Mercedes-Benz Argentina
In 1951 the then Daimler-Benz AG set up in Argentina its first factories outside Germany: one in the town of San Martín, near Buenos Aires, and another in González Catán on industrial suburbs. The San Martin plant was closed in the finish of the 50's.
Mercedes-Benz released updated local colectivo based on modified L 3500 truck chassis – LO 3500, OP 3500, LO 311, LO 312– with a separately manufactured body fitted at a later stage by different coach builders. In 1963 Mercedes built the 10,000nd colectivo (model LO 312), and continued with other models, such as LO 1112, (120 HP), LA 1112 4x4 (traction in all wheels) and the LO 1114. Due to the family relationship with the truck, the Mercedes-Benz colectivos had a diesel engine with power transmitted to the rear axle by a five-speed constant-mesh gearbox.
In 1967, starts the making of the middle-distance buses or self-supporting platform O 120. In 1968 the bus O 120 are replaced by the model O 140 with the 130 hp engine.
In 1977 started the mass production of chassis for buses and buses with power steering. Begins to be manufactured, the bus LO 914 and the bus model O 170, the successor to the O 140 model with the OM 352 A supercharged engine with 156 hp and reinforced axles and suspension.
In 1979 beginning the production of the bus chassis, front model, OC 1214, using the OM 352 engine like the LO 1114 bus.
In 1981, with some success, was introduced and made in Argentina, the OH 1419 bus.
In 1982 built the first bus powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Argentina and launches 2 new models: the front-engine OF 1114 (for export markets only, like Perú) and the model OF 1214, with front engine. And introduces new line of vehicles for urban transport of passengers, automatic transmission 1114, the new front chassis of 114, for export, and bus chassis rear engine OH 1314, with and without automatic transmission. Begins series production of the LO 1114 with automatic gearbox and joined the air brake system on the Mercedes-Benz models LO 1114.
In 1987, Mercedes-Benz Argentina has revolutionized the public transportation of passengers by launching the new line of rear-engined front-side bus (the "OH"), which replace traditional front motor buses. 1998 is the year of manufacture rear engine bus OH 1621 L.
For the firsts years of the 1990 decade, arrives the buses of the O-series likes the O 373 RSD (324 units built), the O 374 RSD (72 units built) and the O 400 RSD (61 units built) for the long-distance bus routes and also the OH 1522 (333 units built) and the OH 1526 (98 units built). All made in the factory of González Catán until 1995. In 1994, start the assembly of the OF 1620 with the 200 HP diesel engine with 6606 units made and large used in the provinces like Santa Fe, Jujuy and others.
For the urban buses, the OHL series added with the production line in 1990 with this models: OH/OHL 1316, OH/OHL 1320 and the OH/OHL 1420 with success in the urban transport.
After the 2001 crisis, develops many "colectivos" likes the OH 1115 and OH 1315 (except the case in 2002, when industrialized the production of the OH 1721, a bus with a 210 HP engine), medium urban buses with a 150 HP engine. This models made and sold until 2008, replaced by the new OH 1618 L-Sb and the OH 1718, a local develop for Mercedes-Benz Argentina under the chassis of the OH 1618. The OH 1618 is ready to meet the highest requirements on emissions, Euro 3, 4 and 5. Has the renowned Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA Euro 3 of a high torque: 675 Nm, a power of 177 hp DIN. The engine electronic management and 3 valves per cylinder, with the optional Top Brake system to improve vehicle efficiency and durability of the brake system. Optionally provides two types of gearbox: automatic and mechanical. The front and rear axles are developed, tested and manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, especially technology adopted and adapted to the needs of passenger transport: low velocity, starting and numerous arrests per kilometer, with extensive use of systems Brake and manageability of the unit.
Today it builds modern-style buses and several models of bus chassis and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter delivery vans, chassis cabs and minibuses with a large slice of them being exported to Germany. Mercedes-Benz commuter and touring buses are not necessarily up to European counterparts but robust enough to handle heavy urban usage and some of Argentina's rugged backcountry and extra long-distance travel. For 2012, was return the production of the Sprinter NCV3, the successor of the T1N with many argentinian-made parts and it's exported to the Mercosur, South Africa and other markets. Since 2013, announced the assembly of the minibus LO 915 in the Virrey del Pino plant.
Read more about this topic: Mercedes-Benz Buses