COACH & BUS ISSUE 29

Issue 29 – AUG/SEP 2017 – $8.95 incl. GST

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BLACK DIAMOND

ADELAIDE'S KANGA COACHES AND ITS LUXURY VOLVO COACH YUTONG'S GOLD COAST FLEET GEELONG'S SCANIA FLEET

SYDNEY'S AUTONOMOUS BUS TRIAL NEW COASTER AND SPRINTER BUS

OPTARE HAS A NEW STRONGER DISTRIBUTOR IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WHICH IS SET TO TAKE THE BRAND TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL Optare welcomes BusCorp Oceania as its official distributor offering our full range of highly efficient and versatile monocoque buses from the versatile 7.9 to 10m Solo midi bus through to the 10.1 to 11.5m Metrocity route bus to the flagship 12.5m Tempo available in a range of powertrains including Mercedes Benz, Cummins and Allison as well as advanced electric models.

Optare is backed by one of the largest automotive groups in the world and brings more than a century of bus knowledge and expertise to the road.

CONTACT GUY PEX, NATIONAL SALES MANAGER • BUS CORP OCEANIA MOBILE: 0477 000 995 • guy.pex@bcoceania.com.au

www.bcoceania.com.au

001 Drivers Seat

PETER BARNWELL WHAT’S THE FUSS ALL ABOUT?

A

utonomous this, autonomous that, it seems to be the latest buzz word and to be frank, I am over it.

If you believe all the reports, we are rushing headlong into an `autonomous‘ or robotised utopian world where the `drudge’ of driving (and work) will be a thing of the past, where we will all be safe in our vehicles all the time because ``The Cloud’’ is taking care of things.

Huh, what a load of bulldust. Who’s paying?

We may see some sort of `autonomy’ but at this point we have companies like Audi crowing about their autonomous car driving at 30kmh for a few kilometres and only in a straight line with a raft of technology enabling the test.

Extrapolate that out to the millions of kilometres of roads potentially being used for autonomous driving and you see the problem.

At the Brisbane Truck Show this year, C&B spoke to an automotive engineer directly involved in autonomous vehicle technology who said he couldn’t see the infrastructure for full autonomous driving being installed because of the cost alone.

He said it may be feasible on some sections of main highway for `platooning’ convoys or in certain urban and city applications but forget about it on B roads.

The timescale mentioned was ``about a decade or more.’’

In other words, it’s a definite maybe at best.

Governments and bureaucracies are in love with the idea because they think it will cut costs apart from potentially saving lives which is admirable.

But what happens when an autonomous car kills someone.

Unfortunately, that’s already happened in the US when a Tesla vehicle crashed killing its movie watching driver and that is still rolling through the courts unresolved.

Volvo is reportedly prepared to indemnify drivers of its autonomous vehicles against potential legal action from a crash but that too is untested and what insurance company in its right mind would be willing to take such a huge risk. It would cost a fortune.

Then, on another tack, there is `jobs’, that hoary old chestnut pollies always trot out when they want some good publicity or want to push something through that may or may not be popular.

Who will have a job if this whole autonomy/ robotics technology thing has legs?

There won’t be any bus or truck drivers, vehicles will autonomously (sorry) swing into a robotised service department for maintenance or repairs done by robots, all financial transactions will be direct over the internet or on by phone, refuelling (whatever the fuel is) will be done autonomously (sorry again) etc etc.

Nobody will be able to buy anything because some machine will be doing their job and won’t require a wage. Problem is

machines don’t pay tax, buy fuel, groceries, houses, insurance, clothing, tools. They buy absolutely nothing.

The knock on effect is obvious... meltdown, and we don’t want that do we?

But the autonomous car movement, (whatever that is) seems determined to push the issue. They think people don’t like driving or they think they know what’s best for everyone.

I’ve heard that one before, too often.

Getting real for a moment, I think the best case scenario in the medium term (10 years) until autonomous vehicles can actually be made and operated economically, is for the continued development of technology that facilitates safety ie. crash avoidance systems, fatigue recognition, substance use detection, passenger protection systems, mobile phone lockouts, and road upgrades along with DRIVER EDUCATION. It will be interesting to watch that’s for sure but I think the latter, which is possibly the most important, will get the least attention.

