Chennai : Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, today announced the launch of the BharatBenz BB1924, an upgraded heavy-duty bus chassis engineered to meet the evolving demands of India’s rapidly expanding intercity passenger transport segment.
With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 19.5 tonnes, the BB1924 is designed to deliver higher payload capacity, lower operating costs, and enhanced passenger comfort—key priorities for intercity bus operators capitalising on India’s growing travel demand. With the Indian bus market valued at USD 51.09 billion and projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.36% through 2030, the new platform strengthens BharatBenz’s position in the premium intercity segment.
Commenting on the launch, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV, said: “The BB1924 represents a paradigm shift in how we approach intercity mobility. By integrating advanced safety features, industry-leading localisation, and a sharp focus on total cost of ownership, BharatBenz is setting new benchmarks for value and reliability in this segment. Extensive field trials with leading operators across routes such as Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur, and Chennai–Bengaluru have demonstrated a significant reduction in total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions.”
The BB1924 will be available through BharatBenz’s nationwide network of 398 authorised touchpoints, ensuring seamless access, service, and pan-India delivery support. To simplify vehicle acquisition, BharatBenz has partnered with 15+ leading banks and NBFCs, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bajaj Finserv, offering competitive financing options with interest rates starting at 8.5% per annum and flexible EMI tenures of up to five years.
BharatBenz’s commitment extends well beyond the point of sale through a robust after-sales and ownership support ecosystem. Every BB1924 is backed by a 6-year or 6-lakh-kilometre powertrain warranty, along with 24×7 roadside assistance across India. The company ensures 95% parts availability within 24 to 48 hours, enabled by a highly localised and resilient supply chain—minimising downtime and maximising operational efficiency.
Operators can further optimise fleet performance through IoT-enabled telematics with predictive maintenance capabilities, while driver and technician training programmes conducted in regional languages support consistent vehicle performance and safety. In addition, BharatBenz offers a comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for up to 6 years or 6 lakh kilometres, along with a dedicated customer support helpline, delivering a complete ownership experience focused on long-term profitability and peace of mind for operators.