Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has announced the launch of the BharatBenz BB1924, an upgraded 19.5-ton heavy-duty bus engineered for India’s fast-growing intercity passenger transportation sector. With India’s bus market valued at USD 51.09 billion and poised to grow at 5.36% CAGR through 2030, the BB1924 is positioned to meet operators’ increasing demands for higher payloads, lower operating costs, and enhanced ride comfort.
Highlighting the significance of the launch, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV, said:“The BB1924 marks a pivotal evolution in intercity mobility. With advanced safety systems, industry-leading localization, and a sharp focus on total cost of ownership, BharatBenz sets a new benchmark for reliability and value. Extensive field trials on key routes such as Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur, and Chennai–Bengaluru have demonstrated substantial TCO benefits over current market alternatives.”
Comprehensive Ecosystem for Operator Success
The BB1924 will be available through BharatBenz’s extensive network of 398 authorized touchpoints, offering seamless nationwide accessibility. Supporting operator financing needs, BharatBenz has partnered with 15+ leading banks and NBFCs including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bajaj Finserv to offer competitive interest rates starting at 8.5% and flexible EMIs up to five years.
Each BB1924 is covered by a 6-year / 6 lakh km powertrain warranty, 24×7 roadside assistance, and guaranteed 95% spare parts availability within 24–48 hours. Additional operator benefits include IoT-based predictive maintenance, regional-language driver and technician training programs, and optional long-term AMC packages.
Relentless Focus on Passenger Safety
Safety remains central to BharatBenz’s engineering ethos. The BB1924 incorporates:
ABS with EBD
Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC)
CAN-based 5-stage electromagnetic retarder for shorter braking distances and 40% reduced brake wear
High-tensile steel chassis for enhanced structural safety
Factory-fitted Michelin radial tubeless tyres ensuring superior traction and durability
Holistic safety support is further enhanced through real-time vehicle monitoring and robust driver training initiatives.
Product Overview and Key Technical Features
The BB1924’s 19,500 kg GVW supports up to 51+1+1 seating capacity, offering higher revenue potential per trip. With 92% localization, the chassis ensures superior cost efficiency and easy parts availability.
Powertrain
BS-VI OBD-II OM926 6-cylinder diesel engine
241 hp, 850 Nm flat torque6-speed synchromesh gearbox
6-year / 6 lakh km powertrain warranty
Safety & Comfort
Front & rear pneumatic suspension with anti-roll bars
Electronic Stability Control, Cruise control, Brake hold assist
TFT display with driver alerts
Chassis & Build
High-tensile steel frame (255 x 73.3 x 7 mm)
6,850 mm wheelbase
Factory-fitted Michelin 295/80 R22.5 tyres
Operational Efficiency
380L fuel tank supporting 1,300+ km range
Extended service intervals: First at 60,000 km, then every 120,000 km
Designed for 10–15 years of service life.
