Premium "Made in Vietnam" buses with European quality

The Mercedes-Benz RS 1936 is a premium bus line developed by THACO AUTO's R&D Center engineering team, built on Mercedes-Benz's latest chassis. The vehicles are designed and manufactured at the THACO Bus Plant in Chu Lai, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, meeting Mercedes-Benz's global technical requirements, production processes, and quality standards.

Featuring European styling, the Mercedes-Benz RS 1936 stands out with its luxurious exterior and refined interior. The cabin uses environmentally friendly materials that comply with ECE 118, 43, and R80 standards. Components including passenger seats, lighting systems, and high-capacity air conditioning (34,000 Kcal/h) have been optimized for Asian users and tropical climate conditions, ensuring comfort and operational efficiency throughout the journey.

The vehicle is powered by a 360-horsepower Mercedes-Benz engine paired with a ZF TraXon AMT automated transmission featuring integrated pneumatic assistance and BlueTEC 5 exhaust treatment technology that meets Euro V standards.

Notably, regarding structure and operational capability, the R&D team conducted extensive research to optimize the chassis structure, integrating the chassis with a monocoque body structure using 82% high-strength steel in an arc-shaped design, enhancing rigidity and flexible handling. The bus has been upgraded with numerous safety features including: Blind Spot Alert (BSA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Hill Start Assist, fifth-generation Active Brake Assist (ABA5) combined with ZF Retarder electromagnetic braking system.

Speaking at the Mercedes-Benz RS 1936 premium bus product launch, Harald Schmid, CEO of Daimler Truck Southeast Asia, said: "I am very impressed with the scale, technological production lines, and especially THACO AUTO's outstanding R&D capabilities. This will be a solid foundation for THACO AUTO to become the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing hub in the ASEAN region."

Technological mastery and deep integration into the global value chain

In recent years, THACO AUTO has continuously invested in technology upgrades, enhanced R&D capabilities, and developed a smart, sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. In 2024, THACO AUTO upgraded the THACO Bus Plant at THACO Chu Lai Industrial Park—one of Southeast Asia's largest bus manufacturing centers. The facility is equipped with modern, automated production lines operating and managed on advanced digital technology platforms – Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

Vehicle lines are developed through a complete value chain, from research, design, and technical simulation to testing, production, and quality control, with over 70% localization rate.

Prior to Thailand, THACO AUTO had exported buses to the Philippines, Singapore, and other countries. However, this marks the first time the corporation has brought the premium Mercedes-Benz RS 1936 bus line to market, representing a new milestone that affirms its comprehensive product development capabilities.

Thailand has a robust automotive industry with demanding requirements for technology, brand recognition, and operational efficiency. Succeeding in this market not only validates product quality but also opens opportunities for expanding distribution networks, after-sales services, and deeper international partnerships across Southeast Asia.

Moving forward, THACO AUTO will continue investing in research and development of products tailored to specific markets, serving customization requirements, expanding export networks, and gradually establishing a regional manufacturing and business foundation. The corporation will also continue upgrading technological production lines and strengthening international cooperation to participate more deeply in the global value chain and elevate the Vietnamese brand.