One Step Away from Euro VI Sustainability

Q: What are Daimler Buses’ sustainability priorities and how do they compare to ANPACT’s and SEMARNAT’s?
A: Caring for the environment is a key priority for us, so we work with Mexico’s authorities to sell bus units that pollute less. Daimler Buses has launched its BlueTech 5 engines that are more efficient and friendlier to the environment. In terms of SEMARNAT’s NOM-044, we plan to continue selling bus units powered by Euro V engines and start introducing Euro VI engines to the mix over the next few years. We are all set and expect the transition to be easy and quick. We do not expect technological migration to create problems in Mexico’s passenger transportation industry because we will be ready to offer tailored financing plans that will allow any client to purchase a Euro VI bus.
Q: How has Daimler Buses advanced in its strategy to work with more Mexican suppliers to counter the peso’s instability?
A: The strategy is still in process. Daimler Buses will continue to offer parts manufactured locally as part of its aftersales plan. At the same time, we also have developed a special program called FlexibilidadES that allows us to work with all the body manufacturers present in Mexico. Thanks to this program, Daimler Buses builds chassis and can choose any local body manufacturer depending on client needs and specifications.
We are also working in a Talent Training Plan that enables us to have experienced and well-educated engineers and technicians working with us. People who take part in this program are eligible for a job at Daimler Buses’ dealerships and maintenance service points. This educational program is run by a specialized school called CEDVA that trains diesel technicians and maintenance engineers. Daimler Buses works to improve this school’s workshops by donating tools and engines for students to practice and to ensure that we have better Mexican talent.
Q: As a leading German company investing in Mexico, what do you see as the main opportunities for Mexico to grow its commercial relationship with Germany?
A: Daimler Buses expects that Mexico and Germany will continue collaborating together because their strong relationship works to the advantage of both countries. Provided this relationship continues, more German companies will come to Mexico and German investments in the country will automatically increase. Automotive companies are interested in bringing operations to Mexico due to the country’s economic stability. This is the most attractive advantage for investors and a priority for suppliers. Other key advantages are Mexico’s strategic geographical position and its free-trade network stretching to 46 countries that represent 60 percent of the world’s GDP.
Q: What strategies is Daimler Buses putting in place to ensure solid results amid an uncertain economic environment?
A: Daimler Buses’ goal is to maintain its leadership in the Mexican market by creating solutions that support mobility in Mexico, such as comfortable buses that are both efficient and friendly toward the environment. To help clients maximize the benefits of their investment in bus units, Daimler Buses has developed special financial services that help customers purchase new and used units at a low interest rate. We also have a network of 80 maintenance service points across the country that offer solid aftersales services to clients in Mexico.
Q: What milestones has Daimler Buses achieved with its Toreto model since its introduction to the Mexican market?
A: We are very excited about the Mercedes-Benz Toreto since this bus has become a very successful product. We sold more than 150 units in 2017 and more than 100 Toretos have reached Mexico’s roads as of May 2018. We hope to market more Toreto units before the end of 2018. Daimler Buses plans to take advantage of the opportunities created by the replacement of Mexico’s microbus fleet by offering solutions like Toreto.