[Mpower]

Who is the body builder for this bus?

Got to be the first full size bus with a 4 cylinder engine !!! I'd be curious to see how a 6.9 liter 4 pot meets NVH expectations of today.

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Who is the body builder for this bus?

Got to be the first full size bus with a 4 cylinder engine !!! I'd be curious to see how a 6.9 liter 4 pot meets NVH expectations of today.

Azad does the body and engine is has 6 cylinders.

[Mpower]

Have things changed? Two pages ago we discussed about the possibility of a 4 cyl

[rajtheindian]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Have things changed? Two pages ago we discussed about the possibility of a 4 cyl

It is 6 Cylinder engine, more details available in their site http://www.mantrucksindia.com/en/Bus.html

Chassis Specifications: EngineMAN D-0836, 6.9 Litres, 6 Cyl., In-Line DI Diesel TCIC Max. Engine Output & Torque220 hp (162 kW) @ 2400 rpm I 800Nm @ 1200-1800 rpm ClutchSingle dry plate pull type power assisted. Clutch Plate Diameter 395 mm TransmissionZF FORCE 6S – 850 overdrive RetarderVoith Front AxleCranked Forged I Beam Type, Maintenance Free Hub Bearings Rear AxleHypoid Type Meritor Axle SuspensionMAN design Air Suspension at Front & Rear Service BrakeS-cam, Dual Circuit, Drum brakes with ABS and EVB with ALSV
Body Specifications: Body Dimension (W x H x L) mm2574 x 3720 x 12000 RoofSingle piece joint less FRP Foot StepsSingle piece FRP Passenger DoorIn-swing Pneumatically operated with safety switch from outside Passenger SeatsVariants available:
a) Standard seats with sideways movement of aisle seats
b) Wider seats with sideways movement of aisle seats Emergency exit4 nos. of side windows with safety hammers Entertainment System Optionsa) Standard entertainment system consisting of DVD / MP3 Player with Speakers
b) Speakers with provision for Entertainment system Internal trimMoulded ABS for trim panel & pillar Soft feel fabric for roof

[Ashley2]

Surprise to note that the Airo bus run by Parshwanath Travels running between Ahmedabad
and Nathdawara is still not caught the eyes of TBhp'ians.

[Skyline GT-R]

The front engined bus project has been shelved by MAN after the VW takeover.

[teamveevee]

Originally Posted by Skyline GT-R

The front engined bus project has been shelved by MAN after the VW takeover.

Is it applicable for India operations also? Heard Paulo, Pariswarth etc already operating with MAN buses. Anyway it is a big risk these operators take by being an early adopter!

[TheARUN]

Very sad. Guess MAN could not fit the Bus into the 45 lakhs braket, a similarly spec'ed Bus from the competition would cost 40 lakhs, the MAN would have been a winner selling at a 5 lakh premium, what with its flat floor and all, alas, we will never know

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by Skyline GT-R

The front engined bus project has been shelved by MAN after the VW takeover.

But why should a project that's in market should be shelved? Normally the development project takes a back seat during these takeovers.

[Skyline GT-R]

The vehicles already delivered were test vehicles (don't know about the T&C)

They have decided not to go ahead with the Front engine layout. Discussions are on about possibility of Rear engine bus but no info yet @ field level.

[Sid-O]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

Is it applicable for India operations also? Heard Paulo, Pariswarth etc already operating with MAN buses. Anyway it is a big risk these operators take by being an early adopter!

Would love to see some pictures of the buses if they are being used by them.

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by Sid-O

Would love to see some pictures of the buses if they are being used by them.

One of last made Airobus.

[TheARUN]

Finally managed to snap this one. The MAN AIRO-BUS running with Paulo Travels. If it is commercially available, then must say that MAN has been very quiet about this one

Looks very planted, like just the right length and size for India. Spot that lettering, seats that fold up or recline into a bed!

[binaiks]

Originally Posted by TheARUN

Looks very planted, like just the right length and size for India. Spot that lettering, seats that fold up or recline into a bed!

The seats don't fold/recline into a bed, but the bus has berths as well as seats. The berths are located above the seats - passengers can book either the seat or the berth.

The interiors would be somewhat like this (Image Courtesy: VRL's official Facebook page)

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by TheARUN

?...If it is commercially available, then must say that MAN has been very quiet about this one....
Looks very planted, like just the right length and size for India....!

Officially available since 2012 and was showcased in Auto Expo.
Man made product demo across India for various operators. Coach did have many smart features like walk over engine compartment, highest luggage space in its class of front engine bus which is around 9 cu.m etc. Asking price was around 55 lks, which was very high and did overshadow the features. They did have the option of seater, sleeper but fit and finish was not upto the mark with body from Azad Jaipur. Man did have limited touch point and so it all affected product sales.
Parswanath travels, Ahmedabad was amoung the first operators and was followed by the one in Kolkata.
Length and size is nothing new and is same as any other 12M bus in India.