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Issue 029

CONTENTS CONTACT DETAILS PO Box 7046 Warringah Mall NSW 2100

FEATURES

18

www.truckandbus.net.au admin@truckandbus.net.au Enquiries 02 9938 6408

Publisher Jon Thomson admin@truckandbus.net.au Editor in Chief Peter Barnwell peter@truckandbus.net.au Art Director Fiona Meadows kududesign.com.au Advertising Sales Zara Kilfeather Mob: 0404 883 249 zara@motozedmedia.com.au

Yutong has been around on Australian roads for a few years now and has built a reputation in Australian conditions. editor Peter Barnwell sat down for a chat with Gold Coast based Yutong fleet, Surfers Paradise Coachlines.

24 I WANT IT PAINTED BLACK

The Rolling Stones sang that they wanted it painted black and ever since then celebrities have loved a black limo and for Adelaide based coach operator Kanga, that concept has been taken to the ultimate level with the addition of a very special Volvo Signature Series coach. C&B takes a look at the special ‘Limo’ coach and at the company that has opened up a new market by adding it to the fleet.

Follow us on Twitter #truckandbusnews Follow us on Facebook at Truck and Bus Australia

TOURING PARADISE

32 WE’RE JUST MAD ABOUT McHARRY

Geelong’s McHarry’s Buslines has just added its 100th Scania bringing up 30 years with the Swedish brand, so both Scania and McHarry’s must be doing something right. Editor Barnwell dropped in to find out a bit more about this long established company on the shores of Corio Bay.

38 CHAMPION SPRINTER

Serious competition in the minibus segment has sees a number of manufacturers squabbling over sales and wielding the red pencil on price tags with some seriously good machinery available in the small bus market at some very keen pricing. Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a case in point so Coach & Bus editor Peter Barnwell got behind the wheel for a road test of the Three Pointed Star’s contender in the transfer sector.

48 BRAVE NEW WORLD

It seems you can’t read anything about buses, cars or trucks these days without the topic of autonomous vehicles popping up. The first automated shuttle bus to operate in Sydney has arrived and is currently undergoing testing in the city’s Olympic Park precinct. Editor Barnwell took a a look at this brave new concept and how it works.

54 I DON’T KNOW THE FACE BUT THE NAME RINGS A BELL

Toyota says it’s an update but when you take a closer look, the latest Coaster is pretty much a completely new model, In fact they’ve changed just about everything in some way except the name.

With fierce competition from the likes of Fuso’s Rosa and some of the Chinese the Japanese giant has responded in force as editor Peter Barnwell reports in this road test of the new Coaster.

Contributing Writers Tom Worsley, Allan Whiting, Barry Flanagan, Sven Erik Lindsrand Contributing Photographers Mark Bean, Cristian Brunelli, Jan Glovac

Coach & Bus Magazine is published under licence by Transport Publishing Australia. and is distributed to road transport professionals, fleets, business professionals and the industry throughout Australia.

All material contained herein including text, photography, design elements and format are copyright and cannot be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Grayhaze Pty.Ltd. is a member of the Copyright Agency Limited (1800 066 844).

Editorial contributions are welcome for consideration. Contact the Editor or Publisher for guidelines, fees and level of interest.

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REGULARS

01

DRIVER’S SEAT

Editor Peter Barnwell mulls over change in the industry, whether it’s driverless bus tech or changes even closer to come.

04 UP FRONT We wrap up the key local and international bus and coach news that affects us as a global industry and where we are heading.

64 MONEY

Paul Clitheroe’s latest advice on finances.

KANGA HAS TAKEN THE MUCH LOVED BLACK LIMO WITH DARK WINDOWS TO THE ULTIMATE LEVEL WITH THE ADDITION OF A VERY SPECIAL VOLVO SIGNATURE SERIES COACH

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GOOD GAS ON THE GREEN NOTTINGHAM in the UK is introducing the world’s largest fleet of gas-fuelled double-decker buses. By 2020, the city intends to operate more than 120 biogasfuelled buses.

