Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Fuso, Freightliner and UD Trucks are being made locally for overseas buyers, helping establish the country’s automotive-manufacturing credentials beyond compact cars or two-wheelers that have traditionally been exported to emerging economies, and markets in India’s immediate neighbourhood.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), the Indian subsidiary of the world’s largest heavy-duty truck maker, has already begun exporting Mercedes-Benz-badged trucks and buses, made at its suburban Chennai (Oragadam) facility, to Southeast Asian markets.
DICV exports the India-made Mitsubishi Fuso range of trucks to 28 countries: In the second half of 2017, it will begin sales to Mexico of the Freightliner-branded giant trucks, people aware of DICV’s plans said.
