Tag Archives: busworld news

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BAE SYSTEMS BEGINS TO OFFER HYBRID ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS IN SOUTH AMERICA

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Latinobus newsroom – Secco Comunicaciones

BAE Systems, one of the world’s leading companies in electric and hybrid solutions for buses, ships, heavy trucks and military vehicles, which operates in more than 40 countries, will now offer its products and propulsion technologies to countries in South America.

With a strong presence in Europe, North America and Asia, the company has been present in South America for several years, providing systems for the Armed Forces of different countries. Now, it will also offer innovative electric transport solutions and has experience in energy management and efficient propulsion, with high-performance and sustainable electric solutions.

These solutions will be provided by the Power Propulsion Systems unit, with alliances and supply of electric and hybrid propulsion systems for national manufacturers. The objective is to have as partners automobile manufacturers, commercial vehicle chassis manufacturers and bus body manufacturers who wish to offer electric and hybrid buses in their countries, with a line of propulsion products that can serve the market, with a wide range of solutions for trucks. and buses.

“Mexico is one of the countries that we are actively looking at in Latin America, both because we believe there will eventually be a significant market for low and zero emission buses and because there is a significant automotive industry (so many people we could work with). I would also add that the favorable trade agreements between the United States and Mexico are obviously something that we would look to take advantage of. We are currently speaking with a vehicle manufacturer in Mexico and will contact others shortly, but it is too early for me to share who they are,” said Ian Wilson, head of the Power Propulsion Systems unit.

Today, more than 14,000 BAE Systems hybrid electric systems are already in operation around the world, saving fuel and CO2 emissions and reducing maintenance for public transport operators. The company offers a variety of electrification options, from accessories for electric vehicles to zero-emission propulsion through batteries and hydrogen fuel cells for buses, trucks and boats, according to the needs of each region and business.

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COMPTROLLER OFFICE OF CHILE VALIDATES BIDDING FOR NEW ROUTE OF THE RED SYSTEM IN SANTIAGO

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DOOR OPENS TO ADD 1,637 NEW BUSES

Colombiabus newsroom – William Marroquín / DTP Metropolitano

In December 2020, a bidding process had begun to incorporate 1,637 new buses for the Red de Santiago de Chile system. 16 proposals were received and in October 2021, the country’s Ministry of Transportation prepared the award act for the Comptroller General of the Republic to give its validation.

This approval from the Comptroller’s Office, key to consolidating the new public transport model in the Chilean capital, took place on February 7. With this, the regulatory entity accepts the award that tenders the concession in the use of roads, which will allow adding new services and incorporating 1,637 new Red standard buses, of which 991 will be electric.

100 Full electrical bus delivered to Chile

Thus, the company Metropol, the main operator in Buenos Aires, will enter the system as a new actor with the award of two units (U1 and U2) and the operation of 49 services. Meanwhile, Redbus was awarded two units (U4 and U6), with 50 services. For its part, STP will handle the management of units U3 and U5, with 54 services.

Among the main attributes provided by this tender, which contemplates new requirements and more tools to guarantee a better service, the reduction in the size of the service units stands out, which, on average, will have 400 buses. This will reduce the risks of interruption of transport services, in the event that a company presents operational problems.

It also has shorter-term operating contracts, which will fluctuate between five and seven years (depending on the percentage of electric buses in the fleet), extendable for up to five more years if certain quality standards established in the contract are met. The new public transport design for Santiago contemplates 153 additional services, which represents 29% of the total system.

The standard of the new vehicles includes free Wi-Fi, USB ports to charge electronic devices on the road, air conditioning, and demands are raised in the interior and exterior design of the bus. Specific safety conditions are established for the driver, such as the requirement of a safety cabin, and padded seats, internal and external security cameras on board the bus, object proximity detection systems to avoid being knocked over and collided, internal screens to display trip information, and driving quality systems.

