[Aditya]

Back in 2011, JBM, an auto component manufacturer, had revealed that it would enter the bus market in India. The company then went on to display a bus at the 2014 Auto Expo and now, is has started testing the vehicle on our roads.



The bus is called Citylife and is manufactured in technological partnership with BredaMenarinibus (BMB), a European bus maker. It measures 12,000 mm in length, 2,550 mm in width, 3,354 mm in height (with AC) and has a wheelbase of 6,320 mm. It has a monocoque structure and independent front suspension.



Other features include 2 in-swing type passenger doors (1 in the front and 1 in the middle), 2 emergency exits, a manually operated wheelchair ramp, a 340 mm high entry step, cantilever seats and armrests. The bus also comes with 5 CNG cylinders that are detachable and have an automatic valve close in the case of leakage.



The Citylife will come with a choice of one diesel and two CNG BS4-compliant engines:

• Diesel - 6,700cc, 281 BHP @ 2,300 rpm, 1,020 Nm @ 1,200-1,800 rpm
• CNG - 5,900cc, 230 BHP @ 2,800 rpm, 678 Nm @ 1,600 rpm
• CNG - 8,300cc, 280 BHP @ 2,400 rpm, 1,152 Nm @ 1400 rpm

CNG Cylinder capacity - 900 litres (180 x 5 roof-mounted)

All engines will be mated to an automatic gearbox with an inbuilt retarder. Stopping power will come from disc brakes all-round with ABS and EBD.

JBM has invested Rs. 500 crore in a plant and R&D centre in Faridabad, Haryana, where it will manufacture the Citylife. The annual production capacity of this plant is 2,000 units.

Images: Gaadiwaadi

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by Aditya

Back in 2011, JBM, an auto component manufacturer, had revealed that it would enter the bus market in India. The company then went on to display a bus at the 2014 Auto Expo and now, is has started testing the vehicle on our roads.

Thanks Aditya for sharing this information. It is really interesting that a component supplier like JBM is looking to compete companies like TATA. Leyland etc.

Any idea about the following:
Which engine, transmission and axles will JBM be using?
Against the competitors, what USP will this bus have?

[gopa99]

Nice information Aditya. It would be interesting to note the pricing strategy of this JV. Interestingly given the size of operations of Tata, AL , Volvo and the now segment baby Mercedez, I am sure they are having some strong homework done here.

[Rahul Rao]

Originally Posted by Aditya

It has a monocoque structure and independent front suspension.

At the moment Corona buses which sell very small numbers is the only company that gives both fully monocoque construction as well as independent front suspension. Even Volvos are semi monocoque, and also have an I beam fromt axle.

Rahul

[jayakumarkp]

What is with the CNG cylinders mounted at the roof? Is it a safe practice?

[Rahul Rao]

CNG on the roof is a world wide practice, and very safe too.
The under floor mounting of CNG commonly done by both TATA and AL for their semi low floor buses is dangerous, and prone to fire hazard.

Rahul

[Senna4Ever]

Originally Posted by Rahul Bhalgat

Any idea about the following:
Which engine, transmission and axles will JBM be using?
Against the competitors, what USP will this bus have?

Powered by a 5883cc 6-cylinder Cummins engine.

Here are detailed specs for JBM Citylife: