BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 heavy duty bus chassis unveiled

Technology adoption is becoming a competitive differentiator, with automation and connected features increasingly influencing purchase decisions. The BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 Heavy duty bus chassis is designed to reduce driver fatigue and improve fuel efficiency on intercity routes, particularly for travel distances up to 500 km, thereby reducing the need for deploying two drivers. Offering first of its kind features in its segment for the first time in India, the globally proven Torqshift AMT system coupled with German engineered 260 Hp engine automatically selects the optimum gear based on driving conditions, removing the need for continuous clutch and gear operation — a meaningful change on congested urban roads and difficult terrain, where manual shifting adds to driver strain over long shifts. This ensures instant acceleration beyond expectation.  Increased focus on safety with intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system with real-time temperature monitoring and globally proven 5 stage electromagnetic retarder.

Key best in class features:

? Intelligent eco roll for smarter coasting and reduced fuel consumption

? Multiple drive modes. One touch. Total control

? Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – With Temperature monitoring

? Indigenous glide air suspension

? Cruise control

? Hill Start Assist

? Clutch overload monitoring

? No maintenance Unitised hub bearing

Speaking during the unveil, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles noted, "Fleet operators run on tight margins, and every hour a bus is off the road costs money. The BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 gives drivers an easier, more consistent ride while cutting downtime and lifecycle costs —this kind of improvement shows up directly for fleet operators margins."

Growing demand for compact buses

Medium-duty buses continue to dominate the market, contributing nearly two-thirds of industry volumes, driven by school, staff and institutional transportation requirements. Urbanization and industrial expansion are sustaining demand for dedicated employee and school transport, particularly around manufacturing hubs, SEZs and IT corridors. Safety has become a key procurement criterion, with institutions placing greater emphasis on regulatory compliance and occupant protection. Medium-duty buses offer an optimal balance of capacity, maneuverability and operating costs, making them well suited for dense urban and semi-urban operations. Fleet operators are increasingly seeking reliable, low-maintenance vehicles that maximize uptime while reducing lifecycle operating costs. The BharatBenz 917 is designed to address this reality.

Commenting on the new BB 917 Andamuthu said, "For a school bus, safety is vital and is the reason a parent feels comfortable putting their child on board every morning. The BharatBenz 917 fully built bus is built to fit into roads a larger bus cannot enter, while still ensuring safety and comfort."

Safety features:

? Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

? Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC)

? Highest Roll-over angle offering best in class stability

? Seat belts for all passengers

? Largest emergency door in its segment

? Highly reliable fire alarm and fire protection system

? Optional PM2.5 air purification (Premium HEPA filter)

Comfort features:

? Retractable lower footstep for easy ingress

? Ergonomic and comfortable seating

? Powerful Air-conditioning

? Anti-skid flooring

? Under-seat storage