According to folklore, Nottingham `legend’ Robin Hood clad himself in Lincoln green. That’s a decision he might reconsider today as Nottingham is in the process of introducing the world’s largest fleet of double-deck dedicated gaspowered Scania buses into service.

In terms of their green credentials, these vehicles are set to deliver

enormous benefits to the citizens of Nottingham and beyond.

With a population in greater Nottingham approaching 1.5 million challenges in terms of congestion and pollution have an impact.

Nottingham City Transport is helping to alleviate the problems by pioneering the use of alternative fuels in urban bus operations, the latest incarnation of which is dedicated gas power. A total of

53 Scania double-deck buses will be introduced into service during 2017/18.

“By investing in this fleet of gas-fuelled double-deckers, we are looking to deliver substantial environmental benefits over the coming years,” says Mark Fowles, Managing Director, Nottingham City Transport. “We are expecting significant annual savings in three key areas: carbon dioxide emissions, NOx emissions and

particulate matter reduction.

Independent tests have confirmed an 84 percent ‘well to wheel’ saving when comparing biogas operation to Euro 5 diesel, so we are confident our anticipated returns will be turned into reality.

Nottingham City Transport and the Mayor of Nottingham.

By 2020, Nottingham City Transport intends to have 120-plus biogas-fuelled buses in service out of its heavy fleet of 300 buses.

for the bus and coach industry – Active Brake Assist 4 and Sideguard Assist.

Safety systems like these are normally found on Mercedes-Benz trucks and passenger cars.

Setra say they have made the new bus more aerodynamic than

the model it replaces.

The S 531 DT has a drag coefficient of 0.35 that helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent over the previous model.

The luxury interior can be kept fresh by using an optional fragrance dispensing system, as found

in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class passassenger car, that delivers a “discreet and unobtrusive yet highly pleasing scent”.

No word yet on local availability of this bus as Setra currently only sells buses and coaches in Europe and North America.

GERMAN DEBUT FOR NEW LUXURY DOUBLEDECK BUS A NEW LUXURY doubled decker bus has been launched by Setra called the S 531 DT touring coach.

Germany based Setra bus company is a division of DaimlerAG, with technology filtering through from other arms of the giant automotive business. Setra boasts the new double decker offers supreme comfort and the ultimate in safety.

Safety credentials include a first

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TOOMEY SLIDES INTO SCANIA SALES ROLE THE RETIREMENT of the much admired Roger McCarthy from his role as managing director has triggered the need to appoint more than just a new MD. The multi talented McCarthy also handled the sales portfolio for Scania Australia during his eight years with the company, using his expertise in the sales area to drive that part of the business.

Now with McCarthy’s successor Mikael Jansson coming from a parts and service background the new MD not handle the sales task and the company has announced the appointment of Martin Toomey as the sales director across all divisions – Truck, Bus and Engines.

Toomey comes to Scania with 17 years of industry experience, working for multi-national component suppliers, most recently Eaton for the past six and a half years as general manager for Australia and NZ and prior to that with Knorr Bremse as MD of its China operation and before that as general manager of its Australian Truck operations.

“I am excited to be joining Scania at this stage in the company’s history,” Martin said.

“Over the past few years, Scania’s rise under Roger McCarthy’s leadership has been resolute and admirable.

“Scania is evolving its hardware

and software products and services into a new paradigm, whereby we will increasingly play the role of an insightful business partner to our customers, offering them solutions tailored to their exact needs.

“We will be looking to bring many more customers to the Scania family, as well as to expand the scope of our offer to our existing customers, in order to facilitate their success.

“Given the high degree of localisation we are able to add to specialist applications for customers, Scania Australia could become the global benchmark within the company

for specialised and high productivity vehicle solutions.

“The lessons we learn in this market, given our arduous operating and far-reaching compliance environment, can benefit other markets in the Scania world,” he said.

Martin Toomey has some big shoes to as he moves into his new role but the Swedish maker will carry a lot of momentum into the future and so long as the same strategies are applied Scania should continue its success down under, particularly with bus, where its sales rank it as the fifth best performing market globally for Scania.

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BOOM TIMES AHEAD FOR HYBRID AND ELECTRIC BUSES? Te s la n ot s o s u re ….

Not surprisingly, cities choking around the world are looking at ways of reducing air and noise pollution.

