Mercedes-Benz launches City bus in India
Mercedes-Benz has launched its low-entry City bus in the Indian market. Along with the launch of this bus, Mercedes unveiled its bus body building unit within its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. Markus Villinger has been appointed the new head of Daimler Buses India.
The City bus has an OM 926 diesel engine which produces 255PS of power and uses Mercedes' BlueTec technology. Mercedes claims that with its aerodynamics, powerful and efficient engine as also the optimum weight factor, the City bus will have the highest fuel efficiency in its class. The bus also boasts of having an air suspension which lends it good stability and ride comfort. In terms of interior comfort, the bus has multiple charging points, destination board, high cushioning and a powerful air conditioner. The unique low entry design coupled with wheel chair ramp of the City bus ensures that passengers with restricted mobility can get onboard without difficulty.
As far as safety goes, the Mercedes bus is the first bus to be certified with bus body code certification in India. Mercedes have priced the base version of the City bus at Rs 90 lakh, ex-factory Pune.
Speaking on the occasion, Markus Villinger, head of Daimler Buses India commented, "India is a fascinating market and there is a rising demand for robust, reliable and efficient city bus transportation. Our City bus is designed to fulfill these requirements. The respect for brand Mercedes-Benz in India is legendary, and we shall try to deliver as far the expectation of our discerning customers and their passengers in India. Our production line at the Pune plant combined with body-building from our captive partner MCV, will ensure our uncompromising standards of quality are maintained in India.