DICV launches new BharatBenz trucks for India’s infra and mining boom
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), exports 30% of Oragadam plant output, eyes global rollout for new BharatBenz HX, TorqShift trucks.
Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO of DICV, stands with the newly launched BharatBenz HX model (left) and TorqShift model (right) at the Oragadam plant near Chennai
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has launched an all-new range of BharatBenz trucks tailored for India's fast-expanding construction and mining sectors. The new models, which comprise the HX and TorqShift series, were unveiled at DICV’s manufacturing plant in Oragadam, near Chennai.
The launch comes as India’s mining and construction equipment market is projected to grow from USD 16 billion to USD 45 billion by 2030, creating demand for high-performance, durable, and efficient vehicles.
The new BharatBenz range includes:
Heavy-Duty Construction Vehicles (HX Series): 2828C HX and 3532C HX models are engineered for extreme durability, class-leading productivity, unmatched fuel efficiency, and best-in-class drivability. They are offered in two powerful configurations—280 hp with 1100 Nm torque and 320 hp with 1250 Nm torque. The trucks come equipped with Hill Hold Assist, unitised front axle bearings, wind deflector, and advanced driver state monitoring systems to ensure long-lasting performance under demanding conditions.
Specialised Mining Applications (TorqShift Series): 2832CM and 3532CM variants offer globally proven Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) technology that delivers zero lag performance, unmatched comfort, faster turnaround time (TAT), and enhanced fuel efficiency, especially suited for demanding mining operations.
Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) Variant Based on HX Platform: The 2828C RMC, adapted from the HX series, comes with a 9-cubic-meter capacity drum and features the powerful OM 926 BSVI OBD-II engine generating 280 hp and 1100 Nm torque. It is designed specifically for concrete transport across challenging terrain, extending the versatility of the HX platform to specialised construction applications.
The trucks have undergone more than six months of real-world validation at over 150 customer sites across India, where they were tested for uptime, operational efficiency, and profitability.
“India’s construction and mining sector continues to be one of our strongest business pillars, powering the next phase of national development. We’re seeing a decisive shift as large contractors invest in owned assets for better control and long-term returns. Many fleets are 8–10 years old and reaching the end-of-life, creating a major replacement cycle. Our extensive customer trials with 150+ trucks have validated the real-world performance and profitability impact these vehicles deliver,” said Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO, DICV.
From left to right: Rajiv Chaturvedi, President & Chief Business Officer – Domestic Sales & Customer Service; Satyakam Arya, Managing Director & CEO, DICV; and Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, President of Product Engineering & Chief Technology Officer, DICV — during the launch of the new BharatBenz HX truck at the Oragadam plant.
Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, President of Product Engineering & Chief Technology Officer, DICV, emphasised the design focus: “We designed the HX by listening to customers. Priority for vehicles with higher payload capacities, faster TAT and fleet managers demanding lower maintenance costs. Every component re-design addresses real customer challenges. We've prioritised driver safety with full EU ECE R29-03 cabin compliance and best-in-class safety features.”
The vehicles also come with:
- Gradeability of up to 60% (2828C HX) and 54% (3532C HX)
- Inter-Axle & Inter-Wheel Differential Lock (IRT 440-11)
- Driver State Monitoring Systems
- Bolster Bogie Suspension with Shock Absorbers
- Unitised Front Axle Bearings for reduced maintenance
- G131/G131HD 9F+1R transmissions
According to Rajiv Chaturvedi, President & Chief Business Officer – Domestic Sales & Customer Service, the market is evolving quickly. “Fleet operators increasingly demand maximum uptime and swift maintenance solutions. The HX range helps operators minimise project delays and optimise operations. We're seeing strong demand for factory-fitted features—GPS, hill start assist and driver comfort amenities. Also, safety innovations like reverse cameras and driver state monitoring are becoming customer priorities,” he said.
DICV has also reinforced its after-sales capabilities, offering 15,000-hour annual maintenance contracts and advanced uptime solutions via real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance. The trucks will be available across DICV’s 385 BharatBenz dealership touchpoints across India.
Though these new trucks are currently launched for the Indian market, DICV is evaluating overseas opportunities. “30% of what we produce at Oragadam is exported,” Arya confirmed, indicating the company’s continued expansion beyond domestic borders.
The Oragadam plant, which spans 400 acres (160 hectares), is DICV’s integrated hub for manufacturing, R&D, and training operations. It produces BharatBenz trucks ranging from 10 to 55 tonnes, BharatBenz buses, Mercedes-Benz coaches, and bus chassis for the Indian market.
Additionally, the facility manufactures Daimler Truck AG’s global brands including FUSO, Mercedes-Benz, and Freightliner, adhering to a single global quality standard. Products and components from the Oragadam plant are exported to more than 60 international markets across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, positioning it as a key manufacturing and export base in Daimler Truck’s global supply chain. Representing an investment of over INR 9,560 crores, the facility also features a highly modern test track and serves as the headquarters for DICV’s India operations.
The launch event included a live demonstration and test drive of the new trucks, offering media and stakeholders a first-hand experience of the vehicles' performance. With the new HX and TorqShift models, DICV aims to strengthen its footprint in India's infrastructure development while positioning BharatBenz as a trusted partner in long-term fleet investment and operational reliability.