A partial solution would seem to be the broader adoption of electric and hybrid buses.

Across the globe, there have been some big electric/hybrid bus orders recently including a shift towards the technology from some of China’s biggest cities.

A recent report is predicting the switch to electric and hybrid buses will gain momentum sooner rather than later.

In pure number terms, the report suggests US$500 billion spent on

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the technology in the near future The ID Tech Ex Research Report Electric Buses 2018-2038 predicts 15 manufacturers that look set to benefit the most from the growing demand for cleaner public transport, including Tesla though that particular company is having difficulties funding its expanding operations without incurring huge debt.

The report predicts a lot of growth will come among smaller electric/hybrid buses, many of which will have autonomous driving capabilities.

Smaller buses have the flexibility to operate multiple tasks –

reducing the need for cars, taxis and larger buses.

Electric and hybrid powertrains look to be the future for school buses as well as other applications such as route buses and inter urban passenger transports.

The report says switching to electric school buses would prevent pollution deaths and help save operators money.

Regarding the Tesla Bus, Telsa founder Elon Musk recently said he wasn’t sure the electric vehicle company would push ahead with his electric bus plans but that’s probably due to the large capital

required by expanding Tesla passenger car production “I don’t know if the bus thing really makes sense in the shared fully autonomous environment,” Musk said.

“If it costs less than a bus ticket to make use of a shared autonomy fleet to go wherever you want, point to point, well why don’t you just use that? So I don’t know.”

Instead of buses, Musk believes tunnels could be the answer to alleviating traffic issues in cities.

Only thing is, in Australia at least, the use of tunnels associated with toll roads is becoming prohibitively expensive.

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IVECO’S NOT SO MINI BUS NETWORK

IVECO HAS ANNOUNCED a 26 strong dealer network for the soon to be released Daily Minibus.

The Daily bus is set to go on sale in the final quarter and will have a range of three models and two seating capacities – 11 plus driver and 16 plus driver.

With 10 dealers in Queensland, four in NSW, five in Victoria, three in SA and four in WA, Iveco bus manager ANZ, Steve Heanes says the network provides strong coverage for the Daily Minibus across most areas of Australia.

“All Daily Minibus Dealerships appointed to date are either existing Iveco full line or light duty Dealerships – this provides us with 008 www.truckandbus.net.au

over 25 outlets across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia,” Heanes said.

“The Daily Minibus uses the same underpinnings as the Daily van and cab chassis ranges, meaning that these Dealerships will be well versed in diagnosing, servicing and supporting the Daily Minibus range when it arrives.”

Heanes said this was the first time Dealerships had been appointed to sell Iveco Bus models, but given the retail nature of the minibus market, it was a logical decision to utilise the Iveco Network.

“Buyer demographics for the

Daily Minibus are quite diverse – we envisage that these vehicles will enter service in applications including airport and hotel shuttle work and related, as well as for medical-based applications including patient transport,” he said.

“The platform is flexible and provides for straight forward fitment of lifts and wheelchair access equipment for use in disabled transport and for aged care facilities.”

These features are complemented by a wide array of active and passive safety equipment including front and rear disc brakes with ABS and

Electronic Stability Program.

Iveco’s ‘ESP9’ safety package is also standard and includes a myriad of other safety features such as Electronic Brake force Distribution, Anti-slip Regulator, Drag Torque Control, Hill Hold Control, Adaptive Load Control, Trailer Sway Mitigation, Hydraulic rear Wheel Boost, Hydraulic Fading Compensation, Roll Movement Intervention and Roll Over Mitigation.

Further adding to the safety equation is a driver’s airbag, Daytime Running Lights, a steering wheel with integrated controls, pneumatic suspension and a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system.

we’ll keep you going year after year after year after year after year. fuso. all day.

YEAR

warranty

5

fuso.com.au

Fuso offers a 5 year warranty as standard on every new truck and Rosa bus. So you can be confident your business will stay on the move, all day. And unlike some others, ours is a genuine manufacturer’s warranty, which means you’re guaranteed genuine Fuso parts and service from an authorised Fuso dealer.

