The Torqshift range’s development reflects DICV's focus on adapting global technology to the Indian market while prioritising customer needs and total cost of ownership.Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a Daimler Truck AG subsidiary, launched its BharatBenz heavy-duty truck (HDT) range featuring a 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The company secured an initial order of 80 units of the 3532CM mining tippers. This launch expands BharatBenz's construction and mining HDT offerings with the addition of 'Torqshift'.
The 12-speed AMT, called 'Torqshift' for BharatBenz, has been proven in Mercedes-Benz trucks globally. It is designed for ease of driving and will be available in several BharatBenz models, including the 4032T, 5532TS, 5532T, 2832CM, and the 3532CM.
Commencement of deliveries
Deliveries of the 3532CM BharatBenz Torqshift trucks have commenced, and the vehicles are already in operation. The AMT technology will also be offered in Tractor Trailers (TT) to enhance productivity and improve road safety.
“Heavy-duty Construction and Mining (CM) trucks are one of our strengths and we have considerable presence in this space. With the new 12-speed AMT in our CM portfolio, the customers will see a significant benefit in productivity improvement in their operations and notable savings as the overall fleet efficiency will go up. The deliveries for the 3532CM BharatBenz Torqshift trucks have started and vehicles are already being deployed in operations. We will offer AMT in Tractor Trailers (TT) as well, which will not only enhance the productivity of the vehicles, but play a critical role in improving road safety as well," stated Sreeram Venkateswaran, President and Chief Business Officer.
"This is a segment we foresee growing steadily and with road infrastructure rapidly shaping up, BharatBenz Torqshift range will add a lot of value to our long-haul logistics customers. Our AMT technology, adapted from Mercedes-Benz trucks, delivers consistently on the total cost of ownership equation. It is ideally engineered to suit Indian conditions to offer incredible value through our Mining Tippers, Surface Tippers and Tractor Trailers," he added.
BharatBenz anticipates growth in the tractor-trailer segment, and the Torqshift range is expected to benefit long-haul logistics customers. DICV emphasises the AMT technology's contribution to a lower total cost of ownership, adapted from Mercedes-Benz trucks for the Indian market.
The BharatBenz Torqshift range offers enhanced driving comfort through smooth gear shifting and faster shift times. The steering column-integrated shift lever improves cabin ergonomics and reduces noise and heat.
“The 12-speed AMT is a big triumph for us at India Product Engineering as we achieved our goal to introduce this transmission in our BharatBenz portfolio after meticulous planning and adaptive engineering, ensuring minimal cost of development. A global technology like the Mercedes-Benz AMT, seamlessly integrated in our BharatBenz Torqshift range of trucks, keeps in mind our customers’ needs in the market. This technology is designed to reduce driving stress and to ensure a faster turnaround with significantly higher fuel efficiency. Torqshift is engineered to minimize maintenance, significantly improving the total cost of ownership for our customers. This aligns perfectly with our intent to deliver not only well-engineered and safe products, but also ones that add tremendous value to our customers’ businesses," stated Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, President and Chief Technology Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles.
Features
The Torqshift range has a broader range of gear ratios and higher input torque capacity, suitable for gross combination weights (GCW) from 28 to 55 tonnes. This makes the BharatBenz trucks suitable for the demanding requirements of Indian construction, mining, and long-haul transport.
The innovative design eliminates synchromesh parts, increasing reliability and reducing the need for overhauls. The compact, lightweight alloy housing contributes to an optimal power-to-weight ratio.
The Torqshift's fuel-efficient design is optimised for specific operating conditions, leading to lower operating costs and extended service intervals. Software-controlled powertrain protection systems reduce the risk of driveline damage in challenging conditions.
The advanced shifting mechanism contributes to smooth gear transitions, enhancing driving comfort and safety. Multiple driving modes, including auto, manual, power, and eco, are available. The initial order of 80 3532CM mining tippers demonstrates market interest in the new AMT-equipped BharatBenz trucks. Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is positioning these trucks as a solution for customers seeking enhanced productivity, efficiency, and safety in the construction, mining, and long-haul sectors. The Torqshift range’s development reflects DICV's focus on adapting global technology to the Indian market while prioritising customer needs and total cost of ownership.
