Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles  introduced the heavy-duty bus - Skyline Pro 6016 across all markets in India. This also marks the introduction of Volvo Group technology based 5.1 litre VEDX5 engine in Eicher’s bus range.

The company claims that the engine delivers best in class performance of 155kW (210 hp) and torque of 825Nm at 1200 to 1600 rpm. The engine design delivers its peak torque at low RPM and sustains the same over a wider RPM range. 

The Skyline Pro 6016  comes equipped with fuel-efficient exhaust after-treatment system (EATS), 16.2 T GVW and Volvo Group’s EMS (Engine Management System). It also comes with intelligent features such as engine protection system for better engine life, intelligent driver information system (IDIS 2.0), fuel coaching and cruise control.

The vehicle has safety features like engine exhaust brake and larger pneumatic brakes. Skyline Pro 6016 is available in multiple long wheelbase variants along with an option of light weight 425 litre HDPE fuel tank for optimum performance in long-distance journeys. 

This heavy duty bus is also equipped with innovative Mbooster+ technology that enables the driver to switch between Eco+, Eco and Power modes based on road and occupancy conditions for better fuel efficiency. The flat driver area, sandwich type compact engine hood, a bigger alternator and a larger clutch is expected to maximise on-road performance.

Commenting on the new product, B Srinivas, senior vice president - Bus Sales and Marketing, Strategy, Product Planning, VE Commercial Vehicles said, "Eicher Skyline Pro 6016 is the newest addition to our BSVI HD Bus portfolio, a breakthrough product delivering highest power output in its segment. Backed with strong Volvo Group engine platform, modern design along with fuel efficiency-enhancing features like Mbooster+ and Fuel coaching make Skyline Pro 6016 the most profitable choice in heavy duty bus category.” 

The heavy duty bus market accounts for over 35 percent of the industry volume and the company expects Skyline Pro 6016 to augment the heavy duty bus offerings in Eicher’s portfolio. 

Eicher currently produces a wide range over 150 fully built and bus chassis variants across light, medium and heavy-duty applications. The buses are built at Eicher’s facility in Baggad, Madhya Pradesh.

Interestingly the Eicher Skyline Pro 6016 was recently deployed for creating a mobile Covid-19 ICU unit by a Hyderabad based organisation. The mobile unit incorporated an ICU unit, cancer screening, Mammography, X-ray and sample collection in addition to supporting facilities for ventilators, imaging, tele-radiology, e-ICU, ultrasound and AI-based stratification.