In order to cater to the growing demand for Low Entry buses, MAN has unveiled the new Lion’s Intercity Low Entry (LE) bus, combining an optimised seating layout with low-floor genes.
The six versions of the new Low Entry model are replacing the LE series derived from the Lion’s City low-floor City bus, the Lion’s City U based on the City bus model, and last the Lion’s City LE/U.
While the Lion’s Intercity LE 12 and Lion’s Intercity LE 13 are scheduled to go into production in early 2022, The City bus variants of the Lion’s Intercity LE in the same length will begin rolling off the production line from early 2023.
The tried and proven EfficientHybrid module from the new generation of City buses will be launched at the same time.
It also features a highly efficient automatic start-stop system and boost function – still a unique selling point in the market. The two 14.46 metre long three-axle Lion’s Intercity LE 14 models will follow in the third production phase in 2024.
They will be based on a completely new electronics platform for the first time and will, of course, like all variants, optionally feature the EfficientHybrid system.
Powering the new bus is the 9-litre 6-cylinder engine available in 280 hp, 330 hp, and 360 hp power classes with a maximum torque of 1,200 to 1,600 Nm.
All MAN engines for the Lion’s Intercity LE can be equipped with either the Voith DIWA.6 (four-speed) or the new ZF Ecolife 2 (six-speed) converter automatic gearbox to ensure the most efficient and relaxed running.
This gearbox design is very popular with customers in the City segment, and is ideally matched to the various applications.
Just like all MAN buses, adaptive PCV (Premium Comfort Valve) shock absorbers are installed which ideally combine particularly safe and comfortable handling with low maintenance requirements.
Thanks to a new oil flow design, many more parameters are available for specific tuning of each axle variant, which in turn leads to much more comfortable handling.
Like every MAN bus, the Lion’s Intercity LE also has comprehensive safety equipment. The Low Entry bus already complies with the amended ECE R66.02 body safety standard thanks to its significantly reinforced rear roll bar.
It also already has ABS/ASR as standard, an effective brake assistant as standard, and the electronic stability program ESP.
As an additional feature, the LED brake lights pulsate faster on sharp emergency braking. The Adaptive Cruise Control ACC and Lane Guard System LGS are optionally available in haptic or acoustic versions.
Scania recently announced the introduction of the new generation Scania Touring coach, featuring a more refined cabin, increased load capacity, as well as improved passenger comfort and fuel consumption.
In the new generation, the load capacity in the front axle has been increased by 500 kilos, which enables improved weight distribution and higher passenger and luggage capacity.
The driver environment, along with the guide area, has undergone several updates. “We believe our workplace for the driver is industry leading. It offers exceptional ergonomics, visibility and control,” says Åke Allard, Head of Product Management, Scania Buses & Coaches.
With a newly developed suspension and smooth gear changes, the new Scania Touring increases comfort for drivers, crew and passengers.
Drivers will also be pleased with the new advanced driver assistance systems, that include Attention Support and Lane Change Collision Prevention.
“This, along with the vehicle’s design and great driveability increases safety for everyone onboard and minimises downtime by preventing accidents and limiting damages,” says Allard.
Fuel consumption is one of the main contributors to operating cost. Compared to previous models, the new generation Scania Touring can save up to 6% on fuel and emissions – without compromising on performance.
This is done through an improved powertrain efficiency and new features such as the Adaptive Cruise Control with Active Prediction.
“We all know the importance of uptime to decrease cost and maximise income for our customers, and with the product design and new services, we see ourselves as the first choice,” adds Allard.
The design to facilitate maintenance, the high parts availability, and the new proactive uptime service – Scania Flexible Maintenance – helped solidify Scania as the primary provider of uptime solutions.
“This service enables us to be as efficient as possible.” By continually monitoring operational data, Scania Flexible Maintenance allows maintenance plans to be tailored according to the needs of each individual vehicle – avoiding operational disruptions.
The new Scania Zone enables real-time vehicle adjustments in predefined zones. The possibility to limit the speed of the vehicle in certain areas means that safety can be increased while keeping down emissions and noise.
“All in all, the Scania Touring allows low-emission transport to go hand-in-hand with operating economy,” Allard concludes.
Munich-based Geldhauser Linien- und Reiseverkehr is currently supporting a pilot project initiated by the German Alpine Club (DAV), with eight Setra double-decker coaches.
