Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany/Chennai, India – Daimler India Commercial Vehicles ("DICV"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG ("Daimler Truck"), introduces a new heavy-duty bus chassis to the BharatBenz brand portfolio for the Indian market. The BB1924 is designed specifically for India’s rapidly expanding intercity passenger transport segment. The new chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 19.5 tons for up to 51 passengers addresses the needs of India’s intercity bus operators regarding a high payload capacity, low operating costs and enhanced passenger comfort.

Extensive field trials with leading bus operators across routes like Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Jaipur or Chennai-Bangalore have demonstrated a significant reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to existing options in the brand’s portfolio. The brand's existing bus portfolio includes an intercity bus with a gross vehicle weight of 18.5 tons, two medium-duty buses, and minibuses for transporting schoolchildren or employees. The brand's bus portfolio includes an intercity bus with a gross vehicle weight of 18.5 tons, two medium-duty buses, and compact buses for transporting schoolchildren or employees.

The comprehensive BharatBenz support ecosystem is key for operators’ success. Every BB1924 comes with 6-year (or 600,000 kilometers) powertrain warranty complemented by 24/7 roadside assistance across the country. DICV guarantees 95% parts availability within 24/48 hours through its robust localized supply chain, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.

Safety remains a defining pillar of the BharatBenz engineering philosophy. Equipped with advanced systems such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic vehicle stability control and a CAN-based, ECU-controlled electromagnetic retarder with 5-stage control mechanism, the BB1924 ensures enhanced vehicle control and shorter braking distances even under demanding road conditions. The high-tensile steel chassis provides superior structural integrity and crash protection, while factory-fitted Michelin radial tubeless tires offer improved traction and durability. In line with the brand’s holistic approach to safety, dedicated driver training programs and predictive maintenance solutions further strengthen the company’s commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient intercity transportation.

About BharatBenz

Specifically developed for the Indian market, the BharatBenz brand has been part of the Daimler Truck commercial vehicle family since 2012. The BharatBenz brand is part of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks division led by Achim Puchert.

BharatBenz offers a range of ultra-modern trucks and buses in all weight categories from 10 to 55 tonnes. All vehicles are produced locally, with components and parts sourced from Indian suppliers. The BharatBenz models are tailored specifically to the subcontinent's market and meet a wide range of requirements in the transport and construction sectors. BharatBenz trucks are produced at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles in Oragadam near Chennai, in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant that covers 400 acres (160 hectares). The premises include a highly modern test track and are home to the company’s headquarters, R&D, and training operations.

BharatBenz offers a network of 398 dealer touchpoints throughout India, supported by a comprehensive service infrastructure and attractive 15,000-hour annual maintenance contracts to enhance operational reliability. The uptime center hub integrates cutting-edge diagnostic technology with specialized technical expertise to deliver predictive maintenance solutions. By leveraging data analytics and real-time vehicle monitoring, the center enables fleet operators to maintain optimal vehicle performance while reducing unexpected service interruptions.