Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) is all set to launch an Indianised range of small trucks by 2012 from its upcoming plant in Chennai. The range would most probably be launched under a new international brand.
Mercedes-Benz India managing director and CEO, Wilfried Aulbur, said this after the launch of the Actros 4841K range of new trucks being manufactured at the company facility at Chakan, near here. The company has already received an order of 100 trucks from Saumya Mining and this would increase to up to 250 trucks over the next three years.
Speaking to reporters, Aulbur stated, “The commercial vehicles market in India is growing at a good speed. Despite an economic slowdown, we expect to sell around 240 Actros trucks this year and hence maintain last year’s sales figures.”
The new range would be available at a price tag of Rs 65 lakh and above in India.
The German company’s other Indian arm, DICV, would continue with its business plans in Chennai, despite its joint venture partner, Hero Motors, withdrawing from the project.
“The Chennai unit would enter the mass market product range in the truck segment as per schedule. As of now, there are no plans to bring in existing international truck brands to Indian market. The products planned from Chennai would be highly Indianised, with heavy localisation share,” Aulbur added.
