Daimler to focus on intercity markets for buses

DaimlerChrysler India (DCIL) today said it will focus on intercity markets for the luxury buses it proposes to launch in the early part of 2008.

Wilfried Albur, managing director and chief executive officer, DCIL told media persons that the company is banking on the improving national roads and highway network coupled with the buoyancy in the Indian economy to sustain the  commercial vehicles to be launched.

In the second stage, DCIL would look at the intra-city market opportunity.

The company recently signed up Sutlej Motors for building bodies for the luxury buses, the chasis for which will be manufactured at its Pune-based facilities.

Albur did not disclose the number of buses DCIL intends to manufacture, saying is would be market driven. Only one model of the bus will be launched to start with, and the pricing - though not decided as yet - would compete with the Volvo models, he said.

DCIL has already launched its truck Actros and has sold over 150 units so far. Albur said the impetus given by the  government has meant a busier mining and construction sector to which the Actros is primarily directed.