ACCORDING TO MALUTI
Bus Services CEO, Gert Engelbrecht, “We transport 200
000 passengers, with our buses, covering some 800 000 kilometres per month between
Phutaditjhaba, Harrismith and Bethlehem. At least 35% of the routes are gravel, which place
a heavy toll on our vehicles. Apart from complying fully with the government specifications for
commuter buses, these MAN units have parabolic suspension systems that are unbeatable,
providing both durability and passenger comfort.”
The consignment includes 19 MAN HB1 65-seater units, five HB4 79-seater units and four
HB5 79-seater units, each with upholstered seats, heaters, a roll-over cage, two roof escape
hatches and eight emergency window exits.
Bruce Dickson, CEO, MAN Truck & Bus South Africa says, “In any modern society, motorised
mobility is an essential part of life, of community development and, in remote areas like
Phutaditjhaba, this is especially true. The new buses are safe, reliable and comfortable and
have already proven their merits in rural commuter applications in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.”
Powered by MAN’s Euro III 240hp D08 common-rail diesel engine, the 4x2 HB1 is equipped
with a six-speed ZF manual transmission, a Voith retarder, an electronic anti-lock brakes (EBS
and ABS) and traction control (ASR). With a torque rating of 925Nm@1200-1800rpm and
a planetary (hub reduction) rear axle, the HB1 is an ideal people-carrier for shorter trips on
gravel roads where optimum traction is required.
The 6x2 MAN HB4 26.310 and HB5 26.310 Lion’s Explorer units are designed primarily
for longer on-tar routes and are powered by MAN’s Euro III, 310hp D20 turbo-charged,
intercooled common-rail diesel engine, with a torque rating of 1550Nm@1000-1400rpm.
The HB4 is fitted with a 12-speed ZF TipMatic automated manual transmission, a ZF intarder
and a hypoid drive axle.
The HB5 Lion’s Explorer which will service the fleet’s longer routes, is equipped with a
fully-automatic Voith Transmission, a Voith retarder and a hypoid drive axle, with air
suspension on both rear axles. An electronic braking system, with ABS
and ASR, rounds off the drivetrain safety features on
both derivatives.
With a 15000km service
interval and a two-year/
unlimited-mileage driveline
warranty for all three
derivatives,
the
MAN
Lion’s Explorer range is
now South Africa’s market
leader in the commuter and
inter-city passenger transit
industry. For Maluti Bus
Services Chairperson, Jackie Ntshingila, the
rebranding of her organisation came to fruition with the delivery
of the newly liveried buses: “Are these buses not beautiful?” she asked guests at the
event.
“MAN buses are built to meet the stringent requirements of South African bus operators
who seek safety, reliability, fuel-efficiency and lowest possible total-cost-of-ownership.
Furthermore, MAN has a value chain that is focused on relationship-building, where long-
term partnerships with our customers are forged by providing purpose-built vehicles that are
comprehensively supported throughout their service life.
“While MAN has a nationwide dealer network, Phutaditjhaba is a remote location and, in
order to ensure optimum vehicle uptime for Maluti Bus Services, a technical skills-transfer
programme is being implemented by MAN which will enable the fleet to become a self-
servicing operation. Through our combined efforts, I have every confidence that MAN’s
partnership with Maluti Bus Services will become a key driver of social and economic
development in the region,” he concludes.
The Free State town of
Phutaditjhaba, QwaQwa region,
recently celebrated the hand-
over of 28 MAN Lion’s Explorer
buses to local commuter bus
operator, Maluti Bus Services.
The vehicles form part of the
fleet’s government-funded
recapitalisation programme,
bringing the total fleet
size to 36.
MAN Truck & Bus (SA) (Pty) Ltd
Contact:
Patience Dumisani
Tel:
(011) 928 6800
Email:
Website:
Free State fleet buys 28 MAN buses
looking back on 2013
TFL DEC
6
LOOKING BACK
ON 2013