Contact your Fuso dealer or visit fuso.com.au Warranty terms and conditions apply. See an authorised Fuso dealer or our warranty policy at www.fuso.com.au/service for full details.

BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL GOES EURO BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL (BCC) is committed to a clean, low carbon public transport network, a plan that’s recently been assisted by the deployment of four Volgren built Euro 6 buses.

The new Volgrens operate across standard bus services in Brisbane.

They are the 12.5-metre long Volgren Optimus models built on Volvo’s B8RLE chassis with its low-emission Euro 6 engine.

It’s the new chassis that marries up nicely to Volgren’s highly regarded Optimus, launched in 2013 with all the advantages of the Co-Bolt aluminium body.

The early introduction of the Volgren bodied B8RLE Euro 6 buses gives BCC the opportunity to evaluate the performance of the new vehicles against their current Euro 5 fleet.

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Manager of Engineering and Asset Management Branch at BCCl, Karl Hain said the council operates around 1200 buses with almost half running on compressed natural gas as well as all-new buses powered by the latest high-efficiency, EEV diesel engine technology.

“Brisbane City Council is committed to the city being clean, green and sustainable. Two key areas where this can be achieved is by providing clean air and lowering carbon emissions,” Mr Hain said.

“The introduction of a Euro 6 engine helps BCC achieve these outcomes as the Euro 6 engine reduces emissions by 80 per cent for NOx, 66 per cent for particulate matter and 70 per cent for hydrocarbons compared

to the current legislated Euro 5 standard.”

Mr Hain said bus operators at BCC’s Virginia depot have already reported improved performance of the Euro 6 compared to the previous Euro 5 EEV model.

“Bus operators have indicated a clear preference for the Euro 6 with smoother delivery of power and a quieter engine than the previous generation EEV. All indicators suggest that the new vehicles have made a positive impact for the environment, our operators and importantly, our passengers,” Mr Hain said.

Mr Hain added that the joint venture with locally based Volgren, supported Council’s primary responsibility to ensure value for money for Brisbane rate-payers while providing local OEM and

after sales support.

Jim Jones, Volgren’s Commercial Manager said delivery of the Volgren built buses represents an important milestone in a partnership that spans more than 15 years.

“The introduction of the Euro 6’s across the network contributes to Brisbane being recognised as 100 per cent carbon neutral.

The Transport for Brisbane team has shown great leadership by investing in the latest technology to deliver lasting environmental outcomes and a commitment to improving driver and customer experience,” Mr Jones said.

He said Volgren Queensland employs more than 40 people, building 60 buses a year with capacity to significantly increase both headcount and buses built.

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All Scania buses come with ABS/EBS as standard equipment with the option of Electronic Stability Control. Coupled with customised driver training and integrated fleet management system, Scania sets new standards for operating economy, driveability, handling and reliability.

Features include:• High quality body and interior • 295/80R22.5 tyres • Available in 310hp • Built-in retarder • Choice of six-speed automatic transmission or eight-speed two pedal Opticruise.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SCANIA-HIGER A30 CONTACT:QLD Brian Thompson: 0418 531 632 WA Dean Cash: 0478 310 518

NSW Rob Lanteri: 0478 317 177 Warren Young: 0411 768 027

VIC / SA / TAS Dean Cash: 0478 310 518 Jamie Atkinson: 0408 059 501

PONCHO HITS THE ROAD NEARLY FOUR YEARS after it was first unveiled at the 2013 Bus and Coach Show, the first Hino Poncho has hit the streets of Holmview, a suburb of Logan City in Queensland.

Australia is the first market outside of Japan to get the mini Hino bus making the joint venture between Clark’s Buses and the Queensland Government’s public transport arm, TransLink, the only international customer to daye.

“Australia is the first overseas market for the Hino Poncho bus, meaning Holmview locals will be the first in the world outside Japan to realise its benefits including the remarkably quick wheelchair boarding, which takes less than a minute,” said Bill Gillespie, Hino’s, general manager of brand and franchise development at Hino Australia.

According to Gillespie, the Poncho’s future is bright as more transport operators will have to step up to comply with more stringent disability legislation over the coming years.

“Hino is pleased to work with TransLink and Clark’s Buses on this community transport solution for Holmview, and we congratulate them on their foresight in selecting a bus that is already compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which will come into full effect in 2022,” Gillespie said.

