Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has strengthened its presence in India’s commercial passenger transport sector with the introduction of two new products under the BharatBenz brand—the Torqshift 1926 AMT heavy-duty bus chassis and the BharatBenz 917 fully built bus. Unveiled at Prawaas 5.0, the new offerings target the rapidly growing intercity, staff transportation and school bus segments.
The launch comes as India’s bus industry continues to evolve, driven by increasing urbanisation, expanding employee transportation networks and growing demand for efficient intercity mobility. According to DICV, India currently operates around 24 buses per 100,000 people, significantly below the national target of 60 buses, indicating substantial growth potential for the sector.
The highlight of the launch is the BharatBenz Torqshift 1926, the company’s new heavy-duty bus chassis equipped with a globally proven Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Designed for intercity operations of up to 500 km, the chassis combines a 260 hp Mercedes-Benz-derived engine with Torqshift AMT technology to reduce driver fatigue, improve fuel efficiency and lower lifecycle operating costs.
The chassis also incorporates a suite of driver assistance and safety technologies, including Intelligent Eco Roll, multiple drive modes, Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with temperature monitoring, five-stage electromagnetic retarder, indigenous glide air suspension and unitised hub bearings aimed at improving uptime and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the unveiling, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said fleet operators are under increasing pressure to improve productivity while managing operating costs. He noted that the Torqshift 1926 has been developed to reduce driver fatigue, minimise downtime and improve overall fleet profitability.
Alongside the heavy-duty chassis, BharatBenz also introduced the 917 fully built bus, an 8-metre platform developed for school transportation, employee mobility and institutional operations. The compact bus has been designed to improve manoeuvrability in urban environments while delivering high levels of safety and passenger comfort.
Safety features include ABS, Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC), seat belts for every passenger, a large emergency exit door and an integrated fire detection and protection system. Passenger comfort is enhanced through ergonomic seating, air conditioning, anti-skid flooring, under-seat storage and a retractable lower footstep for easier boarding. An optional PM2.5 HEPA air filtration system is also available.
Commenting on the launch of the BharatBenz 917, Ponnusamy said the vehicle has been developed to address the growing demand for compact buses capable of operating safely on narrow roads while meeting the evolving requirements of schools and institutional transport operators.
Both new products will be supported through BharatBenz’s nationwide network of more than 420 sales and service outlets. DICV has also partnered with over 20 banks and NBFCs to offer financing solutions, with interest rates starting from 7.5%, aimed at making fleet acquisition more accessible for operators.
With these launches, BharatBenz has further expanded its passenger mobility portfolio, reinforcing its focus on safety, driver productivity, operational efficiency and technology-led solutions for India’s growing commercial bus market.
