It’s a transition marked by continuity and strategic foresight: Torsten Schmidt (53), currently Chief Financial Officer of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, is set to become Managing Director and CEO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) at the beginning of 2026. He succeeds Satyakam Arya, who has been appointed President and CEO of Hino Motors in Japan.
Schmidt’s appointment is far from surprising. With nearly three decades of leadership experience across Germany, India, Japan, and Brazil, he brings a deep understanding of Daimler’s global DNA—and a proven track record in financial and operational transformation.
A Career Forged Across Continents
Torsten Schmidt’s journey with Daimler began in 1997, after completing his degree in industrial engineering in Germany and the UK. Since then, he has held numerous senior positions across the organization. From leading production teams and sales units to managing central functions, Schmidt has navigated the complexities of Daimler’s business from Stuttgart to São Paulo and from Tokyo to Chennai.
Most recently, he served as CFO of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil. Prior to that, he oversaw Finance and Controlling for Daimler Truck’s Asia operations in Japan.
Now, he returns to India—this time at the helm of DICV.
Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, underscores the significance of the appointment:
“Torsten is a highly qualified and recognized leader with extensive global and intercultural expertise, and a proven ability to deliver results. His leadership qualities, strategic foresight, financial acumen, and deep understanding of the entire value chain make him the ideal choice to lead DICV into its next phase of growth.”
Farewell to a Transformational Leader
Schmidt takes over from Satyakam Arya, whose leadership at DICV has left a lasting mark. Under Arya, the company strengthened its market presence and firmly established the BharatBenz brand in India’s competitive commercial vehicle sector.
Achim Puchert expressed his appreciation:
“Satyakam has been a driving force behind the success of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles. His outstanding expertise in the commercial vehicle business and strong commitment to customer success helped build a robust presence in the market. We thank him and wish him the very best for his next chapter at Hino Motors.”
Arya’s legacy is not only one of commercial success but also of creating a sustainable platform for long-term growth in a complex market.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, operates as a full-fledged commercial vehicle manufacturer with a uniquely Indian identity. The company’s flagship brand, BharatBenz, is tailored specifically for the Indian market and has become synonymous with durability, efficiency, and localized innovation.
Based in Oragadam near Chennai, DICV’s sprawling 160-hectare facility houses manufacturing, research and development, a test track, and training centers. It produces trucks ranging from 10 to 55 tonnes, as well as BharatBenz and Mercedes-Benz buses and chassis.
Importantly, DICV also plays a vital role in Daimler Truck’s global supply chain: exporting vehicles and components to more than 60 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
2026: A New Era, New Challenges
As Torsten Schmidt prepares to step into his new role in 2026, the timing couldn’t be more crucial. India is undergoing seismic shifts in transportation and logistics—electrification, digital transformation, and infrastructure expansion are redefining mobility.
Schmidt’s experience in managing transformation across multiple continents will be essential. His mandate is clear: solidify DICV’s position in the Indian market while unlocking new growth avenues across emerging economies.
He will report directly to Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Strategic Continuity with a Global Vision
With this leadership transition, Daimler Truck is signaling both continuity and ambition. By appointing a seasoned executive like Schmidt, the company is reaffirming its long-term commitment to India as a strategic hub within its global operations.
The message is clear: India is not just a market—it’s a pillar of Daimler Truck’s global future.
As 2026 approaches, Daimler India enters a new chapter—anchored in global expertise, guided by local insight, and driven by the ambition to lead in one of the world’s most dynamic commercial vehicle markets.