Premium brand automobile maker DaimlerChrysler is eyeing the domestic luxury bus segment. DaimlerChrysler India, which manufactures Mercedes cars in Pune, is seriously studying the opportunities for its bus business in the country.
As and when the bus hits the road, DaimlerChrysler will give its Swedish rival Volvo a run for its money. Volvo has been dominating the premium bus and truck segments in India unchallenged.
But unlike Volvo which manufactures its vehicles locally, importing only some key components, DaimlerChrysler will stick to the completely built units route for both its trucks and buses, confirmed Hans Michael Huber, chief executive officer of DaimlerChrysler India.
"It is an idea but we are still working on it. It will have to be luxury coaches and not the ordinary
DaimlerChrysler makes commercial vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star and Setra brands.
The German giant has already begun the homologation (obtaining local certification for vehicles to ensure compliance with domestic automotive norms) of its Actros range of trucks, which will mark its foray into the commercial vehicles segment in India. The homologation is expected to be completed by the monsoon season after which the company will chalk out a launch strategy.
The Actros range of trucks and tractor trailers is DaimlerChrysler's best-selling product globally, with sales of 2,60,000 units since its launch in 1996.
