This event was an important milestone in the partnership between THACO AUTO and DAIMLER, helping the former become a production center for Mercedes-Benz buses in ASEAN. The event was attended by leaders from DAIMLER Southeast Asia, distributors from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, and nearly 30 transport business representatives from Thailand.

Exporting THACO-made Mercedes-Benz premium buses to Thailand

At the event, DAIMLER Thailand introduced the design, technology, and top features of the Mercedes-Benz Premium Bus RS 1936, which is manufactured at the THACO Bus plant. This latest-generation model is produced with advanced technology and strict quality control to meet Mercedes-Benz’s global standards. It was specifically developed for the Thai market by THACO AUTO, using the Mercedes-Benz RS 1936 chassis.

The bus has a European-style design, powerful performance, advanced safety features, and modern conveniences. It is equipped with a ZF TraXon-AMT automated transmission for smooth gear shifting and a pneumatic power-assist system. Upgraded safety features include blind spot warnings, collision alerts, adaptive cruise control, and emergency stop signal lights. Additionally, THACO AUTO's R&D team optimized the chassis structure to ensure durability and flexible handling, making it suitable for real-world conditions in Thailand.

During the event, Mercedes-Benz bus distributors from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, along with Thai customers, test-drove the bus, toured THACO bus component plants, advanced production lines with strict quality control, and learned about THACO AUTO’s latest bus models. Partners and customers were impressed by THACO AUTO’s large-scale production capacity and high product quality, which strengthened business connections between THACO AUTO and companies in the ASEAN region, supporting international growth and expansion during global integration.

Developing products to European standards

THACO AUTO has worked with many major global car manufacturers, designing and producing internationally branded vehicles as part of a strategy to join the global value chain. In December 2017, THACO AUTO and DAIMLER began their partnership by transferring technology and distributing FUSO trucks and buses (a DAIMLER brand) in Vietnam. In 2018, recognizing huge potentials of the Southeast Asian bus market, the two companies started developing Mercedes-Benz premium buses in Vietnam, aiming to export them across the region.

In 2022, THACO AUTO launched a new Mercedes-Benz premium bus, marking an important milestone in its strategic collaboration with DAIMLER. This model introduced new standards for Vietnam’s passenger transport industry, winning over domestic customers and reaching international markets.
The export of the Mercedes-Benz Premium Bus RS 1936 to Thailand further proves the success of their partnership and THACO AUTO’s capabilities in research, development, manufacturing, and quality control. The company meets strict European and global automobile standards while tailoring its products to fit each market’s specific needs.

THACO AUTO aims to be a leading car manufacturer in the ASEAN region, continuously expanding its operations, upgrading technology, and developing high-quality, affordable products. At the THACO Bus Plant, production lines are modernized with automation and digital management systems, ensuring compliance with Economic Commission for Europe safety, emissions, and performance standards, as well as European technical, production and quality requirements.

Looking ahead, THACO AUTO will keep strengthening its partnerships, delivering new and advanced products to customers in Vietnam while increasing exports to major global markets.