Daimler Launches New Mercedes Benz Bus Models into the Kenyan Market

Daimler has launched two new bus models into the Kenyan Market as a response to the ever-growing demand in East and Central Africa for comfortable and safe buses for passenger transportation.

The models, Mercedes-Benz 917 and Mercedes-Benz 1730, are made in India with Brazilian built chassis.

The Mercedes‑Benz 917 city bus is ideal for use as urban, school or shuttle bus and can accommodate up to 37 people. The more spacious Mercedes‑Benz 1730 is designed for long-distance travel and has room for approximately 60 passengers.

According to Daimler Buses head of marketing, sales and customer services Ulrich Bastert, they have so far assembled 10 chassis locally and we intend to assemble 150 more towards the end of the year.

The short distance buses have a 170 horsepower engine that is designed to cope with Kenya’s high altitude, while the long-haul buses have an output of 300 horsepower.

Daimler has described the models as being safe, reliable and comfortable.

Safety features of the bus chassis include braking systems with ABS, precision steering and good road handling resulting from chassis and suspension systems specifically designed for passenger buses.

“It’s a matter of pride and satisfaction that the buses you see here today set new standards for the safety of passengers not only in Kenya but across East Africa.

They exceed the specification, laid down by local regulations and meet the safety requirements of Daimler,” said Ian Middleton, DT Dobie managing director.

A majority of buses on Kenyan roads are built on truck chassis, which Daimler says is not ideal for passengers carrying vehicles as hard suspensions and high entry steps limit passenger comfort.

This step by Daimler Buses in Kenya demonstrates that a consistent focus on local customers pays off. In February 2016 Daimler AG opened its regional center for East, Central, and West Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Since then the center has been responsible for the entire commercial vehicle portfolio in East, Central and West Africa, ranging from light to heavy-duty trucks and from minibusses to large tourist coaches. The sales and marketing activities cover trucks of the Mercedes-Benz and FUSO brands as well as Mercedes-Benz buses.

Daimler has been active in Kenya since the 1950s.