[hanmust]

I've attended the launch. Here is the link to some photos I clicked.
Facebook

As well as I had a short drive of Bharat Benz. Couple of short videos:

Bharat Benz unvieled - short drive - Part 1.wmv - YouTube

Bharat Benz unvieled - short drive - Part 2.wmv - YouTube

[Carrera555]

Thanks for the update.

When are they going to start deliveries? Or has it already started selling?
Also, are there any small Tempos in their model range which can compete TATA 1109 / similar?

[D33-PAC]

Originally Posted by hanmust

I've attended the launch. Here is the link to some photos I clicked.
Facebook

As well as I had a short drive of Bharat Benz. Couple of short videos:

Hanmust, you being an auto journalist and all, I'm assuming you've driven other trucks.

What are your impressions about them? How is the power steering? How is the interior and quality of the cab over all? How was the feel of the engine?

Is there anything in India that can compare to these products? Please do share your experience, what you liked and disliked.

[hanmust]

Originally Posted by D33-PAC

Hanmust, you being an auto journalist and all, I'm assuming you've driven other trucks.

What are your impressions about them? How is the power steering? How is the interior and quality of the cab over all? How was the feel of the engine?

Is there anything in India that can compare to these products? Please do share your experience, what you liked and disliked.

Both the variants launched are based on Mercedes Axor & Fuso Canter as mentioned in Press Release. But it has intensively Indianised with more than 85% localisation, but in the quality and specification thoroughly certified by Daimler engineers.

Regarding the driving nature, it is much comfortable, easier, effort less, etc., steering is smooth, engine is powerful, clutch & gear change is smooth, cabin is roomy & has good ergonomics. Considering my test vehicle has done 2lakhs plus kms the build quality & durability is great.

But the interior material quality is not as high as I've seen in Benz Actros, Volvo FH12, Scania R380 and such premium European trucks. But its better than the normal high quality Indian trucks like the Mahindra Navistar, AMWs, Tatas, ALs, etc. which are the direct competitor of BharatBenz. More over as mentioned by CEO & MD of DICV, this new trucks are going to be as expensive as the normal trucks, but the productivity will be double hence making it more profitable for the operators. So the final judgement could be made after a long test.

[ajman28]

The trucks surely look impressive. Is there any indication on the prices as yet?

[Zed]

DICVs India specific branding was indicative of an aggressive price strategy supported by high local content during launch. With the `big two` Indian CV OEs benchmarked for price and performance (a benchmark that DICV will surely improve) its clear that DICV is looking at big numbers - numbers that seem to have eluded the rest of the challengers to TML & AL.

Thank you Hanmust for this informative post.

If the Marketing folks can convince potential customers about better value and longer life of these trucks & their aggregates, an assumption based on Hanmusts post, a 10 - 15% price premium over TML \ AL may be an achievable target.

[hanmust]

Originally Posted by Zed

DICVs India specific branding was indicative of an aggressive price strategy supported by high local content during launch. With the `big two` Indian CV OEs benchmarked for price and performance (a benchmark that DICV will surely improve) its clear that DICV is looking at big numbers - numbers that seem to have eluded the rest of the challengers to TML & AL.

Thank you Hanmust for this informative post.

If the Marketing folks can convince potential customers about better value and longer life of these trucks & their aggregates, an assumption based on Hanmusts post, a 10 - 15% price premium over TML \ AL may be an achievable target.

My Pleasure!

DICV is bringing around 2000 truck operators around the country in a week to show case their new trucks. Four of my friends from Kerala who are fleet owners have attended the function yesterday and when they asked about the price the management just said that the price difference will not be two digit percentage hike, i.e., it'll be less than 10%.