Daimler premieres BharatBenz 3143 concept and Fuso FJ 2528R in Hanover

Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Daimler AG, has showcased BharatBenz 3143 concept and Fuso FJ 2528R Left-Hand Drive (LHD) trucks at the 65th IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) Show in Hanover, Germany. These products were developed and designed in India to cater to the needs of the domestic and international markets respectively.

Speaking at the event, 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.”

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. This concept truck 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 made-in-India truck which churns out 430PS of power, and is optimally engineered to meet the most demanding operating conditions at the mining sites. This concept truck 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 in Hanover is the new Fuso FJ 2528R LHD variant which is specifically developed 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.

Daimler AG also showcased the new Fuso FJ truck at the 65th IAA. This truck 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 4,500mm, a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 25 tonnes and engine power of 280PS. 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, and was commercially launched in Indonesia at the 22nd Indonesia Motor Show a few days ago.