Scania Metrolink – new coach range for India

PRESS info
P13201EN / Per-Erik Nordström
31 January 2013
Busworld India 2013:
Scania Metrolink – new coach range for India
Scania takes the next step in the introduction of complete Scania buses and
coaches, with full parts and service support via the worldwide Scania service
network. Following the Scania Touring coach and the Scania Citywide city and
suburban buses, the Scania Metrolink is a purpose-designed coach for luxury
intercity or charter travel in head-turning style. Passengers will enjoy a
comfortable and relaxing ride.
The driver is provided with all the support required for safe and relaxed driving. The
Scania Metrolink introduces a new level of performance, driveability and handling in
the Indian market, all based on renowned Scania virtues such as robust design,
maximum passenger safety, leading fuel economy and a long and trouble-free
service life.
Says Mr. Anders Grundströmer, Executive Director and Head of Scania India
Operations:
“It is with great pride that Scania makes India the first market worldwide to enjoy the
benefits of the Scania Metrolink, a new range of intercity coaches, with a distinct
Scania character, bristling with state-of-the-art technology. Scania has been at the
forefront, developing new coach concepts and technologies during more than a
century. It gives us great pleasure to now bring the world-renowned Scania buses
and coaches to India.
“Scania has devoted a great deal of time to creating a premium product in this
market segment, enhancing passenger comfort and safety, and paying attention to
the well-being and professional skills of the driver.
“Our products are known for their outstanding fuel economy and high uptime, and
ensuing low operating costs. Coach operators can count on our dedicated support
when it comes to servicing, repairs and parts supply for the complete vehicle.
“Scania also has a strong driver focus, realising that the driver has such an important
role for operating economy, safety and repair costs in any transport operation.
Excellent ergonomics are part of any Scania vehicle, putting all controls within easy
reach. We also undertake to train drivers and to help maintain their skills over time.
Scania
Corporate Relations Telephone +46 8 553 810 00
SE-151 87 Södertälje Fax +46 8 553 855 59
Sweden
www.scania.com

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“Scania Metrolink is a premium product that is completely in line with Scania's
mission to be a trusted partner for the transportation industry in India.”
Offered in three models, the Scania Metrolink is styled to stand out as a premium
product, featuring the established Scania ‘wrapping T’ styling motif that sweeps from
the front into the window line along the sides. First deliveries to customers will take
place in mid-2013 and assembly of complete coaches will start at Scania's new
facility in Bengaluru in early 2014.
Three-model range
Based on a system of chassis modules and modular bodywork, the Scania Metrolink
is offered in two and three-axle form in the Indian market. They all share the sleek
styling, generous luggage compartments with parallel opening doors that provide
easy access also in confined areas, offering operators the possibility of using the
coach for occasional service during weekends.
Part of Scania's offer will also include a range of tailored service packages, financing
and driver training. Maintenance and repair contracts are fully backed by Scania’s
service network:
Scania Metrolink HD 45-seater.
This is a 12-metre 4x2 model with 45 seats, a Scania 9-litre 310 hp Euro 3
engine, Scania Opticruise 8-speed automated gearchanging. The vehicle is 2.6 m
wide, 3.7 m high and fitted with a 465-litre fuel tank.
Scania Metrolink HD 49-seater.
13.7-metre 6x2 model with 49 semi-sleeper seats (or 53 without calf support), a
Scania 13-litre 360 hp Euro 3 engine, Scania Opticruise 8-speed automated
gearchanging. The third axle is hydraulically steered for easy manoeuvring. The
vehicle is 2.6 m wide, 3.7 m high and fitted with a 465-litre fuel tank.
Scania Metrolink HD 53-seater.
This is a 14.5-metre high-capacity 6x2 model featuring 53 semi-sleeper seats (or
57 without calf support). It has the Scania 13-litre 410 hp Euro 3 engine, Scania
Opticruise 8-speed automated gearchanging. The third axle is hydraulically
steered for easy manoeuvring. The vehicle is 2.6 m wide, 3.7 m high and fitted
with a 465-litre fuel tank.
The Scania Metrolink is introduced exclusively for the Indian market at this point. In a
few years’ time, the Scania Metrolink will grow into a global range of complete
vehicles with network support.
Performance and economy
The world-renowned Scania engines that power trucks, buses and other industrial
machinery worldwide have exceptional qualities, delivering high torque from low revs,
brisk acceleration and relaxed performance, combined with excellent fuel economy.
The all-Scania powertrain also features Scania Opticruise automated gearchanging
that supports the driver’s efforts to drive economically. Scania Opticruise has been
continuously refined over many years and is very popular in both trucks and buses. It
provides several major benefits that show clearly on the customer’s bottom line. The
system optimises gearchanging to produce the best possible fuel economy. Smooth
and seamless gearchanges ensure high passenger comfort and reduce wear and
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tear on the powertrain. A major safety benefit is the fact that the driver can
concentrate on the traffic and on passenger comfort. However, the system allows the
driver to intervene at any time to adjust gearchanges by means of a conveniently
located lever on the steering column.
Scania Opticruise is based on a conventional mechanical Scania gearbox that can be
serviced at any Scania workshop. The Scania running gear includes axles and
suspension that combine to provide the coach with outstanding handling and steering
precision.
Scania invests in India
Scania is investing more than SEK 300 million in an industrial facility in Bengaluru.
The Scania Regional Product Centre, India will also be the centre of the company’s
commercial operations in the country. Scania’s ambition is to sell about 2,000 trucks
and 1,000 coaches per year in the Indian market within the next five years.
The facility is being constructed in an industrial area 40 km east of Bengaluru, the
capital of Karnataka state in southern India. Production is expected to start in the first
half of 2013. It is estimated that almost 800 people will be employed at the facility in
the longer term.
The industrial operations will consist of final assembly of trucks with bodywork and
building of complete coaches with bodywork. The head office of Scania’s Indian
company, complete with a service workshop and a central parts warehouse, will be
housed at the same site.
Scania has been represented in the Indian market since 2007, when a partnership
was initiated with Larsen & Toubro (L&T). L&T has successfully established Scania’s
trucks and services and has developed a close partnership with customers in the
mining industry. L&T currently operates about 10 Scania service workshops at
various mining sites in the country.
In 2011, Scania established the company Scania Commercial Vehicles India in order
to boost its presence through sales to additional segments of the Indian commercial
vehicle market. Scania recently launched a new range of road haulage truck models
specially adapted for the Indian market - the R 500 6x4, the G 460 6x4, the P 410
6x2 and the P 360 4x2. The P 410 8x4 mining tipper was added to the range in
December 2012.
For other press material and pictures, please visit www.scania.in/media.
For further information, please contact:
Anders Grundströmer, Executive Director, Head of Scania India Operations,
tel. +46855383126, email anders.grundstromer@scania.com
Krister Thulin, Marketing Director Buses & Coaches, Scania Commercial Vehicles
India, +919900035292, email, krister.thulin@scania.com
p13201en scania metrolink