Mar 06, 2015 trucking, Trucks, Bus, heavyduty, Commercial, Merc, Daimler, aftermarket
FUSO Trucks SA and Mercedes-Benz Bus & Coach - both wholly owned by Daimler AG - have announce that they are optimistic about the future of their recently launched products, the FUSO Canter Bus and the Mercedes-Benz Midi Bus, built on the OF 917 RF chassis.
The new Canter Bus has made history by being the first commercial vehicle to receive the Automotive Researchers and Journalists' Conference's "Car of the Year Special Award 2013." This was followed in Ireland by the accolade of "Best Energy Efficient Product Award" being bestowed on this impressive vehicle.
Godfrey Hani, Head of FUSO Trucks SA comments: "The Canter Bus is indicative of our pioneering spirit of always moving forward for our customers and society. As we continuously refine the Canter - including the bus - so that it remains at the forefront of the transport industry, we ensure that we do this in consultation with all our stakeholders."
The vehicle's new 4P10 twin camshaft, four valves per cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder diesel engine is coupled to an advanced DUONIC 6-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission - the only dual-clutch transmission available in a bus. Its makers explain that it maximises efficiency and lowers the total cost of ownership, while being one of the most practical vehicles to own and operate. "With the combination of the 4P10 engine and DUONIC transmission, fuel efficiency targets are achieved. The Eco-mode further improves efficiency; the dual clutch provides a soft shift that needs no maintenance and achieves the lowest shift shock in its class."
Other driver-centered design features include stabilisers for the front and rear, ABS, EBD, disc brakes all-round, air-conditioning, and central locking as well as competitive service and maintenance rates.
In the same Daimler stable as the FUSO Canter Bus is the new Mercedes-Benz OF 917 RF, a raised-floor bus chassis with a front-mounted 170hp engine with a 9-ton Gross Vehicle Weight. The MidiBus chassis will be equipped with 22 to 40-seater bus bodies, ideal for the commuter and coach segments. Produced at the Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) plant in the south eastern Indian city of Chennai, Mercedes-Benz says its OF 917 RF bus chassis was built not only to be comfortable for passengers, but also for the driver. The 4D34i inline diesel engine with electronic diesel control is the heart of the chassis, offering common rail injection with a peak pressure of 1600 bar, an exhaust brake system that comes as standard fitment as well as a twin-valve mechanism in both inlet and exhaust. In addition to a notably quiet operation complemented by efficient engine cooling for peak performance in all operating conditions, flat engine torque ensures higher pulling power and low gear shifts. All these features mean that the engine is one of the most frugal units available.
"The new Mercedes-Benz OF 917 RF bus chassis is the perfect example of what happens when Daimler's trusted expertise is combined with our valued customers' inputs: the perfect product," says Dirk Ansorge, Head of Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bus & Coach. "With the addition of the MidiBus, Mercedes-Benz Bus & Coach now offers an even more comprehensive product line-up, making us the leader in the bus market. We look forward to bolstering our already impressive buses with the new MidiBus."
Kobus van Zyl, Executive Director Daimler Trucks & Buses, adds: "Since the bus business for Daimler Trucks and Buses is closely linked and driven by tender business, we have no doubt that the FUSO Canter Bus and the Mercedes-Benz OF 917 RF bus chassis will ensure we continue delivering reliable and safe mobility solutions not only for tenders but for the overall bus market."
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