Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has launched the BharatBenz BB1924, a heavy-duty bus designed for India’s fast-growing intercity travel segment. With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 19,500 kg, the new chassis aims to meet rising demand for higher passenger capacity, lower operating costs, and better travel comfort.
India’s bus market, valued at USD 51.09 billion, is growing at a 5.36% CAGR through 2030. With the BB1924, BharatBenz is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the premium intercity category.
A New Standard for Intercity Mobility
Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV, said:
“The BB1924 represents a paradigm shift in intercity mobility. With advanced safety features, high localization, and reduced total cost of ownership, BharatBenz sets a new benchmark for value and reliability.”
He added that extensive trials on major routes—Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur, and Chennai–Bangalore—showed a clear reduction in operator costs compared to existing solutions.
Extensive Support Ecosystem for Operators
The BB1924 will be available through 398 BharatBenz authorized touchpoints across India. To support easy acquisition, the company has partnered with 15+ banks and NBFCs including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bajaj Finserv. Financing options start at 8.5% interest, with flexible EMIs up to five years.
Key support features include:
- 6-year / 6 lakh km powertrain warranty
- 24×7 nationwide roadside assistance
- 95% parts availability within 24–48 hours
- IoT-based telematics for predictive maintenance
- Training for drivers and technicians in regional languages
- 6-year / 6 lakh km AMC option
This comprehensive after-sales network is designed to reduce downtime and maximize profitability for fleet owners.
Safety at the Core
Safety remains central to BharatBenz’s engineering philosophy. The BB1924 comes equipped with:
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC)
- CAN-based electromagnetic retarder with 5-stage control
- Front and rear pneumatic suspension with anti-roll bars
- Cruise control & brake hold assist
- High-tensile steel chassis for improved crash protection
- Factory-fitted Michelin tubeless radial tires
These systems provide better vehicle stability, shorter braking distances, and enhanced durability—crucial for India’s intercity road conditions.
Product Highlights
The BB1924 offers:
- Passenger capacity of up to 51+1+1 seats
- A 92% localized supply chain for cost competitiveness
- A 380-litre fuel tank enabling a range of 1,300+ km
- Longer service intervals: first at 60,000 km, then every 1,20,000 km
- Designed life cycle of 10–15 years
Technical Specifications Snapshot
Engine:
- BS-VI OBD-II OM926, 6-cylinder diesel
- 241 hp, 850 Nm torque
- Turbocharger + intercooler
- 6-speed synchromesh gearbox
Chassis:
- High-tensile steel frame (255 x 73.3 x 7 mm)
- Wheelbase: 6,850 mm
Comfort & Safety:
- Pneumatic suspension
- ABS + EBD
- 5-stage retarder
- Cruise control
- TFT warning display
Driving the Next Era of India’s Intercity Travel
With the BB1924, BharatBenz reinforces its commitment to building reliable, efficient, and safer intercity mobility solutions. The new heavy-duty bus is positioned to deliver improved profitability for operators and enhanced travel comfort for passengers, supporting India’s shift towards modern, long-haul transportation.
