Mercedes-Benz launched 3-Axle Luxury Coach

Mercedes-Benz India has launched a another model of its Luxury Coach in the form of the new internationally acclaimed 3-Axle Luxury Coach for the first time in India at the Auto Expo in New Delhi.The coach comes with an O 500 RSD 2436 chassis from Mercedes-Benz, while the body is assembled by the Indian partner company Sutlej Motors Ltd.The existing 2-axle coach has already received good response from customers in India. The coach is powered by a powerful Euro III compliant engine while ABS comes standard.The coach also features two LCD screens to offer better viewing for the passengers.With the launch of the multi-axle coach, the Volvo B9R Luxury Coach will now finally get some competition.
Here is the official press release:

"Mercedes-Benz India takes luxury travel to the next level with launch of Multi Axle Coach

·Mercedes-Benz India launched the internationally acclaimed 3-Axle Luxury Coach for the first time in India

·The luxury intercity coach chassis will be offered by Mercedes-Benz while Sutlej Motors will create the coach body guided by specifications and standards from Mercedes-Benz.

·The outstanding safety and comfort of the all new 3–axle coach is matched by its environmental compatibility and economy

New Delhi–Mercedes-Benz today announced the launch of its much awaited 3-axle Intercity Luxury Coach for the first time in India. The coach comes with an O 500 RSD 2436 chassis from Mercedes-Benz, while the body is assembled by the Indian partner company Sutlej Motors Ltd.

“The Mercedes-Benz coach incorporates hallmarks of the Mercedes brand:highest standards of safety, comfort and technology. Also adding to its advantages like optimized cost of ownership and robust build quality. I am confident our customers in India will appreciate this new offering.” commented Mr. Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses.

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India indicated the positioning of the multi-axle buses: “With rapid infrastructure improvement in India, there is a need mass transit long-distance mobility solutions with adequate comfort and safety for occupants. The Mercedes-Benz coach being introduced will cater to this specific demand for the Indian market. Our 2-axle coach has already received enthusiastic response; the new Multi-axle coaches will take it to the next
level for our Indian customers.”

The Mercedes-Benz 3-Axle Coaches embody the brand's global aspirations, displaying a blend of premium quality, outstanding cost-effectiveness and the very highest safety standards coupled with a strong service network. In other words, this Star performer defines 'success' for the coach operators.”

The face of the coach, with its bold and inviting windscreen and a beautifully sculpted front face, is visually impressive and distinct. The windscreen design with its integration to the body design provides a panoramic view of the road. These features compliment the Mercedes star proudly placed on the sculpted plinth.

Powered by the Euro III engine, the Mercedes-Benz 3-axle coaches are capable of delivering high performance, powerful torque output and a good fuel economy. The rear engine with 6 vertical cylinders, turbo charged and intercooled engine delivers 1200 Nm torque at a low rpm of 1400-1600. The smart suspension system is equipped a lifting mechanism that allows the chauffer to lift the height of the coach when the road conditions are bad.

The Mercedes-Benz coach is designed for the highest levels of safety and stability at even high speeds. The coach comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) that accentuates safety of the vehicle as a whole. The ABS impedes the locking of all the wheels when braking the vehicle and it is independent of road conditions. Also all the materials used for the coach body are certified as fire retardant.

With typical Mercedes attention to detail, the coach’s designers have also given great attention to the interior of the debutante, ensuring that every feature appeals in both emotional and functional terms with its form, colour or material. The result is a harmonious whole - an atmosphere in which the bus’ occupants immediately feel safe and protected, and long journeys can be taken without any feeling of effort or stress. Passenger seats are mounted on a higher level from the aisle and are equipped with a mechanical reclining mechanism. Also, the coach maintains a perfect temperature with a well developed roof mounted AC.

Other features of the coach include two LCD screens provided to make viewing more comfortable for the passengers. The coach also boasts a sufficiently large luggage compartment between the front and rear axels.

Technology, design & styling, consumption, comfort, service, maintenance and
ease of repair – the Mercedes-Benz Coach delivers no less than the best in
all disciplines."

Ashok Leyland is working on a new bus platform

Ashok Leyland is working on a new bus platform, which “will offer a higher level of comfort and safety in public transportation”, says R Seshasayee, managing director. Its portfolio includes high-floor buses comprising the Viking and Cheetah series, vestibule and double-decker buses, semi-low-floor buses, and airport transfer air-conditioned coaches. Seshasayee was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the company’s U-Truck series.

On the company’s foray into light commercial vehicles (LCVs) through a joint venture with Nissan, Seshasayee says the LCVs will be rolled out both from Leyland’s plant at Hosur and from Nissan Renault’s upcoming plant on the outskirts of Chennai, which constitute the first phase. “In the second phase, we would roll out LCVs from the JV’s new plant, which is also located close to Chennai.” It is a 51:49 JV, named Ashok Leyland and Nissan Vehicles Pvt Ltd. These vehicles might be a basis for a next generation of light buses and coaches.