BharatBenz to preview 'Thunderbolt' range to dealers - IAB Report

Was showcased as a concept in Hanover last year.

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) will preview the 'Thunderbolt' range of products under its BharatBenz brand to select dealers at an event planned in late March at its plant in Oragadam near Chennai, sources tell IAB.

The Thunderbolt range is set to consist of heavy-duty products specially designed for the mining sector and freight sector in India. It is set to be rolled out in India this year.

Showcased as a concept at the IAA in Hanover last September, the 3143 Concept was designed with the needs of the Indian mining sector. The first two products from this concept, the 3143CM and the 3143C, are set to be part of the Thunderbolt range.

The 3143CM is a deep-mining tipper built on the existing Heavy Duty Truck chassis that is based on the Mercedes-Benz Axor platform. The 3143C, a coal-carrier, is set to be the second product. Both trucks will be powered by a 430 hp engine and are set to feature a short wheelbase, with a GVW of 48 tonnes.

The other product, the 4940TT, is a tractor-trailer also targeting the mining sector. The 4940 will also be built on the HDT platform. Other specifications are expected to surface closer to the launch.