Daimler India Commercial Vehicles: Know All About Daimler India Commercial Vehicles

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) is the wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. Established in July 2008, DICV combines global expertise with local know-how to serve India’s diverse transport needs. Headquartered near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the company designs, engineers and produces a wide range of trucks and buses under the BharatBenz and FUSO brands. With a clear mission to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions, DICV has rapidly become a prominent player in India’s commercial vehicle landscape, backed by the technological strength of its German parent and a deep understanding of the local market.

The journey of DICV began with a significant investment of over €640 million to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Oragadam, just outside Chennai. This plant commissioned in 2012 was designed to handle the full spectrum of heavy and medium-duty vehicles, as well as commercial buses. From day one, DICV set out to localize production: more than 80% of components are sourced within India, helping to boost the domestic supply chain and reduce costs. The company’s emphasis on “Made-in-India” engineering has enabled it to tailor its products precisely to Indian road conditions and customer expectations, ensuring both durability and performance.

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’s product portfolio spans a diverse range of offerings to meet various transport requirements. Under the BharatBenz badge, it manufactures heavy-duty trucks ranging from 19 to 49 tonnes gross vehicle weight, and medium-duty trucks from 9 to 18 tonnes. For lighter applications, the FUSO Canter is a popular choice, blending compact design with robust performance. In addition, DICV produces specialized bus and coach chassis for urban transport and intercity coaches. Each vehicle comes equipped with modern engines and drivetrains that comply with the latest emission norms, and safety features such as Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and reinforced cabs to protect drivers under challenging conditions.

At the heart of DICV’s operations is its Oragadam manufacturing plant, which spans 400 acres and boasts an annual production capacity of over 36,000 units. The facility employs a modular assembly approach, allowing for flexible production lines that can be adjusted quickly to changing demand. A cutting-edge paint shop, robotic welding stations and rigorous quality control checkpoints ensure each vehicle meets stringent global standards. This high level of automation, paired with skilled local labor, enables DICV to balance efficiency and customization producing trucks that are both affordable and reliable for Indian fleets.

To support its customers, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has built an extensive sales and service network that covers every major region of India. More than 250 BharatBenz and FUSO dealerships, along with 400+ service outlets, offer sales, maintenance, and genuine spare parts. The company places a high priority on uptime, offering roadside assistance and uptime guarantee packages to minimize fleet downtime. Specialized training centers for drivers and technicians further enhance customer satisfaction by improving vehicle handling, fuel efficiency and maintenance practices. Through proactive customer engagement, DICV has developed lasting relationships with logistics firms, construction companies and bus operators nationwide.

Innovation is another cornerstone of DICV’s strategy. The company’s Technology and Engineering Center in Bengaluru brings together Indian and international experts to develop advanced powertrains, lightweight materials, and telematics solutions. Fuel efficiency is optimized through engine calibration, aerodynamic design, and advanced transmission systems. On the digital front, DICV’s fleet management platform offers real-time tracking, predictive maintenance alerts and performance analytics helping fleet owners make data-driven decisions. By leveraging India’s growing tech talent pool, DICV accelerates its development cycle and ensures its products remain at the cutting edge of commercial vehicle technology.

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is committed to sustainability and future mobility. All vehicles comply with the latest Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) emission norms, contributing to cleaner air and reduced environmental impact. The company is actively exploring alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and biofuel blends, as well as electric and hybrid drivetrains for urban delivery applications. Investments in green manufacturing processes aim to reduce CO₂ emissions at its plant and across its supply chain. With India’s transport sector poised for rapid growth, DICV’s blend of global technology, local expertise and a forward-looking vision positions it well to lead the country’s shift toward smarter, more sustainable commercial mobility.