Pune-based CV maker targets corporates, fleet owners, tour and travel operators, hospitality industry and school bus operators with monocoque-body bus which gets a number of novel features.
29 Aug 2018 | 21557 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Pune-based Force Motors today launched new 33- and 41-seater monocoque buses at the Bus World 2018 Exhibition in Bangalore. The Traveller-Monobus gets a number of novel features offered for the first time in the midi-bus (33- to 41- seater) segment.
The Traveller-Monobus is powered by the 115hp / 350 Nm, Mercedes-derived, 3.2-litre, common-rail ...
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Pune-based Force Motors today launched new 33- and 41-seater monocoque buses at the Bus World 2018 Exhibition in Bangalore. The Traveller-Monobus gets a number of novel features offered for the first time in the midi-bus (33- to 41- seater) segment.
The Traveller-Monobus is powered by the 115hp / 350 Nm, Mercedes-derived, 3.2-litre, common-rail engine. Due to the monocoque construction, it is claimed to be robust and also lightweight. Force Motors also claims a best-in-class, power- to-weight ratio for the new bus, which is almost 800kg lighter than comparable models and high fuel efficiency.
The bus is equipped with an advanced 5-speed synchromesh gearbox with double-cone synchroniser rings and offers low friction and smooth transmission. The special clutch lining is designed for frequent start-stops, common in short-distance tour and bus operations.
According to the company, the Traveller-Monobus is the only 33- to 41-seater bus in India with monocoque construction and the sole one in its class to adopt the sixth-generation Cathodic Electro Deposition (C.E.D) Dip painting process for the entire body, for primer application, thus offering the highest levels of rust protection and corrosion resistance.
On the safety front, the Traveller-Monobus is the only vehicle in its category with disc brakes on all wheels with new uni-booster hydraulic braking technology, ABS, EBD and latest the engine drag torque control ensuring confident and efficient braking.
Other product highlights include a low floor height for easy entry and exit, lowest centre of gravity for good ride stability, lowest NVH levels and tight turning radius. The Traveller-Monobus, which has high quality seating comfort, has 2.35m- wide body interiors, a wide gangway, full standing height and ample legroom for passengers.
The Traveller-Monobus has been fully tooled up and designed by the R&D team in Force Motors; it is entirely made of pressed steel panels welded in an automated and robotic environment. The company is targeting sales at corporates, fleet owners, tour and travel operators, hospitality industry and school bus operators.
According to Prasan Firodia, managing director, Force Motors, “The Traveller-Monobus is a fully in-house effort of our R&D team and I am confident it will set new benchmarks in performance, comfort, reliability, durability and safety. These same qualities have enabled the Traveller to become the acknowledged leader in the 9- and 26-seater minibus category. The monocoque construction is possible due to extensive use of large pressed panels – which are fully designed, tooled and produced in house. Force Motors has applied for a number of patents on this product and process technology.”
The Traveller-Monobus will go on sale in 33-seater and 41-seater options in standard and school bus variants at Force dealerships across the country during the upcoming festive season.