Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a key player in the Indian commercial vehicle market and a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has appointed Mr. Andamuthu Ponnusamy as the new Head of its Bus Business, effective July 1, 2024. With over 35 years of rich experience in the automotive industry, particularly in operations management for both passenger and commercial vehicles, Mr. Ponnusamy is set to steer DICV’s bus division into a new era of growth and innovation.
Mr. Ponnusamy’s journey with DICV began in 2011, and over the years, he has played a crucial role in the company’s success. Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Satyakam Arya, Managing Director & CEO of DICV, said, “The bus sector in India is on a positive trajectory and is expected to significantly contribute to the commercial vehicle industry in the near future. Mr. Ponnusamy, with his extensive experience and deep understanding of operational excellence, is the ideal leader to elevate our bus business. I am confident that he will drive strategic initiatives, focusing on innovation and excellence, to strengthen our position in the market.”
Mr. Ponnusamy has been instrumental in establishing DICV’s truck assembly operations, leveraging his expertise in leading diverse manufacturing teams and implementing cost management strategies that have been pivotal to the company’s growth. In 2016, he took on the role of Head of Cab Production and Truck Operating Systems, where he notably enhanced operational efficiency and led the successful execution of the BharatBenz BS6 truck range during its regulatory implementation in India.
In 2021, Mr. Ponnusamy expanded his responsibilities by becoming Head of Bus Production, in addition to his truck cab production duties. During this time, he successfully integrated the bus and truck operations, overseeing a significant ramp-up in production capacity for fully built buses. His efforts have led to substantial cost savings and improved collaboration across procurement, manufacturing, and engineering teams.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Mr. Ponnusamy said, “It is an honor to lead the bus business at DICV. With our global expertise and the strong foundation we’ve built over the past decade, I am confident that we can achieve remarkable growth and set new benchmarks in the bus industry. My focus will be on enhancing our competitive edge, driving the sustainable development of BharatBenz buses, and delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Over the past decade, DICV has earned a reputation for setting high standards in safety and efficiency within the commercial vehicle industry. BharatBenz buses, known for their reliability, comfort, and safety, have become synonymous with industry-leading total cost of ownership. In 2023, DICV successfully rolled out over 1,000 fully-built buses in a single year, underscoring its commitment to excellence and its ability to meet growing market demands. The BharatBenz brand continues to prioritize delivering top-quality products that provide superior travel experiences while contributing to the sustainable development of the transportation sector.