The S 531 DT coaches take hikers and walkers to different stops in the Bavarian mountains, acting for the Munich & Oberland section of the DAV.
91 seats each
The Munich mountain buses, equipped with 91 seats each, operate at weekends on routes to the Blauberge (Blue Mountains) and Rofan Mountains in the Tyrol, the Chiemgau area and the Ammergau Alps.
Here, the destination is the popular tourist spot Schloss Linderhof of King Ludwig II.
The aim of the pilot project, which runs until the end of August, is – as a supplement to the regular public transport services – to reduce car traffic to the popular hiking regions on Saturdays and Sundays, avoid overflowing car parks and offer mountain lovers stress-free travel there and back.
Setra touring coaches
The Setra touring coaches provide sufficient space for climbing equipment, bicycles, prams and buggies and are equipped with free WiFi and an information system to provide travellers with local hiking information via a QR code.
The air conditioning system on the 51-seater S 515 HDH bus is equipped with the latest active filters. The system developed by Daimler Buses features an anti-viral functional layer and filters out the finest of aerosols from the air, thereby reducing their concentration.
The three-axle vehicle is also used by the Academy for further training courses on efficient and safer driving, for tourist trips and rental purposes.
Geldhauser and Reiserverkehr
Geldhauser Linien- und Reiseverkehr GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1962, currently employs more than 750 people and has over 550 vehicles in its fleet – from small buses equipped for passengers with restricted mobility to luxurious double-deckers for the company’s own touring coach programme.
The buses operate in the districts of Munich, Starnberg, Bad-Tölz/Wolfratshausen, Fürstenfeldbruck and Dachau as regular service, school and rush hour buses.
In case you’re not familiar with the Setra brand, two European bus brands – Mercedes-Benz and Setra, created a strategic alliance 25 years ago, marking the beginning of the successful bus business of Daimler Buses.
In an effort to assist the public transport industry players in coping with the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO), the Ministry of Transport has announced an automatic one-year extension of vehicle age limit.
According to a report published by The Star, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that the decision to grant this extension was made with the understanding that many drivers and operators would face great difficulty in replacing their vehicles during this challenging time.
Automatic extension
He said that the ministry will grant an automatic extension of one year to public transport vehicles that have or will reach their maximum vehicle age limit as stipulated in their respective permits or licences, including those that had been granted a prior extension in 2020.
“Any public service vehicle that has or will reach its respective permitted age limit between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2021 will be granted an automatic one-year extension for the vehicle’s licensing purposes,” he said.
Must pass Puspakom inspection
“However, this extension is only for vehicles that have undergone and passed the Puspakom vehicle inspection process to ensure their road-worthiness and safe operation,” he said yesterday.
It is said that all classes of public service vehicles under the purview of the Land Public Transport Agency and the respective Commercial Vehicle Licensing boards of Sabah and Sarawak were eligible for this extension.
The announcement was made following the outcome from consultations between the ministry and the industry’s representatives and associations, added Dr Wee.
Approved by the key players
The associations that were involved in consultations with the ministry include the Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia, Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association, Persatuan Pengusaha Bas Persiaran Semenanjung Malaysia, and Gabungan Teksi Semenanjung Malaysia, Koperasi, among others.
“The ministry remains committed to the feedback from transport industry players affected by the pandemic as public transport remains an essential transport for many,” said Dr Wee.
“We hope that this automatic extension of the vehicle age limit for one year will bring some relief to the industry as companies focus on recovering to become competitive again to serve the public,” he said.
With global public transport operators placing greater emphasis on passenger safety and security, Gemilang International Limited (Gemilang), through its subsidiary, Gemilang Coachworks Sdn Bhd, has teamed up with Altair, to boost passenger safety for commercial buses and coaches by capitalising on simulation technologies.
Under this agreement, Altair, a global technology company providing solutions in data analytics, simulation, and high-performance computing (HPC), will provide its industry-leading simulation solution to help Gemilang automate bus rollover crash tests. This effort will generate critical data for Gemilang engineers to build and design safer commercial vehicles.
Reliable commercial buses
“As road safety is one of the most important issues in sustainable transportation, Gemilang’s goal is to design and produce reliable commercial buses and bodies that meet both technical and safety requirements, locally and internationally,” said Mohsen Hamidipour, Research and Development Manager of Gemilang.
