In a move that underlines its long-term commitment to India, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has announced that Torsten Schmidt will assume charge as Managing Director and CEO in early 2026. He succeeds Satyakam Arya, who has been appointed the designated President and CEO of Hino Motors Japan.
This transition coincides with an active product phase for Daimler’s Indian operations, following Bharat Benz’s introduction of its HX and Torqshift truck series earlier this year, a significant expansion of Daimler’s commercial-vehicle portfolio in the subcontinent.
Currently the Chief Financial Officer at Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, Torsten Schmidt brings nearly three decades of cross-continental experience within the Daimler ecosystem. He earlier served as CFO for Mercedes-Benz India between 2006 and 2009, giving him prior exposure to the Indian automotive industry landscape.
In his new role, Schmidt will report to Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, a key business within the Daimler Truck portfolio. Achim Puchert, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “Torsten is an experienced and respected leader whose global and intercultural expertise are matched by a proven ability to deliver results. His strong leadership qualities, strategic vision, financial proficiency, and comprehensive knowledge of the entire value chain make him the perfect fit for his new role and to drive our business forward.
My heartfelt thanks go to Satyakam – an outstanding leader with exceptional expertise in commercial vehicle operations and a deep commitment to customer success. Satyakam has been a driving force behind Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ success and together with his team he has established a solid footprint. We wish him all the best in his new role.”
Under the Daimler umbrella, Bharat Benz continues to play a central role in the group’s India strategy. The brand earlier this year launched the HX and Torqshift series, designed for heavy-duty construction and mining applications.
The HX series, which includes the 2828C HX and 3532C HX models, delivers higher gradeability and reinforced chassis setups suited for off-road performance. Meanwhile, the Torqshift series introduces an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) to the range, with the 2832CM and 3532CM variants targeting demanding mining environments. All models are powered by the Daimler OM 926 BSVI OBD-II diesel engine, producing up to 316 hp and 1,250 Nm of torque.
The new trucks also feature redesigned cabins with improved safety, air-conditioning, and connectivity, complying with EU ECE R29-03 standards. Through these updates, Daimler’s Indian subsidiary reinforces its focus on localisation, performance, and operator comfort while catering to infrastructure and logistics growth.
Established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, DICV manufactures and sells Bharat Benz trucks (from 10 to 55 tonnes) and buses, in addition to Mercedes-Benz coaches and bus chassis. Its 400-acre facility in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu, houses manufacturing, R&D, and training operations, while also producing vehicles and components for global Daimler brands such as FUSO, Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner.
Products and parts from this plant are exported to over 60 markets across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, positioning India as an export hub within the Daimler Truck network. With the recent Bharat Benz launches and the upcoming leadership transition, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is consolidating both its domestic presence and global integration.