  • The payment mechanism for operators is modified to safeguard the transport offer established through the Operation Program.
  • Greater power is given to the authority in the definition of the Operation Programs to be able to think about transportation at the city level.
  • A direct penalty related to non-stopping at stop is established: if an expedition has a justified claim of non-stopping, that expedition is not paid. Failure to stop at stops is one of the most frequent claims by users.
  • Performance indicators are redefined to increase the demand on Operators. Discounts are contemplated for Operators for poor service, and prizes when the scheduled operation is fulfilled in an outstanding manner.
  • Mechanisms for a quality of service are incorporated: Repeated discounts were implemented for a bad operation, fines, reassignment of services or expiration of the contract. Thus, the Operator has a permanent improvement incentive.
  • The new contracts establish road safety certifications, gender equality, reconciliation of work, family and personal life, and the certification of at least 60% of workers, by the fifth year, in occupational profiles according to ChileValora.
  • It is required to have a minimum percentage of 7.5% of women in the operation and maintenance staff, which must be met within a maximum period of 2 years.
  • A compensation provision fund is created to ensure payment of compensation to workers in cases of insolvency.
  • Revisions associated with the changes experienced by the Operator’s demand are eliminated, being the concessionaire’s responsibility to implement the quality of service mechanisms and control of the payment of the rate, in accordance with its legal powers. In this sense, a direct economic incentive is incorporated for the reduction of evasion that is the product of the Operator’s efforts.
  • To avoid risks for the user, the new contract does not consider the payment for services with buses without maintenance certification.
2CND91T The new fleet of electric buses for public transport, manufactured by China’s BYD, are parked in a bus terminal in Santiago, Chile November 28, 2018. Picture taken November 28, 2018. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

When the 991 electric buses arrive, at the end of 2022, Santiago will be the city with the largest number of vehicles of this technology in Latin America, recovering the place that it will momentarily lose, at the hands of Bogotá, which will soon have 1,485 zero-emission buses in the Transmilenio system.

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130 IVECO EURO VI GAS UNITS WILL ARRIVE AT THE SIVA SYSTEM IN VALLEDUPAR, COLOMBIA.

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DELIVERIES WILL BE DURING THE SECOND HALF OF 2022

Colombiabus newsroom – William Marroquín

Like other intermediate Colombian cities, the problem of urban transport in Valledupar was the result of the lack of policies that prevented chaos in the operation and that stopped informality in the mobilization of passengers in time. Only at the beginning of the present century, the structuring of the Strategic Public Transport Systems (SETP), designed for populations between 300,000 and 600,000 inhabitants, began.

Since the end of 2010, the Valledupar Integrated Public Transport System – SIVA, has been in charge of providing a quality and efficient service in the capital of Cesar, and by 2021 it determined the need to acquire new vehicles to replace units of the traditional component through public tender. The specifications contemplated low-emission buses and a minimum capacity of 16 seated passengers, accessible and with the solutions of modern and inclusive buses. Likewise, demand estimates were adjusted, considering variables such as motorcycle taxis and the growing number of users who have switched from buses to motorcycles.

A process where SIVA, as the managing entity, also assumes the purchase and ownership of the vehicles, preventing the system from being trapped in the need to achieve financial closures and obtain investment commitments, allowing the value of the rate charged to the users per trip made. The amount of the contract amounts to 11.2 million dollars.

The tender began in September 2021, where the proponents submitted offers with diesel, electric and natural gas technologies, which ended up prevailing. The evaluation criteria for SIVA’s offers included legal and financial capacity, experience and technical solvency. The Iveco 70C14G chassis, of Italian origin powered by natural gas, which meets the Euro VI emission standard, will be coupled with bodies for the urban segment built locally for 25 passengers (16 seated + 8 standing + 1 seat for users with reduced mobility).

The engine is 3 liters and is born dedicated to operating with natural gas, it delivers 136HP of power, with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its total length is 7.4 meters, with a wheelbase of 4,350 mm and supports a gross vehicle weight of 7,000Kg. It has disc brakes, ABS and, to highlight, the ESP electronic stability program that will provide maximum active safety.