“The collaboration with Altair enables us to strengthen our market leadership by ensuring our products meet the highest quality, reliability, and safety standards.”
Gemilang Coachworks
Based in Johor Bharu, Gemilang Coachworks has been designing and manufacturing a range of aluminium and steel bus bodies (SKDs and CKDs) and assembling buses (CBUs) for more than three decades.
In addition to its home market, Malaysia, Gemilang’s quality products have been exported to more than 10 markets in Asia, including Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, China and India.
“We firmly believe that everyone travelling on public transportation should feel safe and secure, which is why testing is a crucial component in the entire product lifecycle – from design and product development to manufacturing, “said Hamidipour.
Collaboration with Altair
“By collaborating with Altair, our engineers can now perform unlimited crash tests in virtual simulations for all critical safety-related parts to ensure that they meet all the crash and stiffness regulations.”
“We are happy to be involved in the Gemilang project, a very exciting next-generation project,” said Srirangam Srirangarajan, Altair’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
35 years of data analytics
“With a track record spanning more than 35 years in product design, advanced engineering software, data analytics, and cloud computing technologies, Altair looks forward to advancing Gemilang’s leadership in passenger safety.”
“Virtual crash tests are often perceived as one of the most expensive and time-consuming tasks for many automotive manufacturers. Altair’s enterprise simulation solution for vehicle crash has become the global standard and it is fully-compliant with the UN ECE R66 Standard,” said Srirangarajan.
Simulation
“By applying simulation technologies upfront in the vehicle development process, Gemilang engineers will now gain valuable data to eliminate any potential safety issues to improve passenger safety while also making the vehicle more efficient and reliable.”
For nearly ten years, Altair has served the Malaysian market, providing a rich portfolio of advanced engineering software and on-demand computing technologies to industry and government clients.
Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of
Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is now the sole agent for the
sale of Feichi hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Southeast Asia, following its signing
of an agency agreement with China’s Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacture Co.,
Ltd (Feichi) earlier today.
So, why Feichi and Chinese fuel cell
technology? Well, China produced 1,170 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles during the
first half of 2019 and the country’s automakers are on schedule to produce
2,340 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles this year, compared to 1,527 such vehicles in
2018, and 629 in 2016 and 2017.
Foshan Feichi fuel cell bus manufacturing facility (PRNewsFoto/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)
Over the recent years, the country’s hydrogen
fuel-cell vehicle sector experienced very rapid growth, posting an annual
growth rate exceeding 100 percent for several consecutive years. With the
ongoing build out of the infrastructure and roll-out of the subsidy policy by
the central and many local governments, the country is forecast to continue to
see positive growth in production volume of the vehicles over the next several
years.
Data released by China Association of
Automobile Manufacturers showed that the country sold 1,125 fuel cell vehicles
during the first 8 months of this year, a year-over-year increase of 730
percent. The country sold 16.1 million vehicles during the same period, down 11
percent from a year earlier, 629,000 of which were pure electrics. According to
data from ZhiYan.org, China produced 888,000 and sold 872,000 EVs during the
first 9 months, up 20.9 percent and 20.8 percent year on year, respectively.
SEDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain
said this marked another milestone for SEDC as its subsidiary company will be
among the front runners in the sale of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the
region.
“This agency agreement, which is for two
years, will open up the opportunity for us to lead the hydrogen fuel cell
initiatives in Southeast Asia region.
“Our strategic partner Feichi is keen to
appoint Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd to become their sole agent in the region and to
become their long-term business partner in expanding the hydrogen fuel cell
vehicle industry in Southeast Asia,” he said at the signing ceremony which was
witnessed by Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin at Menara SEDC here today.
He pointed out that Sarawak Metro has
procured three units of Feichi’s hydrogen fuel cell buses for public use in
Kuching city and the vehicles have been performing very well.
Feichi Bus is the largest hydrogen fuel-cell
bus manufacturer in China and they have already produced 314 vehicles during
the first half of this year, including 293 EVs. Fiechi aims to produce 1,000
fuel cell vehicles this year.
Sani Express refreshes its huge bus fleet with new state of the art Scania buses for better customer comfort, increased safety and greener travel.
Sani Express Sdn Bhd (Sani Express) has just taken delivery of 23 new Scania buses as part of its business practice of changing its fleet.
