Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has strengthened its passenger mobility portfolio with the launch of the BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 AMT heavy-duty bus chassis for intercity transportation and the BharatBenz 917 fully built bus for the growing compact bus segment.
The company said the launches are aimed at addressing India’s rising demand for intercity, school and employee transportation as urbanisation and public mobility needs continue to expand.
Torqshift AMT targets fleet efficiency
The BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 AMT has been developed to improve fleet productivity while reducing driver fatigue and operating costs. Powered by a 260 hp German-engineered engine, the bus chassis features the globally proven torqshift automated manual transmission (AMT), which automatically selects the optimum gear according to driving conditions.
The technology eliminates continuous clutch and gear operation, making driving easier in congested traffic and hilly terrain while improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear and tear.
The chassis also incorporates intelligent features such as eco roll for fuel-efficient coasting, multiple drive modes, cruise control, hill start assist, clutch overload monitoring, indigenous glide air suspension, unitised hub bearings, tyre pressure and temperature monitoring, and a five-stage electromagnetic retarder to enhance safety and operational performance.
According to the company, the vehicle is particularly suited for intercity routes of up to 500 km, where its efficiency can potentially reduce the need for deploying two drivers.
Compact bus for urban mobility
DICV has also introduced the BharatBenz 917, an eight-metre fully built bus designed for school, staff and institutional transportation.
The company said medium-duty buses continue to account for nearly two-thirds of industry volumes as urbanisation, industrial corridors and IT hubs drive demand for reliable employee and school transport solutions.
Designed for narrow urban roads and semi-urban operations, the BharatBenz 917 combines compact dimensions with lower operating costs while offering high standards of passenger safety and comfort.
Safety at the forefront
Safety has been a key focus in the development of the BharatBenz 917. The bus comes equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic vehicle stability control (EVSC), seat belts for all passengers, one of the largest emergency exit doors in its segment and an integrated fire alarm and fire protection system. Customers can also opt for a PM2.5 HEPA air purification system for enhanced cabin air quality.
Comfort-focused design
Passenger comfort has also been prioritised with ergonomic seating, powerful air-conditioning, anti-skid flooring, under-seat storage and a retractable lower footstep that makes boarding and alighting easier.
The bus has been designed to offer a comfortable travel experience while ensuring ease of operation for fleet owners.
Helping fleet operators improve profitability
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, Head of Bus Business, Andamuthu Ponnusamy said fleet operators operate on tight margins and require vehicles that improve productivity while lowering lifecycle costs.
He said the BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 provides drivers with a more comfortable and consistent driving experience while helping fleet operators reduce downtime and improve profitability.
Referring to the BharatBenz 917, Ponnusamy said the vehicle has been developed to navigate roads where larger buses cannot operate, while maintaining high standards of safety and passenger comfort that are particularly important for school transportation.
Pan-India availability
Both new buses will be available through BharatBenz’s network of more than 420 authorised sales and service outlets across the country.
To support customers, the company has partnered with over 20 banks and non-banking finance companies, offering financing options with interest rates starting from 7.5% per annum, further strengthening its push into India’s expanding commercial passenger transportation market.