Iveco’s experience in urban transport projects in cities such as Manizales, Medellín and Cali, allowed it to prove its knowledge in the urban segment. The deliveries of the vehicles to the SIVA operator will be made gradually, between June and September 2022, bringing a new air and dignifying the mobilization of the users of the capital of Cesar

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SCANIA MEXICO DELIVERS ITS FIRST CHASSIS WITH THE MARCOPOLO G8 BODYWORK

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EL COLORADO TOURS LAUNCHES PARADISO 1200 G8

Latinobus newsroom – Scania México

Scania delivered to the Chihuahuan company, El Colorado Tour, its first chassis that will be accompanied by the Marcopolo G8 bodywork, this time on the K450 chassis with its Euro 6 diesel engine.

This new bus will be making tours throughout the Republic, from Chihuahua to any point in Mexico. The Colorado Tour Buses is a local company that seeks to take tourism and business personnel through different routes, complying with the best industry standards.

“We are very happy with the acquisition of this Scania bus, we needed one for at least 50 passengers and without a doubt this bus has been our best option both for performance and for its sustainable and environmentally friendly technology. Likewise, we believe that the powertrain will provide us with a great benefit, it is a very competitive bus at market price.” Commented Mario Ruiz, Director of El Colorado Tours.

One of the great objectives of the Swedish brand is the reduction in the carbon footprint and the improvement of the environment, in addition, it seeks that each of its clients has a unique and quality service, in order to be part of the objectives of the clients, offering them confidence and security in the services. Under this premise, for the northern company, it was one of the factors for which they made their purchase decision, since it is important for them to offer their clients’ transportation options with lesser environmental impacts and thus contribute with their Socially Responsible Company certifications.

With this delivery, Scania reaffirms its commitment to Mexican carriers who are betting on having safer, cleaner, much more productive and efficient units, with all the comprehensive support of the brand in the country accompanying the new generation of transport in Mexico.

The Scania chassis corresponds to the K450EB 4X2 model, which stands out for its DC13 147 engines equipped with XPI ultra-high-pressure fuel injection, which allows these high power figures to be achieved and also 2,350Nm between 1,000 and 1,300 turns. It has the 12-speed Opticruise automated gearbox with its three operating programs (power, normal and economical) together with the retarder.

In the safety section, it has a very complete endowment, starting with the electronic braking system, four-wheel discs, ABS and traction control. As a complement, the ADAS system and its three components AICC (Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control), LDW (Lane Departure Warning) and AEB (Advanced Emergency Braking) provide maximum peace of mind on the move.

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BUSES OCC DE MEXICO STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO TRAVELERS BY INCORPORATING 20 NEW BUSES

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THE COMPANY COMMITS TO THE VOLVO-IRIZAR TEAM

Latinobus newsroom – William Marroquín

The history of Omnibus Cristóbal Colón – OCC dates back to 1930, when a union of bus owners began to connect Mexico City with Cuautla and Cuernavaca in the state of Morelos, until its acquisition in 1988 by ADO (Autobuses Eastern). Today, OCC is one of the brands that is part of Mobility ADO, one of the main passenger transport conglomerates in the Aztec nation.

After the enormous difficulties that OCC had to overcome during the pandemic, which led to a drastic reduction in the operation of the fleet, the company is reunited with its allies and clients, to present its first incorporation in more than two years, with which It shows that he trusts the market and indicates that the most complicated days of this situation that changed the world seem to have been overcome.

“Today is a very important day, because when the pandemic started, the world stopped and with its mobility. Although we never stopped, there was a time when about 4,000 buses were not operating, but always trusting that we were going to get ahead. What we are presenting here is a reflection of the trust we have in Mexico, in the company and, above all, with the most significant thing that we have in our organization: our passengers. We believe that the only way to get ahead is with a lot of work, effort and dedication every day to show our passengers that traveling through southern Mexico with OCC is safe, viable, hygienic and that they can be very calm letting themselves be carried away by the experts, such as Autobuses OCC” mentioned Aldo Alarcón Vargas, General Director of Transportation at Mobility ADO.

