The revolutionary monocoque offering in midi-bus segment
Force Motors launched the country’s only 33- and 41-seater Monocoque Buses at the show. The Traveller-MONOBUS is loaded with several path-breaking and novel features offered for the first time in the midi-bus (33 – 41 seats) segment.
The Traveller-MONOBUS is powered by a 115 HP / 350 Nm, Mercedes derived, 3.2-liter, Common Rail engine.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors Ltd., said: “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 an acknowledged leader in the 9- to 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” he said.
Salient features
On account of the monocoque construction, the new Traveller-MONOBUS is not only extremely robust but also light in weight. It offers peak torque of 350 Nm from 1600 to 2200 rpm with the high low-end torque ensuring smooth ride even at low speeds.
In addition, the vehicle has best-in-class power to weight ratio and being almost 800 kg lighter than comparable models, offers unmatched fuel efficiency.
Traveller-MONOBUS is the only 33-41-seater with monocoque construction offering outstanding structural strength and unmatched durability. The MONOBUS is also the only vehicle in its class to adopt the 6th Generation Cathodic Electro Deposition (CED) Dip painting process for the whole body for primer application thus offering the highest levels of rust protection and corrosion resistance.
Also a first in its category are disk brakes on all wheels with new uni-booster hydraulic braking technology, ABS, EBD and latest Engine Drag Torque Control ensuring top class, sure-stop braking.
Speaking exclusively to MOTORINDIA, Mr. Ashutosh Khosla, President – Sales & Marketing, CVD & PVD, Force Motors, said: “Nowhere in the world or in the country you will find this size of a bus on a monocoque platform. In the business of CVs, rupee per seat/per km better than anybody with the right comfort and safety is a definite winner.”
“So how do you bring a difference where engines are more or less at the same hp? It is the body which makes the difference. Monocoque bus design is 800 kg less in weight than a chassis-based bus with the same seating capacity and this improves fuel efficiency. We are confident that our 33- and 41-seater vehicles will be best-in-class in terms of fuel efficiency.” he added.
With very low floor height for easy entry and exit, lowest centre of gravity for superb ride stability, lowest NVH levels and smallest turning radius, the Traveller-MONOBUS offers unmatched ride quality and seating comfort, with its 2.35 m wide body interiors, a wide gangway, full standing height and ample leg room.
Offering a unique combination of outstanding performance, excellent fuel economy, unmatched strength, total safety and maximum comfort, the innovative bus is an ideal choice for corporates, fleet owners, tour and travel operators, hospitality industry and school bus operators.
The Traveller-MONOBUS would be available in 33-seater and 41-seater options in standard and school bus variants at Force Motors dealerships across the country starting from the upcoming festive season.