Mercedes Benz launches low entry Pune buses

After carrying out successful trials in seven cities, leading automobile company Mercedes Benz India launched its low entry city buses for the first time in the country at its Chakan plant in Pune on Friday.

Mercedes Benz India also inaugurated its bus manufacturing facility at Chakan near Pune on Tuesday. Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler buses, managing director and CEO of Mercedes Benz India Peter Honegg and Srinivas Chilukuri, general manager, buses (sales and marketing) of Mercedes Benz India, were present. The company has also appointed Markus Villinger as new head of Daimler Buses India, from 1 April 2012.

Hartmut Schick said, “Indian market is the second largest bus market in the world with 46,000 units sold in 2011. Due to the growing population, there is increasing need for transport and hence, there is huge
potential in India.’’

After entering the long distance inter-city bus segment with introduction of 2-axle and 3-axle coaches, Mercedes Benz carried out trials of its city buses in seven cities, including Pune, and finally, the company announced its entry in the city bus segment. Schick said, “We will participate in the Indian market by expanding our bus business with a superior quality low entry
city buses.’’

Srinivas Chilukuri said, “The initial investment for the plant is of Rs50 crore and its capacity is 900 buses per year. We are targeting state transport undertakings. We are having discussions with some authorities but we have not yet received
any order.’’