“Measuring under seven metres in length and featuring a tight turning radius, the Hino Poncho bus is the perfect solution for community transport, like the narrow streets of the Holmview estate,” he said.

Deputy director general at Translink, Matt Longland says the Poncho is a perfect addition to the network.

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“TransLink is proud to be leading the way by introducing smart solutions onto the public transport network. The Poncho’s innovative design, with its wheelchair friendly access and smaller size, is perfect for the Holmview route and we are really excited to see it in action,” Longland said.

“The new Holmview route served by the Poncho opens up more opportunities for locals to access jobs or health and education services as well as making it easier to take a trip to the shops.”

Graham Davis, CEO of Clark’s Buses said Poncho’s specifications were perfect for the Holmview route and he was impressed with its design and eye-catching appeal.

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Hino Australia, a partnership that now spans 38 years,” Davis said.

The Hino Poncho bus is a long-term solution for community transport in Australia: “We have been working with Hino Japan for several years to identify and introduce the right bus for the community transport market – in addition to its public transport potential, it provides an affordable, flexible option for organisations like aged care providers, schools and universities,” said Gillespie.

“There really isn’t another bus like it in the Australian market – this particular bus has a DDA-compliant 18-seat saloon layout including wheelchair provision plus standees.

“With high levels of safety and a Hino/JBus designed and built driveline, the Hino Poncho also delivers on our QDR (Quality, Durability and Reliability) promise.”

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VOLGREN’S CO-BOLT ALLIANCE PARTNER, HESS RECEIVES LARGESCALE ORDER FROM FRANCE THE FRENCH metropolis of Nantes has ordered an electric bus system worth approximately 31 million Euros from the vehicle manufacturer HESS. With this investment the passenger capacity per bus will be increased by 35%.

By electrifying the existing gas bus line, residents benefit from significantly less noise and the environment from absent CO2 and exhaust emissions. A substantial subcontract goes to ABB. The HESS E-bus-system consists of 20 double-articulated buses and fast-charging stations along the line. The bus line connects the historical centre

of Nantes with the municipalities situated south of the Loire River.

Thanks to two steered axles, the 24.5m long vehicle has the same manoeuvrability as conventional articulated buses. The aluminium bus body has a modular design and is already in use as trolley or hybrid bus in Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, St Gall and Luxemburg.

The fast-charging stations and the associated facilities are provided by ABB. During the time passengers enter and leave the vehicle on selected bus stops, the vehicle will be

supplied with sufficient energy for drive and air conditioning systems in only 20 seconds. Similar systems for articulated buses are being implemented in Geneva and Bern.

HESS was founded in 1882 outside the historic town of Solothurn by Heinrich Hess. HESS has been producing electric drive buses since 1940 and today has a unique level of global know-how in this sector, developed from over 65 years of

E-bus-system experience. The HESS group currently employs 400 people at its headquarters in Bellach and its different subsidiaries, including about 30 apprentices.

Hess and Volgren’s partnership spans nearly 40 years with the two leading manufacturers first coming together in 1979. The alliance delivered Volgren’s groundbreaking CO-BOLT technology and gives Volgren access to worldleading technology.

SA IN AUTONOMOUS RACE AS WELL THE SA GOVERNMENT has also struck a deal with driverless vehicle company Navya to establish an Asia-Pacific manufacturing facility in Adelaide.

The deal was struck in Paris between SA Premier Jay Weatherill and Navya CEO Christophe Sapet.

Navya says it is attracted by

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South Australia’s carbon neutral and renewable energy focus.

The French firm currently has manufacturing operations in Lyon, France and Detroit, Michigan.

A plant in Adelaide will secure operations in Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

Navya’s ARMA shuttles are

electric, 100 per cent driverless and can carry up to 15 people.

Navya CEO Christophe Sapet says the move into Australia is a key part of its growth strategy and that is delighted to have been able to lay the groundwork of a partnership agreement with the Government of South Australia.

South Australia hosted the first demonstration of an AEV on Australian soil in 2015 and has led the nation in autonomous electric vehicles since.

