[binaiks]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

Those from Kerala, is it any faster with local body builders like Kondody Autocraft or Shillibear?

From what I heard, Kondody takes about 30-45 days to deliver a bus - they built on a standard template, and very little customisations are done. Shillibear takes about 2-3 months to delivery a bus - their work is customised and their quality is currently the best among all builders in Kerala and TN.

[ajman28]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Are you sure about this?
The premium segment where the Prima is positioned itself has a total sale of approx 2000 only. So with this Prima has just crossed the 2000 trucks mark totally since launched.

The number includes the M0 versions too and could be the anticipated volumes at the end of this year.

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by ajman28

The number includes the M0 versions too and could be the anticipated volumes at the end of this year.

Sorry, could not understad what is M0 Version

[ajman28]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Sorry, could not understad what is M0 Version

M0 is the cost cut version of the Prima series (Prima minus the creature comforts)

[teamveevee]

Originally Posted by ajman28

M0 is the cost cut version of the Prima series (Prima minus the creature comforts)

I am sure the sales will go up considerably with this. I was told by some one from the dealership that, majority of the people enquire about Prima were looking for a version with out creature comforts (mainly A/C).

[SAE40 in veins]

Those versions are called Prima Lx. The ads have started appearing long back in many magazines.

[Surya-TJet]

The Prima M0 has been launched long back. Its available in 4023 & 4923 versions. Both are available with optional AC and also come with standard steering tilt & reach adjustment and also with combi switch operated exhaust brakes. They also have those fantastic projector headlamps as standard.

Thanks for the sales figures info.

[smashnerd]

Hey, We're going off topic here guys. Lets stick to TATA buses.

[teamveevee]

http://tatamotors.com/media/press-releases.php?id=789

Meant for city passenger transportation, the Tata LPO 1613/55 CNG BSIV fully-built, front-engine bus has been designed as per city transportation needs, with comfortable entry and exit, ergonomically designed seats and generous saloon space. In addition, destination display boards and public address systems have been provided to enhance the convenience for the passengers.
The BS IV compliant, Tata LPO 1613/55 CNG BSIV drive-train is driven by a 96 kw TATA 5.7 SGI Bharat Stage IV engine, a break-through in terms of technology and reliability. The bus has been mated with a GBS 40 gearbox for higher fuel efficiency, 330 mm diameter clutch for enhanced life, and Heavy Duty Forged-I beam, and Reverse Elliot front-axle for better maneuverability. All this translates into superior performance.
Tata LPO 1613/55 CNG BSIV fully-built, front-engine bus not only stands for world class design, assured reliability and superior performance, but also spells high on safety.

Looks like competition to ALs Front engine low floor buses..Is it a new engine? The article mentions Tata engine, not cumminds. Tata motors website does not have much info on this engine! Is there a 15XX version of the same? Experts please comment!

[v1kram]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

http://tatamotors.com/media/press-releases.php?id=789

Looks like competition to ALs Front engine low floor buses..Is it a new engine? The article mentions Tata engine, not cumminds. Tata motors website does not have much info on this engine! Is there a 15XX version of the same? Experts please comment!

LPO 1613 / 55 CNG model has been in their product range for a long time now, kindly refer to the below link.
http://buses.tatamotors.com/products...x?comefrom=fbc

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

http://tatamotors.com/media/press-releases.php?id=789

Looks like competition to ALs Front engine low floor buses..Is it a new engine? The article mentions Tata engine, not cumminds. Tata motors website does not have much info on this engine! Is there a 15XX version of the same? Experts please comment!

It is mentioned as 5.7 so apparently it is the CNG derivative of 697 engine which is the designation Tata uses for OM 352 engine that Mercedes introduced in 1964 and Tata obtained license for in 1970! It is remarkable that the engine is in production half a century after its introduction and meets BS-IV norms too!

[teamveevee]

Originally Posted by v1kram

LPO 1613 / 55 CNG model has been in their product range for a long time now,

Thanks V1kram. Looks like the existing Fully Built Buses on this are RE, where as this one for Cluster are Front Engined.

Originally Posted by directinjection

It is remarkable that the engine is in production half a century after its introduction and meets BS-IV norms too!

Probably CNG Version meets meet BS-IV, what about the diesel version? I am wondering why the press release calls this new and break-through in technology etc?

[Autokrat]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

http://tatamotors.com/media/press-releases.php?id=789

Looks like competition to ALs Front engine low floor buses..Is it a new engine? The article mentions Tata engine, not cumminds. Tata motors website does not have much info on this engine! Is there a 15XX version of the same? Experts please comment!

I believe this is a CNG engine with Gas Injection ( like the MPFI petrol engines). Tata earlier had carburetted engines for CNG. AL already has a few hundred BS4 buses running in Delhi with gas injection. Understand these were intended as a replacement to the notorious Blue Line buses.
http://cvblog.in/2011/11/ashok-leyla...uses-to-delhi/

Both AL and Tata have launched Diesel BS4 buses. Can be found on roads in Bangalore and Chennai. AL has this with the H-series engines, Tata with Cummins. Haven't come across any info on the 697 BS4 yet.

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by Autokrat

..Both AL and Tata have launched Diesel BS4 buses. Can be found on roads in Bangalore and Chennai. AL has this with the H-series engines, Tata with Cummins. Haven't come across any info on the 697 BS4 yet.

Recently 697 engines are migrated to BS IV also. They follow EGR route to reach the emission norms.
The earlier ones from Cummins are ISBe 6.7 which uses SCR.

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

I am wondering why the press release calls this new and break-through in technology etc?

Because it is a press release! As they say advertising is 85% confusion and 15% commission!

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Recently 697 engines are migrated to BS IV also. They follow EGR route to reach the emission norms.
The earlier ones from Cummins are ISBe 6.7 which uses SCR.

That's quite an achievement. So 697 has been CRDIsed?

Tata's original plan was to phase out 697 after introduction of Cummins B 5.9 in Tata CVs. However, recessionary conditions prompted Tata to continue with 697 being a cheaper alternative to 5.9. Not sure about the life cycle cost though since 697 has a shorter life.