Chennai: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has reinforced its focus on intercity transportation with the launch of the BB1924, an upgraded 19.5-tonne heavy-duty bus chassis developed specifically for India’s fast-growing intercity passenger mobility market.
With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 19,500 kg, the BB1924 is designed to meet operator requirements for higher payload capacity, improved efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort amid rising intercity travel demand.
The BB1924 targets the premium intercity segment, supporting operators seeking optimized total cost of ownership and dependable performance.
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With India’s bus market valued at USD 51.09 billion and projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.36% through 2030, the new chassis strengthens BharatBenz’s positioning in the evolving intercity mobility landscape.
Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV, said that the BB1924 reflects a shift in how intercity mobility is approached. He noted that the model combines advanced safety technologies, high levels of localization, and a strong focus on total cost of ownership.
According to the company, extensive field trials conducted across key routes such as Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur, and Chennai–Bangalore demonstrated a significant reduction in total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions.
BB1924 Backed by Comprehensive Support Ecosystem
The BB1924 will be offered through BharatBenz’s nationwide network of 398 authorized touchpoints, ensuring pan-India availability and service access.
To facilitate easier acquisition, BharatBenz has partnered with more than 15 leading banks and non-banking financial companies, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bajaj Finserv.
These partnerships provide competitive financing options with interest rates starting at 8.5% per annum and flexible repayment tenures of up to five years.
Beyond sales, the BB1924 is supported by a robust after-sales framework. The bus comes with a 6-year or 6 lakh kilometer powertrain warranty and 24×7 roadside assistance across the country.
BharatBenz has also committed to 95% parts availability within 24–48 hours through its localized supply chain. IoT-enabled telematics for predictive maintenance, along with driver and technician training programs delivered in regional languages, further enhance operational efficiency.
Additionally, the availability of maintenance packages (AMC) for up to 6 years or 6 lakh kilometers and a dedicated customer support helpline is aimed at ensuring a seamless ownership experience.
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BB1924 Designed with Strong Focus on Passenger Safety
Safety remains a core element of the BB1924 engineering philosophy. The chassis is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC), and a CAN-based, ECU-controlled electromagnetic retarder with a five-stage control mechanism.
These systems are designed to enhance vehicle stability and braking performance under varied operating conditions.
The bus features a high-tensile steel chassis for structural strength and crash protection, along with factory-fitted Michelin radial tubeless tyres that improve traction and durability.
BharatBenz has further strengthened safety through structured driver training programs and predictive maintenance solutions integrated into the BB1924 ecosystem.
BB1924 Product Overview and Technical Specifications
The BB1924 offers a GVW of 19,500 kg, enabling higher passenger capacity of up to 51+1+1 seats along with increased luggage load, supporting improved per-trip revenue for intercity operators.
Built on a 92% localized supply chain, the chassis delivers cost competitiveness and improved parts availability.
Key technical highlights include:
- Powertrain: The BB1924 is powered by a BS-VI OBD-II OM926, six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler, delivering 241 hp and 850 Nm of flat torque across a wide RPM range.
- The powertrain is paired with a six-speed synchromesh gearbox optimized for highway operations and is backed by a 6-year or 6 lakh kilometer warranty.
- Safety and Comfort: The bus features front and rear pneumatic suspension with anti-roll bars, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, cruise control, brake hold assist, and warning alerts displayed through a TFT interface.
- The five-stage electromagnetic retarder helps reduce brake wear by up to 40%.
- Chassis and Build: The BB1924 is constructed using a high-tensile steel frame measuring 255 x 73.3 x 7 mm, with a wheelbase of 6,850 mm.
- It comes factory-fitted with Michelin 295/80 R22.5 radial tubeless tyres.
- Operational Features: The chassis offers a fuel tank capacity of 380 litres, enabling a driving range of over 1,300 km.
- Service intervals are set at 60,000 km for the first service and subsequently at every 1,20,000 km. The BB1924 is engineered for a service life of 10 to 15 years.