In that order of ideas, OCC has opted for one of the combinations preferred by transporters in Mexico in the last year, with the Volvo chassis that serves as a platform to receive the Irizar i6 body, receiving 20 buses with this specification, capable to carry up to 44 passengers and about 13,000 users per month.

The new units will travel to the states of Morelos, Oaxaca, Chiapas where there is informality and high competition. That is why OCC is aware that to endorse this commitment to its travelers, it not only implies incorporating new units, but also with a high-level service.

The Volvo chassis corresponds to the B11R 4X2 model with its 10,800cc, 6-cylinder D11C engine with turbocharger and intercooler, which also meets the Euro 5 emission standard. It delivers 410HP of power and 1,950Nm of torque, figures with which the bus will travel with plenty of capacity to move on any terrain. Additionally, it has a fault diagnosis system (multiplex), self-protection against overheating and low oil pressure, as well as engine fire detection sensors.

To guarantee peace of mind for the occupants, the bus is equipped with the Volvo disc brake system on all axles (EBS5- Electronic Braking System). With this you can control the ABS, the ASR (control
traction control), anti-slip system, pad wear sensors, intelligent braking combined with retarder, hill start assist and emergency braking system. The latter includes involuntary lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and activation of automatic braking when a risk of collision is noticed.

The Irizar i6 body has been the second best-selling body by the Spanish manufacturer in Mexico, following the i5, which is designed for cheaper service lines. The bus has a toilet, 22-inch and 19-inch environmental entertainment screens, USB connections to recharge devices and air conditioning provided by Hispacold (also belonging to the same Irizar business group).

In this way, 2022 begins with the right foot in the highway transport (foreign) of Mexico, which will generate a lot of news due to the arrival of new players in the market, the struggle of the competitors not to lose position and in the same way, if Volvo will continue as leader in the highway segment as it did during 2021, surprising the Aztec market.

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HIGER WILL HAVE AN ARTICULATED ELECTRIC BUS RUNNING IN BRAZIL AND URUGUAY BY JULY

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THE BUS WILL COME 100% MADE IN CHINA

Colombiabus newsroom – Higer do Brasil / William Marroquín

The Chinese bus manufacturer Higer, belonging to the same group that manufactures the King Long and Golden Dragon brands, continues to show that it has great ambitions in the electrification of public transport in Latin America.

In November 2021, the official presentation of the Higer Azure 12BR electric standard was held in Brazil, in an event chaired by the Mayor of São Paulo. This 12.2 meter long vehicle capable of transporting up to 70 passengers is being demonstrated and tested on the routes of Transwolff, the public transport operator of the great Brazilian metropolis.

The next step will be the arrival of the Higer Azure 18BR articulated electric bus, the name by which it will be known in Brazil, since its name in China is KLQ6186GEV. The double-body version is essential for the development of BRT (Rapid Transit Bus – in Spanish) systems in Latin American cities, since in many cities, this type of bus is the majority. In Brazil alone, there are to date 94 lines of this type, in 24 cities, thus also the interest of the Chinese manufacturer and its representative in the country, TEVX.

The Azure 18BR is 18,750 mm long, 2,550 mm wide, and 3,390 mm wide; It is capable of supporting a gross vehicle weight of 33,500Kg, obviously influenced by the batteries. These accumulators are provided by CATL, with a capacity of 516Kwh, which allow an average autonomy of 270Km and to fully recharge, they need 3.5 hours.

Major brands in the automotive industry contribute to the development of this electric articulated bus: Dana with the generator, ZF with the air suspension, Wabco disc brakes, air conditioning manufactured by Valeo, Bosch power steering and special Michelin tires for urban use.

The Azure 18BR also stands out for its completely low-floor platform even at the rear doors, providing maximum accessibility, although it can be adapted for systems in other cities, whose stations are not at ground level. The bus will have all the equipment for the comfort of the 154 passengers it can carry, as specified by SP Trans, manager of public transport in São Paulo: air conditioning, USB charging ports, free Wi-Fi internet connection and tinted windows.