A handover ceremony took place at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Bandar
Tasik Selatan today and saw the first batch of the new buses being
presented by Marie Sjödin Enström, Scania Southeast Asia Managing
Director to Wan Mohd Iskandar Dato’ Salleh, Sani Express Group Managing
Director. Iskandar cited performance, reliability, safety, and lower fuel
consumption as some of the reasons for choosing Scania as part of its fleet
refresh.
“It is important for us to refresh our buses every five years in order to
provide our customers with the best service and Scania buses have proven
themselves to be the right vehicles for our passengers. The new Scania
buses would give us the opportunity to continue providing our customers
with comfortable and worry free travel,” commented Iskandar.
Sani Express has purchased Scania’s K410EB6X2 buses that are equipped
with Scania Opticruise function, low noise levels with full air suspension for
unparalleled comfort levels, electronic braking system (EBS), Scania
Retarder, traction control, better fuel economy with a higher torque at lower
revs engine, and fully adjustable steering wheel and hanging pedals for the
comfort of the driver. The company also subscribes to the Fleet Management
System Control 5 package and Scania Driver Training. These features along
with the subscribed packages result in a bus that is safe, comfortable and
fuel efficient for long distance travel with minimised impact to the
environment.
In addition, Sani Express signed up as a Scania Ecolution partner as part of
the company’s sustainability efforts to reduce their fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions. The partnership focuses on reducing operating cost, which
translate to improved profitability while fulfilling the growing demand for
green initiatives.
Sani Express, a major bus express company in Malaysia that was established back in 2006, offers bus services to close to 30 destinations across Peninsular Malaysia such as Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Besut, Kota Bharu, Kuantan, Alor Star, Kangar, and Kuala Perlis. The company currently owns a total of 45 Scania buses in their fleet and has been a Scania customer since 2008.
“We are very pleased that Sani Express has once again placed their trust in
Scania in providing quality vehicles. Today’s handover is a reflection of our
on-going commitment to provide customers with the best profitability and
sustainability for their business,” stated Marie.
The New Truck Generation by Scania received overwhelming praises and positive responses from customers and guests during the New Truck Generation Test and Driver 2019 that was held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
For The Customers and Fans
The week-long event saw around 300 invited customers, guests, fans as well as members of the media flocking MAEPS to experience driving Scania’s New Truck Generation in a safe and controlled environment. Participants praised the performance and features of the New Truck Generation after having the chance to maneuver a Scania G410A6X2 New Truck Generation across two choices of routes within MAEPS.
Customer Endorsement
One praise came from Alex Lai of Mansang Logistics Sdn Bhd who commented that “the features of the New Truck Generation have improved greatly from the older generation as many things have been simplified making the truck more user friendly, very comfortable and most importantly the clear visibility from the different angles.
The truck itself is more enhanced and very powerful. Safety feature such as the improved response from the braking system is also a plus point for Scania’s New Truck Generation.”
From the driver’s perspective, enhancements have been made to provide an enriched driver’s environment as noted by Mohamad Hasni from Yeap Transport and Trading Company.
“The cabin is one of a kind. Adjustable seat that is close to the door, ergonomic dashboard with touchscreen, and large windscreen with extended view make it easier for the driver to operate in a comfortable and safe environment. Scania has truly designed a truck that is focused on the customers and the drivers needs,” Mohamad Hasni elaborated.
“I am very grateful for all the guests who took the time to test & drive the New Truck Generation from Scania. I am even more inspired by the feedback that I have gotten from them. Our guests definitely saw the features that we can offer, felt the performance of the truck and also believe that this truck can help lower operating cost, increase revenue and profitability for their businesses,” stated Scania Southeast Asia Managing Director, Marie Sjödin Enström.
Development Time
The New Truck Generation by Scania is the result of 10 years in development and SEK 20 billion (RM 10 billion) worth of investment with more than 12 million kilometres of test- driving. Launched earlier this year, the New Truck Generation is designed and engineered to give Scania truck owners better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions as it is equipped with advanced powertrain and aerodynamic solutions that consume an average of 3 percent less fuel. Other features of the New Truck Generation include new chassis design, extended storage options, and enhanced safety features such as the award- winning rollover side curtain airbags, which is a first in Malaysia.
