BharatBenz Expands Bus Portfolio with Torqshift 1926 AMT Chassis and 917 Bus Launch

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has strengthened its India commercial vehicle lineup by introducing two new BharatBenz bus products during an event held in Ahmedabad on July 9. The company launched the Torqshift 1926 heavy-duty bus chassis featuring an automated manual transmission (AMT) for intercity transport applications alongside the BharatBenz 917, an 8-metre fully built bus designed primarily for school and staff transportation. The launches are intended to address changing fleet requirements while improving operating efficiency, safety and passenger comfort. BharatBenz Bus Portfolio now covers a wider range of applications across intercity and institutional transport segments.

Torqshift 1926 targets intercity fleet efficiency

The Torqshift 1926 chassis has been developed for intercity and staff transportation routes where fleet operators seek higher driver productivity, lower operating expenses and solutions to ongoing driver shortages. According to BharatBenz, the chassis combines a globally proven Torqshift automated manual transmission with a 260 hp engine. The transmission automatically selects the most appropriate gear according to driving conditions, reducing frequent clutch engagement and manual gear shifting. The company stated that the system is suitable for routes extending up to 500 kilometres and may help reduce the need for two drivers on longer operations.

"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," said Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles.

Advanced features support driver comfort and operational performance

The Torqshift 1926 chassis incorporates several technologies intended to improve operational efficiency and vehicle performance. These include intelligent Eco Roll functionality, multiple drive modes, tyre pressure monitoring with integrated temperature monitoring, cruise control, hill start assist, indigenous glide air suspension and a five-stage electromagnetic retarder. Together, these features are designed to enhance driving comfort while supporting safer and more economical fleet operations.

Key specifications of the newly launched BharatBenz buses

BharatBenz 917 focuses on medium-duty passenger transport

The BharatBenz 917 has been introduced for the medium-duty bus market, which is largely supported by schools, industrial staff transportation and institutional fleet operators. The company stated that the vehicle has been engineered for narrow urban and semi-urban roads while maintaining an effective balance between passenger capacity and operating costs. Its design is intended to meet the practical requirements of operators seeking reliable transportation solutions in densely populated operating environments.

Safety and passenger comfort receive added attention

The BharatBenz 917 is equipped with multiple safety technologies including an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic vehicle stability control (EVSC), seat belts for every passenger, a large emergency exit door, a fire detection and protection system, and an optional PM2.5 air purification system. Passenger comfort features include air conditioning, ergonomic seating, anti-skid flooring, under-seat storage and a retractable lower footstep that simplifies passenger entry and exit.

Growing demand continues to support India's bus market

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles stated that the Indian bus industry continues to present significant growth opportunities as demand increases for feeder, last-mile and intercity connectivity. The company noted that India currently operates around 24 buses per 100,000 people compared with a target of 60 buses per 100,000 people. It also highlighted that the overall bus industry recorded approximately 5% year-on-year growth during calendar year 2025 and is expected to expand further in 2026, supported by replacement demand and increasing passenger mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new buses has BharatBenz launched in India?
BharatBenz has introduced the Torqshift 1926 heavy-duty bus chassis with an automated manual transmission and the BharatBenz 917 fully built 8-metre bus. The Torqshift 1926 is designed for intercity and staff transportation, while the BharatBenz 917 targets school, institutional and industrial staff transport. Both products aim to improve operational efficiency, driver convenience, passenger safety and overall fleet productivity while addressing evolving transportation requirements in India's growing commercial bus market.

What are the main features of the BharatBenz Torqshift 1926?
The Torqshift 1926 combines a 260 hp engine with a globally proven automated manual transmission that automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving conditions. Additional features include Eco Roll, multiple drive modes, tyre pressure and temperature monitoring, cruise control, hill start assist, indigenous glide air suspension and a five-stage electromagnetic retarder. These technologies are intended to improve driver comfort, reduce operating costs and enhance long-distance fleet efficiency.

Which market does the BharatBenz 917 serve?
The BharatBenz 917 has been developed for India's medium-duty bus segment, focusing on school transportation, industrial staff movement and institutional operators. It is designed for urban and semi-urban roads while offering a balance between passenger capacity and operating efficiency. The vehicle includes comprehensive safety features, passenger comfort enhancements and practical design elements that support reliable daily transportation across a wide range of operating environments.