WHEELDRIVE – Daimler Commercial Vehicles Manufacturing Indonesia (DCVMI), together with Daimler Commercial Vehicles Indonesia (DCVI), has officially carried out the first export of a Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 L Euro 5 bus assembled in Indonesia to Thailand.
The bus unit was dispatched from the Cikarang assembly plant to the export port as part of Indonesia’s growing role as a commercial vehicle manufacturing hub in ASEAN.
The Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 L Euro 5 bus features the Legacy SR3 Neo Panorama body manufactured by PT Laksana Bus Manufaktur, which was specially designed to comply with European safety standards and Thailand’s market regulations.
This export marks an important milestone for Indonesia’s automotive industry, as it is the first fully assembled Mercedes-Benz bus exported from Indonesia to Thailand. The product combines globally proven Mercedes-Benz chassis technology with Euro 5 emission and safety standards tailored to the ASEAN market.
This strategic step further demonstrates DCVMI’s commitment to positioning Indonesia as a manufacturing center for high-quality commercial vehicles serving both domestic and export markets.
Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, previously expressed appreciation for the establishment of DCVMI’s new facility in Cikarang in 2025. According to him, Daimler Truck’s investment reflects global confidence in Indonesia’s automotive industry potential while supporting export growth and strengthening local supply chains.
DCVMI President Director, Shravana T. Kumar, stated that the export of the Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 L Euro 5 bus to Thailand demonstrates Indonesia’s readiness to manufacture vehicles that meet international safety standards.
“From our facility in Cikarang, we are not only producing vehicles but also building global trust in Indonesia’s manufacturing capabilities. This export reflects our long-term focus on quality, safety, and sustainable growth in the ASEAN region,” he said.
The Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 L Euro 5 bus is equipped with various advanced safety features, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a rear-engine configuration for improved vehicle stability, and a robust chassis structure designed to enhance durability and operational safety.
Meanwhile, the Legacy SR3 Neo Panorama body by PT Laksana Bus Manufaktur complies with several international standards, including UNECE R66 for rollover protection, UNECE R118 for fire-resistant interior materials, ECE R43 for certified safety glass, and UNECE R80 and R14 standards for passenger seats and seatbelts.
The bus is also equipped with emergency doors that comply with Thai regulations, illuminated safety signage, and a newly developed headlamp design to improve visibility and safety for international markets.
Commercial Director of PT Laksana Bus Manufaktur, Alvin Arman, stated that this export demonstrates the capability of Indonesia’s bus body manufacturing industry to meet global standards.
“Indonesian-made buses are now capable of competing in regional markets by combining European safety standards, comfort, and modern design,” he said.
The export of the Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 L Euro 5 bus to Thailand further strengthens Indonesia’s position as Daimler Truck’s manufacturing hub for buses and commercial vehicles in ASEAN, while also supporting national automotive export growth and strengthening local industry.