The world's largest truck maker Daimler said it will almost double its production capacity to 70,000 units annually at the upcoming Indian facility,but a final decision in this regard will be taken only after 2014. The company is investing Rs 4,400 crore through its wholly-owned subsidiary - Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV)- for a new facility at Oragadam in Tamil Nadu,with an installed capacity to produce 36,000 units per annum. "The second phase of expansion will be decided only after we attain full capacity utilisation of the first phase. We will decide to expand it to 70,000 units annually during the second phase,which will be after 2014," DICV Vice President (Marketing,Sales & After Sales) V R V Sriprasad said. The company has planned to introduce a range of trucks in 6-49 tonnes category under a completely new brand for its proposed entry into India's commercial vehicle market in 2012. It is expecting to utilise the full capacity of the upcoming plant by 2013,he added. When asked if the company will bring in more capital to expand the capacity in addition to the announced amount,Sriprasad said: "Additional investment will be required,but it will be decided later." He said after the decision for expansion is taken,the additional capacity will be put in place in 18-24 months. As part of its plans to launch locally-built commercial vehicles in the Indian market,the German company will roll out its products from 15 platforms,coming from its group firm Mercedes and Mitsubishi Fuso's stable. Daimler AG holds 85 per cent stake in Japanese auto giant Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Globally,Daimler's truck brands include Mercedes-Benz,Freightliner,Fuso,Western Star,and Detroit Diesel. DICV,which currently has about 600 people on its rolls,will be hiking its headcount to over 3,000 employees by 2012.
