Daimler Launches Two Locally Built Mercedes-Benz Models for Kenya

Daimler is bringing two new bus models to the important African market of Kenya. This is Daimler Buses’ response to the ever-growing demand in East and Central-Africa for comfortable and safe buses for passenger transportation. Both bus models are built in Nairobi in cooperation with local sales partner DT Dobie Kenya for the domestic market and its challenging road conditions. The compact 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. With a total market of up to 2.500 new vehicles per year, Kenya is one of the most important sales markets for buses in Central and East Africa. Daimler has been active in Kenya since the 1950s. Regarding the launch of the two new bus models Ulrich Bastert, Head of Marketing, Sales & Customer Services at Daimler Buses, says: “I am very proud to present two new Mercedes-Benz buses for Kenya – together with our partner DT Dobie. With these products, our reliable service and DT Dobies excellent customer care we will convince our customers.” Global positioning pays off When developing new bus models, Daimler Buses benefits from its global operations. Presently truck chassis are used in the vast majority of buses in Kenya. Due to the comparative ly hard suspension sand high entrance steps, however, passenger comfort is low. By contrast, the two new bus models are built on the proven OF 917 (permissible gross vehicle weight of 10.4 tonnes) and OF 1730 (perm. GVW 18 t) bus.