Daimler Truck’s commercial vehicle business in India is undergoing a leadership transition. Torsten Schmidt, currently Chief Financial Officer of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, will become the new Managing Director and CEO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles. His planned start is set for early 2026.
Schmidt succeeds Satyakam Arya, who has been nominated as the designated President and CEO of Hino Motors in Japan. This leadership change marks a significant shift for both organizations. Arya’s departure follows his successful tenure at DICV.
Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, expressed confidence in the new appointment. He described Schmidt as an experienced and respected leader with global and intercultural expertise. Puchert emphasized Schmidt’s proven ability to deliver results and his comprehensive knowledge of the entire value chain.
Puchert also extended gratitude to outgoing CEO Satyakam Arya. He acknowledged Arya as an outstanding leader with exceptional expertise in commercial vehicle operations. The executive praised Arya’s deep commitment to customer success and his role in establishing DICV’s solid footprint.
Torsten Schmidt brings extensive experience to his new role. He joined Daimler in 1997 after graduating in Industrial Engineering and Management from universities in Germany and the UK. Over 28 years, he has held numerous senior positions across multiple continents.
His career spans various production sites, sales organizations, and central functions. Schmidt has worked with Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and Daimler Truck Asia. This diverse background has given him extensive experience in business transformation across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Most recently, Schmidt served as CFO of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil. Prior to that position, he was based in Japan. There he was responsible for Finance and Controlling of Daimler Truck’s business operations throughout Asia.
In his new capacity, Schmidt will report directly to Achim Puchert. This reporting structure ensures close coordination with Mercedes-Benz Trucks leadership. The transition is planned for early 2026.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG. The company has established itself as a full-fledged commercial vehicle player in the Indian market. Its primary brand for the domestic market is BharatBenz.
The company’s product range includes trucks from 10 to 55 tons. DICV also manufactures and sells BharatBenz buses, Mercedes-Benz coaches, and bus chassis. This diverse portfolio serves various segments of the commercial vehicle market.
DICV’s manufacturing plant near Chennai spans over 400 acres. The facility includes a highly modern test track and serves as the company’s headquarters. It also houses research and development operations along with training facilities.
The plant maintains global quality standards while producing multiple Daimler Truck brands. These include FUSO, Mercedes-Benz, and Freightliner vehicles. The facility also handles exports to more than 60 markets worldwide.
Daimler Truck itself represents one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. The company operates over 40 main locations globally and employs more than 100,000 people. Its history spans approximately 125 years in the transportation industry.
The company’s business activities are structured into five reporting segments. These include Trucks North America, Trucks Asia, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Daimler Buses, and the new Financial Services business. Each segment focuses on specific brands and market needs.
Daimler Truck’s product range covers light, medium, and heavy trucks for various applications. The company also manufactures city buses, school buses, intercity buses, coaches, and bus chassis. Beyond vehicle sales, the organization provides aftersales services and connectivity solutions.
The leadership transition at DICV represents another chapter in Daimler Truck’s global operations. With Schmidt’s appointment, the company continues its tradition of experienced leadership. His diverse international background aligns with DICV’s global export operations.