“As a business, Scania has been at the forefront of providing sustainable transport solutions to our customers. Our New Truck Generation will serve as the vehicle to carry the momentum of economic progress with reduced carbon footprint as we work towards our new 2050 commitment of achieving net-zero emissions,” added Marie.
The Mpire Auto Group is the brand owner for commercial vehicles from China’s Foton and also JAC and with a growing market share in the mid and large sized trucks, they need make sure their after-sales stays right at the top of their priority to ensure repeat customers.
For 2019, Mpire was one of the fastest growing automotive groups in Malaysia and to keep its growth it is working with the best possible partners in the industry, this is why Mpire managament have chosen the Shell Rimula range of heavy-duty diesel engine oils as the official service-fill engine oil for its two commercial vehicle brands, Foton and JAC.
Press Release: Mpire is the distributor for Foton View C2 and CS2 vans as well as the Foton Daimler heavy-duty trucks that are equipped with advanced Cummins engines. It is also the exclusive distributor for JAC light trucks, which are powered by Isuzu engines, in Malaysia.
Shell Rimula R5 LE synthetic technology engine oil is well suited for the high oil drain interval and heavy-duty diesel engine found in Foton Daimler prime movers. Shell Rimula R4 X meets the demand for engine protection from the JAC range of light trucks that are often used as daily workhorses.
Mpire Auto Group Chief Executive Officer Lau Yit Mun said that the combination of a strong reputation and track record in lubricants, reliable products that are compatible with Foton and JAC’s advanced diesel engines and excellent technical support led to the decision to choose Shell Rimula as the service-fill engine oil and Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd as the official lubricants supplier.
“Today’s customers demand reliability and performance from engine oils and Shell is able to fulfil them,” he said.
Shell Lubricants Marketing Manager – Malaysia & Singapore, May Tan said that as the top lubricants supplier in the world for the past 12 consecutive years, Shell understands the need to achieve lower total cost of ownership in today’s challenging business environment.
“Shell Rimula lubricants, especially our premium range, are designed to offer superior engine protection and cleanliness, longer oil drain intervals and better fuel economy while being able to withstand extreme temperatures and loads in tough operating environments,” she further added.
Shell Malaysia is delighted to have Mpire Auto Group on board and looks forward to a fruitful collaboration ahead.
Why did PLUS donate 300 safety cones worth RM10,000 to three of Malaysia’s largest heavy vehicle associations? This is what we want answered when it is common knowledge that the haulage industry members have got no financial issues at all and they are all reaping good profits.
The three associates that benefited from this RM10,000 gift was the:
Association of Malaysian Hauliers (AMH)
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Trucking Association and the
Association of Tipper Lorry Owners (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur)
These safety cones will be distributed to their respective lorry drivers.
What about smaller truck owners or individual self employed truckers who drive ageing trucks that are more prone to breakdowns?
Association truckers are mostly driving new shiny trucks with high visibility and it is the smaller self employed truckers that need to be visible on the highway shoulder. They need these safety cones, not the already successful logistic association tycoons.
PLUS then turned this into a media exercise to get maximum exposure of their RM10,000 gift by having a hand over ceremony where Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi, Chief Operating Officer of PLUS handed the bright red and white safety cones to Dato’ Nazari Hj Akhbar, President of AMH, Ng Yoon Kin, Secretary General of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Trucking Association and Tan Boon Hing, Chairman of the Association of Tipper Lorry Owners (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur).
Press Release: “This is part of our effort to help reduce the number of accidents due to stalled lorries on the highways. In fact, safety cones are crucial to alert other users and prevent accidents in an event of a vehicle breakdown on the highway,” said Zakaria, “and must be installed at a safe distance behind a stalled vehicle to allow ample space and time for highway users, especially motorcyclists to safely maneuver their vehicles.”
“PLUS regularly collaborates with enforcement agencies such as the Police and the Road
Transport Department (RTD) to improve safety on our highway. Today, we extended our
collaboration with heavy vehicle operators to meet the same objective. It is our commitment in taking care of our customers, every steps of their way,” he added.
According to Dato’ Nazari, President of AMH that this the first time an organisation has generously donated safety cones to lorries as they are mandatory safety items that every heavy vehicle must have.
So, if every heavy vehicle MUST HAVE safety cones, why is not mandatory for the haulage/logistic owner to provide for them?