The model is integral, with chassis and bodywork built in China, which continues to generate controversy in a country like Brazil, where importers are tightly controlled and where its population travels in 100% local buses. The bus that will arrive in July will not be alone, as a second Azure 18BR will be tested on urban routes in Uruguay.

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MARCOPOLO EXPANDS THE OPTIONS OF GENERATION 8 WITH ITS PARADISO 1600 LD

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AVAILABLE FROM THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2022

Colombiabus newsroom– Marcopolo S.A.

By 2022, there is expected to be a significant improvement in demand for road travel around the world. The highway bus segment contracted significantly during 2020 and much of 2021, and only the end of the previous year showed that a firm recovery must begin. Marcopolo, moved in that direction and in the middle of the previous year presented the new Generation 8, which has the challenging task of surpassing what the G7 left (which is still marketed in many markets), especially in the western hemisphere, where it is the bus bestseller.

In July 2021, the Paradiso 1050, 1200, 1350 and 1800DD arrived, becoming the first options of the new generation 8, which are now complemented by the Paradiso 1600LD, the road bus with the largest hold capacity on the market. The model, which can be produced with different brands of chassis in the 6×2 configuration and also 8×2 for some markets, maintains the characteristics of safety, comfort and space, combined with innovation and technology to offer a better experience to passengers and drivers, with a model of high operational efficiency on medium and long-distance highway routes.

“We develop all the Generation 8 models focused on excellence and maximum efficiency of the operation so that our clients obtain better commercial results”, highlights Ricardo Portolan, Director of Commercial Operations of the Internal Market and Marketing of Marcopolo.

The model incorporates all the technologies and design of the Marcopolo DNA introduced in the previous models of the Generation 8 launched in July 2021. The front grille and bumper with greater volume, robustness and the use of new external materials increase the durability of the assemblies. More than 140 innovations generate positive impacts for drivers, passengers and transporters, the elegant and modern style with a drag coefficient of only 0.379. Additionally, the optional full LED headlights, with efficiency up to 3.5 times higher than other buses on the market, and a structure that increases the passive safety of the driver.

The Paradiso G8 1600 LD also offers the Marcopolo Biosafe solutions package, designed to make public transport safer against viral and bacterial contamination, incorporating solutions focused on biosafety. Optional elements such as toilet disinfection and air conditioning using UV-C light, antimicrobial finishes, 1x1x1 layout and alcohol gel dispensers continue to be available.

ORIENTED TO COMFORT AND SAFETY

One of the most important aspects in the development of the new project was the attention paid to safety and accessibility, both for drivers and passengers. The Low Drive version has a redesigned driver’s cabin with a lower instrument panel and left-side refrigerator and USB socket; larger visible area on the right side and glass partition wall, improving visibility and maneuverability for the driver. The cab door opening is larger for comfort and convenience, along with the completely revised upper instrument panel.

Also in the new Paradiso G8 1600 LD, every detail was designed to optimize the passenger experience, facilitating access to the passenger lounge, providing attributes of thermoacoustic comfort, seats that focus on ergonomics, in addition to the biolight concept, which adjusts interior lighting according to the time of day for visual comfort of the occupants.

A model that is in the final phase of homologation to be offered in all markets from the second quarter of 2022, with which Generation 8 is completed, with options for short, medium and long distance routes, in addition to an infinity of options to configure interiors.

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V&A TRAVELS, FIRST CLIENT OF GENERATION 8 OF MARCOPOLO IN MEXICO

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THE 500HP VOLVO B13R CHASSIS ACCOMPANIES THE BODY

Colombiabus newsroom – William Marroquín

Once the first Marcopolo Generation 8 units were presented in Brazil, the question was to know in which of the brand’s foreign markets, the new creation that continues to capture the interest of carriers, passengers and bus enthusiasts in Latin America would be present. , with a start of commercial life collecting orders for those seeking to offer new levels of comfort on road routes, whose mobilization continues to grow after months of restrictions.

