[julupani]

Originally Posted by Trapezio

@Ashley2

I have briefly traveled on the Divo. I cannot really comment since the ride was too short and the bus was yet to complete its final 'finishing process'. Its doing decently in the north. The one which I traveled on, was part of eight buses which was ordered from Punjab by some operator.

The Divo has got a fancy instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel etc.

I think it deserve to have a good run.

As far as I have heard, its doing pretty decent numbers, though mostly in the north. In fact its probably doing better than the previous Divo. Even if they sell a hundred buses this year, it would be a good start.

Also, I think the Isuzus now will be a good deal cheaper than the new Divos.

The fancy instrument cluster and steering wheel, along with quite a few other things are shared with the Prima trucks. They now have a 285hp engine, compared to 225hp ones in the Isuzu. The Divo have moved much closer, technically to the Volvo and MB 2axle than the previous version.

[Trapezio]

The one I saw, was obviously equipped as per the order. It had two TV screens, a cool box, mobile chargers etc. It had heated ORVMs, auto aircon too.

Now, the bus looks more sophisticated. But I feel that perhaps the 235 hp one was a better balance in terms of performance/efficiency and cost. Now its going head-on against the Volvo needlessly. There is a huge gap underneath.

As Ashley suggested, the least they could have done is to run it in parallel.

[teamveevee]

Originally Posted by julupani

They now have a 285hp engine, compared to 225hp ones in the Isuzu. The Divo have moved much closer, technically to the Volvo and MB 2axle than the previous version.

@julupani, any idea when we could see a TM Multi axle bus? Right now Volvo sells more B9R than B7R, why would TM introduce a competitor to B7R, instead of going head on with B9R?
I think TM is targeting Izuzu not Volvo? Your thoughts?

[julupani]

I think some pics had come up with a Tata RE bus chassis, probably with a 245hp ISBe engine. May be they want to leave that segment to the chassis only. Even Leyland is providing a 230hp bus chassis.

Also, what's the harm in going head to head with Volvo and Merc. Its not needless in anyway. Why should the foreign players have that market to themselves?

I doubt TM is targeting Isuzu. If they were, why would they go in for a bus which is technically so much more advanced than the Swaraj Prestige. In fact I remember the press release saying that they were targetting the premium bus segment. As for a 3axle Divo, it may take a while as Tata will have to develop a chassis for it. Hopefully in year, we can see it. But, I think the cheaper 2axle ones are a better starting model.

[Ashley2]

AC Lynx that AL has just started supplying. This is a 4900mm WB variant.



Image Courtesy:R Subramanian

[silversteed]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

AC Lynx that AL has just started supplying. This is a 4900mm WB variant.

Looks good, better than those non-AC Lynx and Stag buses with a "forehead". The wheel cups look out of place though - black or silver painted wheel rims would look far better.
Is the driver cabin air conditioned?

[julupani]

The wheelcaps look very cheap and out of place. Also wouldnt providing windows that can still open be a good idea???

I am assuming these are the 120hp H4 engines?? BSIII or BSIV??? And what sort of gearboxes do these stags get??

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by julupani

The wheelcaps look very cheap and out of place. Also wouldnt providing windows that can still open be a good idea???

I am assuming these are the 120hp H4 engines?? BSIII or BSIV??? And what sort of gearboxes do these stags get??

Only Starbuses(in 712 avatar I believe) are provided with that kind of opening windows for AC buses.
It was not preferred and so none of the manufacturers are giving that.
I think TM will also omit that.
Wrt, Divo good to see that they are taking some numbers in North.

[julupani]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Only Starbuses(in 712 avatar I believe) are provided with that kind of opening windows for AC buses.
It was not preferred and so none of the manufacturers are giving that.
I think TM will also omit that.
Wrt, Divo good to see that they are taking some numbers in North.

Who are you referring to as the other manfacturers, who provide an AC mini-bus in FBV format??

In fact, this pic is the first I am hearing of a fully built AC Lynx.

[Transsenger]

Is it true that AL has started supplying Panther rear engine chassis with BS4 210HP engine??...any idea!

Meanwhile A/c Lynx FBV was available from 2010 itself, but in 4200mmWB. The 4900mmWB Lynx & Stag are new additions and these are hot selling now in kerala especially tourist segment.

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by julupani

Who are you referring to as the other manfacturers, who provide an AC mini-bus in FBV format??...

SML Executive


swaraz mazda

Originally Posted by Transsenger

Is it true that AL has started supplying Panther rear engine chassis with BS4 210HP engine??...any idea!
...

No Idea Transsenger!

[nbr]

Originally Posted by TheARUN

I managed to snap this snazzy creation while on my way back from work. Its a new DC design. Maybe this is their answer to VOLVO and BENZ. Its built on a regular TATA/LEYLAND chassis and should be their mass-market Coach. I expect it to be priced very close to VOLVO and BENZ Coaches

Found out their website : ChampionCruiser .They rent out these buses. But still wondering ,whats that huge buldge on the front top. Looks sick!!!

[TheARUN]

Brilliant find NBR, that's what I call team work - the hallmark of 'TeamBHP'. It's an awesome concept, you can rent a Bus for 6 people. The bulge if you can trust my keen peering into the photographs is a bed for that quick corporate nap

[julupani]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

SML Executive

swaraz mazda

No Idea Transsenger!

The SML AC mini buses I think are more to cater to small tourist operators or may smaller office bus operations etc. While AL and Tata provide AC buses for a more varied operations, including school/college, staff, contract carriage etc. In my view all these operators would want the option to run the bus with or without the AC. Thus, I think providing non fixed glass even on the AC bus is a good idea.

[ranjithrnath]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

AC Lynx that AL has just started supplying. This is a 4900mm WB variant.

Attachment 583265

Image Courtesy:R Subramanian

Here is another 40 seater [10 row * 4] AL Lynx A+ Non AC School bus that I spotted yesterday at Mavelikkara RTO. The bus came for registration. I guess this one is for some Engineering College.