Daimler sole OEM to supply buses for B50 testing

JAKARTA, Kompas.com - The government’s plan to increase the biodiesel blend to B50 is progressing. In response to the policy, PT Daimler Commercial Vehicles Indonesia (DCVI) has pledged full commitment to align its Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle lineup with upcoming regulations. Daimler is one of the manufacturers that has proactively submitted its vehicles to the government for direct technical testing. “Our responsibility as manufacturers is to align with the government from a technical perspective,” said Naeem during an interview in Jakarta recently. Naeem praised the government’s current approach, which he described as more open and willing to engage with brand agents before regulations are officially implemented. When the government opened the opportunity for manufacturers to submit trial units for B50, Daimler promptly registered its fleet. They are also the only European commercial vehicle manufacturer willing to lend buses for government testing. “We at Daimler have decided to provide trucks. And I am proud to say we are the only OEM to supply bus units,” Naeem stated. The engine performance testing is no small matter. The government is reported to have road-tested the Mercedes-Benz truck and bus fleet for tens of thousands of kilometres. “I believe the government has tested them for 40,000 kilometres,” Naeem said. The company’s early active involvement in the testing process has reportedly put DCVI’s internal operations at ease. This is in stark contrast to the transition period towards the B35 biodiesel regulation in 2023.