Daimler, who is the top most seller of trucks in the world, is on the upbeat mood to launch a new model for the Indian market. The truck in the 6-49 tonne category will mark the launch in commercial segment in another two years. The launch will involve an investment of Rs4400 crore with the commissioning of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles. There will be a new facility near Chennai which will have the capacity of 3000 units. The dealerships too will be increased to 20 during the period of 2012. The company’s VP for Marketing and Sales said that the product will be unique and will be from the sole proprietary of the Indian subsidiary. Daimler’s global deal in trucks include Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Detroit Diesel, Fuso and Western Star. For India, he said, there will be 25 tonne truck to start with during the Q2 of 2012 and in the following 18 months there will be trucks under 6-49 tonne category. All the vehicles are to be delivered from Daimler’s platforms containing Mitsubishi Fuso and Mercedes. In Mitsubishi, Daimler has got 85% stake on Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.
To be more specific, 25 tonne truck will be from Benz platform and the rest will be from Mitsubishi platform, with the prototype versions will begin in 2012, he added. There will be 80% localization for these products for making the vehicle price competitive and fitting the Indian standards. The current manpower strength of 600 will be increased to 3000 by 2012 and dealership will suitably be increased to20 in another 4 years, he specified. There will be 6 more dealers in 2011 as a mark of pilot scheme to widen the presence. The company has identified 73 prime locations which will feed 85% of business in India and Daimler is devising to make its presence more penetrating. By 2014 Daimler would have reached these 73 prime locations and there will be 25 service point across the country. For this the first dealer is to spring from Chennai, for which the inking will be made soon, he admitted.