Already in October, the first model of this new saga had arrived for Mexico, a Paradiso 1800DD double-decker bus with the MAN 26.480 chassis, built in Brazil at the Caxias do Sul facilities. Other single-deck units were sent to Aztec lands in PKD configuration (for coupling to the chassis at Polomex facilities), corresponding to the Paradiso 1200 and Paradiso 1350 models.

Precisely on the Paradiso 1350, the first unit of the Generation 8 in Mexico has been delivered, for V&A Travels International, operator of tourist services and bus charter. The company based in Hermosillo (State of Sonora) serves clients as important as PepsiCo, AstraZeneca, Tecnológico de Monterrey in the country, but also with activities in the United States, given its border location.

Returning to the bus, this Generation 8 Paradiso 1350 6X2 has a length of 15 meters and is equipped with a semi-bed with three-point seat belts and USB ports in each seat to recharge mobile devices. For entertainment, the bus has five 15.6-inch high-definition digital screens and a new surround sound system with higher-quality speakers. The passenger room includes a LED lighting system with different indirect light configurations, applying chromatherapy to change color and intensity, to have the best internal environment at all times.

The bus incorporates biosafety solutions to offer protection against contamination by viruses and bacteria on trips, such as a UV lamp in the toilet and the air conditioning return, antimicrobial protection on the seats and access handrails. The toilet also has a new design for greater comfort and ergonomics.

V&A Travels has chosen the Volvo B13R chassis, where high performance, maximum safety and respect for the environment are combined. The Volvo D13C engine delivers 500HP of power and 2,500Nm of torque delivered to the wheels with the help of the prodigious 12-speed forward I-Shift automated transmission. The electronics allow self-diagnosis of faults, and it is also equipped with self-protection against overheating, low oil pressure and fire detection sensors.

Regarding safety, it is always important to highlight what the chassis offers, which has a complete equipment to protect the driver and its occupants: EBS5 electronic braking that governs the ABS and ASR traction control; ESP stability program, dual retarder control, hill start assist, brake temperature and wear warning, door brake, automatic differential lock and self-calibration when changing brake pads.

Separate mention deserve the Volvo Dynamic Steering System (VDS) and the Active Safety System (SSA). With the first, the effort of the operator is reduced, it provides greater stability and better adaptability to the speed of the vehicle when moving the steering wheel. The second includes emergency braking and collision warning; adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert.

Marcopolo Mexico gave recognition to V&A Travels, an important client on the border with the United States and the Pacific. “We are sure that with this acquisition, the company V&A Travels International will mark a great differential in the tourist transportation operations of the area, providing an ultra-luxury service in medium and long distance lines.” said José Luiz Goes, General Director of Marcopolo Mexico.

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MEXICO CITY LAUNCHES 65 MERCEDES-BENZ URBAN BUSES

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THEY WILL TRANSPORT NEAR 65,000 PEOPLE DAILY

Colombiabus newsroom – Motor a Diesel

The government of Mexico City gave the starting signal to 65 Mercedes-Benz midibuses with Marcopolo bodywork for the start-up in the Legaria Corridor. These new vehicles represent an important evolution in the mobilization of the Latin American mega-metropolis, since they already have access to all the transportation systems of the big city with the single Integrated Mobility card.

Autobuses Unidos Legaria is the transport company that has obtained the concession for this corridor, which will have 72 fixed stops and which involved training 90 operators with theoretical and practical courses on machine technique, road safety and service experience for that users enjoy more pleasant trips.

These buses have the Mercedes-Benz LO916/48 chassis, powered by the OM924LA four-cylinder engine with 4.8 liters of displacement, turbocharged with intercooler, which delivers 154HP at 2,200rpm and 580Nm between 1,200 and 1,600 revolutions, complying with the Euro V emissions.

