Daimler premieres Indian-made BharatBenz 3143 concept and Fuso trucks at IAA Show

Daimler AG has unveiled two world-class, highly competitive, made-in-India products at the 65^th IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) show in Hanover, Germany.

The new BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) and Fuso FJ 2528 R left-hand-drive trucks were showcased to the media, potential customers, business associates and the general public at the fair along with other key brands of Daimler like the Mercedes-Benz, Setra and Fuso.

The BharatBenz 3143, currently showcased as a concept vehicle, is slated for launch in the year 2015 and is specially designed keeping in mind the ultimate requirements of the Indian mining sector. The BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) will be made and sold in India, targeting the niche deep-mining segment. Daimler claims with high levels of localisation, the product will offer the Indian mining truck owners an unbeatable value proposition and higher return on investments. Developed on the existing HDT platform – the Mercedes-Benz Axor platform - the BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) is the first truck with higher horse-power (430 HP) made-in-India, optimally engineered to meet the most demanding operating conditions at the mining sites.

The BharatBenz 3143 (Concept) will first be available in heavy-duty mining variant with short wheel base that meets the mining regulations of India. The truck is capable of carrying heavy-loads up to 48 tonnes suitably crafted for Indian usage patterns. The truck comes with highly efficient equipment and operator controls that are aptly required for Indian operating conditions.

The other product showcased – the new FUSO FJ 2528R left-hand-drive variant – is specifically to cater to export markets of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV). First introduced in the May 2013, the new FUSO trucks manufactured at DICV’s plant in India are being exported, managed and distributed by the MFTBC network. The 2528R truck is highly efficient and homologated to meet the burgeoning needs of the customers in Asia and Africa. With the new LHD truck, Daimler Trucks Asia will gain access to wider markets like the Middle East, ASEAN and Latin America.

The new FUSO FJ showcased is a EURO 5 variant, developed specifically for Latin America and other leading markets. The truck comes with (6X2) rigid application with a wider wheelbase of 4500mm, a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 25 tonnes and engine power of 280 HP. With customised features and standard equipment the truck will offer better value for money for the customers. The new FUSO FJ is currently sold in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Brunei, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania was commercially launched in Indonesia at the 22^nd Indonesia Motor Show a few days ago.

Speaking at the event, Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the board responsible for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses said, “India is a strategic market for Daimler Trucks globally. Its long- term market potential is intact. Our new products and our investments in new dealerships are proof of our long-term commitment to India. We will continue to expand our product line-up.”

Sharing his views on the new products, Marc Llistosella, senior vice-president (Marketing, Sales and Aftersales), Trucks Asia & DICV, said, “It is highly imperative to have product suiting every requirement of every customer. We have established a solid base in India and Japan and we are witnessing the change that it has made for Daimler in Asia and African markets. The new product from BharatBenz, the 3143 (Concept) will reinforce our commitment to the Indian truck market and the new Fuso truck has been a great success in other markets since we rolled out. The company will continue to re-invent and address the markets innovatively.”

Adding to this, Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, DICV, said, “The Indian truck market is still witnessing the prolonged downturn. However, with our class-leading, highly reliable products, we have been gaining solid traction in the market. We are quite confident of strengthening our footprint further and penetrate deeper with the addition of these new products into the already available comprehensive product portfolio.”