South Australia became the first Australian state to permit driverless vehicle testing on Australian roads passing legislation in early 2016.

BLUETOOTH HEAD SETS PROVIDE PRIVACY FOR BUS DRIVERS

THE NEW FANGLED WORLD of always on mobile communications and the need to answer calls, listen to directions from mobile navigation apps and ensure the comfort of passengers has made a bus driver’s jobs just a little more complex in recent years.

Enter Adaptions with its VXi BlueParrott Bluetooth headsets specifically designed for professional drivers offering more, clarity, comfort and convenience than ear buds or other Bluetooth devices Adaptions VXi BlueParrott range features advanced noise-cancelling microphones and HD voice along with long wireless range and Class 1 Bluetooth as well with 24 hour battery life.

As Australian distributor for the VXi headsets for professional drivers, Adaptions says the headset range allows you to enjoy extended comfort and convenience with large earcups and customizable Parrott Button controls as well as plenty of back up and support from a locally based company.

The VXi range features advanced noise-cancelling microphones which Adaptions says eliminates up to 96 per cent of ambient noise while also featuring HD Voice which makes your speech easier to hear and understand on the other end.

Its Class 1 Bluetooth delivers extended range enabling the driver to roam up to 100metres from paired devices, so you can answer calls and make calls while loading the bus or standing at the kerb while passengers are alighting or boarding.

NFC slows you to easily pair your phone or other Bluetooth device as well as streaming music or GPS instructions.

The four model headset line up from Adaptions ranges in price from $199 up to $299 and you can see every model and all the features as well as being able to purchase them on line from Adaptions website at www.adaptions.com.au

BENZ’ ON DEMAND

IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED that ten MercedesBenz Sprinter Transfer Minibuses will be used as part of an on-demand public transport trial in New South Wales.

The new on-demand ride service which will launch later this year will be called Transdev Link and will be operated by Transdev in partnership with Transport for NSW,.

The service will offer commuters a flexible door-to-door transport solution to get to and from major activity hubs such as bus and train stations, with the ability to book online, by phone or via an app.

The Sprinter Transfer Minibuses will feature WiFi, USB points for charging mobile devices, electric sliding doors and privacy glass. Some will also be fitted with wheel chair lifts.

“Driving change and innovating to improve the convenience and comfort of public transport has the potential to positively impact so many people’s lives,” Mercedes-Benz Vans managing director Diane Tarr says. “It’s a fantastic initiative by both Transdev and the New South Wales Government and we are very pleased to be a part of it.”

All pilots in this trial will provide a standalone service that will not affect any existing local bus services. Each trial will have its own pricing scheme ranging from $1.30 to $3.10 for a standard trip.

Areas included in the first roll out of on demand trials will be in Sydney’s Manly Warringah, Eastern Suburbs, and the Sutherland Shire.

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OPTARE SNARES MAJOR NZ BUS CONTRACT UK BASED bus manufacturer, Optare has marked its recent rebirth in the Australian and New Zealand market with the announcement by distributor, Bus Corp Oceania, of a major order for more than 100 buses to service the Greater Wellington region in New Zealand.

The order of 114 Optare Metrocity buses, worth more than $NZ40 million ($AUD36 million) for leading New Zealand bus operator Tranzit Coaches, will see the buses deployed throughout the Greater Wellington region from the capital all the way to Palmerston North.

The first of the Optare Metrocity buses is due to be delivered and on the roads in New Zealand in March 2018 with the entire 114 bus order set to be fulfilled by June 2018.

The order is Optare’s biggest ever single export order and increases the brand’s already healthy order bank for Australian and New Zealand.

The 114 bus order is for Euro 6 spec Optare Metrocity buses which were chosen by Tranzit Coaches for their low tare weight as well as their ability to generate significant tax and fuel savings and the overall low cost of operation and deployment.

According to Jason Pecotic, general manager of Bus Corp Oceania, the Optare distributor for Australian and New Zealand, the low tare weight from the monocoque construction meant the Metrocity offers 30 per cent more seating capacity while still fitting within New Zealand’s 12 tonne GVM tax bracket.

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“Optare’s monocoque design saves around 900kg in weight, meaning it generates more payload while saving the operator money,” said Jason Pecotic.