The Marcopolo Senior body is manufactured at the García plant, Nuevo León with the 2020 redesign, which reaches a length of 9.15 meters and 2.25 meters in width. It has GPS satellite tracking, surveillance cameras, passenger counting and friendly technology for more comfortable trips.

“Today we are working for a comprehensive transportation network, where more than 40 billion pesos have been invested in this network. The right to quality mobility and transportation has been an initiative of the head of government and for that support today we give the starting signal for these units, replacing the 173 microbuses on route 17 and route 28 that cover the Metro routes Tacuba- Medical Specialties; Metro Tacuba-San Isidro; Metro Tacuba-Tecamachalco; and Tacuba ESIA» indicated Jesús Padilla Centeno, President of Grupo Movilidad de Vanguardia (MOVA).

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ECUATORIAN TRANSPORTERS BET ON HIGH-CAPACITY LUGGAGE BUSES

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WILL IT BECOME A TREND?

Ecuador is one of the few countries in Latin America with a wide range of local manufacturers, when in other countries there has been a progressie disappearance of bus manufacturers, leaving only the most recognized or those that have been able to innovate to withstand the arrival of the foreign builders.

Although there is an important preference for local manufacturers, regardless of whether many of them have been carried away by copying foreign models; Ecuadorian carriers have been increasingly open to proposals from other countries. The buses of Brazilian origin, followed by the Chinese, Peruvian and occasionally from Colombia; they are in their flotillas.

There is also evidence of a change in the mentality of the country’s transporter, which is gradually passing to the rear-engine bus, especially on longer-distance routes. This arrangement of components allows the incorporation of better-performing vehicles that allow a higher load capacity, an increase in the overall length of the vehicle and its wheelbase.

Precisely these characteristics have been used by Ecuadorian transporters, to bet on buses with the largest hold capacity in the market, with the respectable height of 1,600 mm from the floor to the edge of the passenger lounge, which allows offering almost 21 meters cubic of luggage space. With Transportes Esmeraldas, which in September 2021 received its order for 15 buses, the Campione Invictus HD model built by the Brazilian company Comil, located in Erechim.

“It is not very common to see them in Ecuador, but in this time of pandemic, having good warehouse capacity to transport parcels is an alternative to the drop in the number of passengers, that is why companies are considering them and new units are coming,” explains Ángel. Vinueza, Director of Ecuabus.

The next step has been taken by the Cooperativa San Cristóbal de Tulcán, near the border with Colombia, and Panamericana Internacional in the capital Quito. Both companies, recognized for their long-distance routes in the country and even internationally, have received their orders for the Marcopolo Paradiso 1600LD model, imported to Ecuador by the brand’s representative, Sudacam.

The three companies have opted for the 48-seat configuration, a toilet, half-bed seats with a good level of comfort, and a driver’s bedroom that is located in a lower position. Scania’s participation also stands out, with its high-power K460 platform, with the 12.7-liter engine that is offered throughout South America, but offers more power due to the Euro 3 emission regulations that apply to Ecuador.

To dose that great amount of power, the Opticruise automated 12-speed gearbox is present, while to ensure great ride comfort, the electronically leveling air suspension makes life on board easier. Heavy-duty retarder, ABS and traction control come with safety equipment, which also helps preserve brake material.

Will they become a trend in Ecuador? It cannot be said yet, but new paths have been opened in the matter of passenger transport in the country. “In principle, the novelty was the double-decker buses, but with these high-capacity buses, companies can have an additional line of business and provide facilities to the user because through a transport cooperative it is easier to send packages and merchandise. Companies are taking the issue of parcels very much into account, especially those who can afford to incorporate rear-engine buses into their fleets” Vinueza explains.

At the moment Scania has the leadership in these large buses in 6X2 configuration, gaining more and more market share, capturing this new mentality in transporters that are betting on vehicles with greater driving comfort. This has been motivating other brands, which will not want to lose ground and could surprise themselves in the coming months, with the incorporation of new chassis models for rear-engine buses in Ecuador.