DICV Announces Leadership Transition for Early 2026
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has confirmed a major leadership appointment with Torsten Schmidt set to take charge as Managing Director & CEO in early 2026. Schmidt will take over from Satyakam Arya, who has been selected as the designated President & CEO of Hino Motors in Japan. This marks a significant moment for both organisations as they prepare for the next phase of strategic transformation in commercial mobility.
A Veteran With 28 Years of Global Daimler Experience
At 53, Torsten Schmidt brings nearly three decades of experience across Daimler’s global operations. Currently serving as Chief Financial Officer of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, he has held senior roles in Germany, India, Japan, and Brazil, giving him deep exposure to diverse commercial vehicle markets. His expertise covers business transformation, finance, production, and value chain optimisation across Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and Daimler Truck Asia.
His previous leadership responsibilities include managing Finance & Controlling for Daimler Truck Asia, steering operations across multiple production sites, and enabling growth in regional truck and bus markets.
Strengthening DICV’s BharatBenz and Global Export Strategy
In his new role, Schmidt will oversee DICV’s operations, including the manufacturing and sales of BharatBenz trucks, Mercedes-Benz coaches, and bus chassis. The company’s advanced facility at Oragadam near Chennai, coupled with exports to over 60 global markets, positions it as a key contributor to Daimler Truck’s international portfolio.
Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, praised Schmidt’s strategic vision and global leadership. He also acknowledged Satyakam Arya’s contributions, particularly in shaping customer-focused operations and enhancing DICV’s market presence in India.
A Strategic Leadership Move for the Future of Commercial Mobility
The appointment signals Daimler’s commitment to strengthening its India operations amid rapid advancements in fleet electrification, digital telematics, and global supply chain diversification. With Schmidt’s comprehensive experience, DICV is poised to accelerate growth in both domestic and export commercial vehicle segments.