“In this case we estimate that the Metrocity will deliver savings of around $4000 per bus per year for Tranzit before taking into account double digit savings in fuel consumption and operating costs,” he added.

The order will see a mix of 10.1 metre and 10.8 metre Optare Metrocity deployed on a wide range of routes including city, suburban and semi rural operations.

The Euro 6 spec Optares use a latest technology Mercedes Benz driveline ensuring the highest levels.

Tranzit Coachlines has operated for more than 90 years and is New Zealand’s largest family-owned coach company and currently operates a fleet of more than of 1000 buses.

BCO has also announced it has appointed Trucks & Trailers NZ as the service dealer and parts distributor for Optare buses in New Zealand.

“With Optare’s Euro VI buses running Mercedes Benz drivelines, particularly this large new order for Tranzit, it was vital that we ensure the correct back up and after sales support for our bus customers across New Zealand and Trucks & Trailers is the perfect fit as our partner in New Zealand,” said Jason Pecotic.

OPTARE DISTRIBUTOR ANNOUNCES KEY AFTER SALES APPOINTMENT BUS CORP OCEANIA, the newly appointed distributor of Optare buses for Australia and New Zealand has announced the appointment of Ross Thompson as after sales manager.

Ross Thompson comes to the role after 13 years with Volgren, where he fulfilled a number of roles, most recently as national after sales manager, responsible for all Volgren and Marcopolo after sales issues as well as managing the company’s Victorian workshop and parts facility.

In announcing the appointment, BCO general manager Jason Pecotic said the addition of Ross Thompson to the Optare team ensures the company will be able to deliver the best levels of

aftersales service and response to customer service requirements.

“Ross has an exceptional reputation in the bus industry and the knowledge and expertise which he has gained working with major fleets around the country and in overseas markets will be invaluable as Optare builds its market presence in Australia and New Zealand,” said Jason Pecotic.

“At BCO we have identified after sales service as the cornerstone for our Optare bus operations in Australia and New Zealand and Ross Thompson will spearhead that strategy,” he added.

Ross Thompson is a qualified diesel mechanic and completed his training in the Australian Army.

After leaving the Army he spent 15

years at a truck and trailer repair workshop rising from mechanic to field service, then in to service reception and then service manager.

He began with Volgren in 2004, managing its Dandenong service centre before moving to the role of technical manager for its Marcopolo brand which included quality inspections on vehicles as they came off the line in China.

Before leaving Volgren to join BCO and Optare, Ross held the role of national manager – after sales.

Ross will be part of the BCO and Optare team at the upcoming Australian Bus and Coach Show at the Gold Coast on 25-26 September.

HYDROGEN COMING TO SA THE SA GOVERNMENT has called for tenders to supply at least six hydrogen cell buses for the Adelaide Metro fleet along with supporting production and refuelling infrastructure .

‘Hydrogen Roadmap’ has been designed to accelerate investment in hydrogen infrastructure and technologies in SA. “Within two years, commuters in Adelaide will be able to ride on the first of a fleet of hydrogen-powered buses using locally-produced fuel,” Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis says.

“Within three years, South Australia will have the capacity to export its first hydrogen supplies produced using our renewable energy assets. “Within a decade South Australian motorists should be able to drive from Ceduna to Mt Gambier in a hydrogen-fuelled vehicle topping up at a state-wide network of refuelling stations.

Hydrogen offers an opportunity to create a new industry in South

Australia where we can export our sun and wind resources to the world, according to Koutsantonis.

“If we move now; South Australia can lead the nation in the transition to a clean, safe and sustainable hydrogen economy.”

Toyota director of hydrogen mobility Australia Bernie O’Connor says that with Australia’s abundance of sun, wind and hydro; we are ideally placed to transition away from a reliance on finite fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“Hydrogen will play a key role as a source for stationary, distributed and transportation power generation,” he says.

“Our long-term vision is a future hydrogen economy and society built upon clean and renewable energy technologies.”

Submissions for the supply of the six hydrogen cell buses can be made via the SA Tenders website and close on October 9.

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Operator

Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong has been around on Australian roads for a few years now and has built a reputation as a cost effective and reliable bus that copes with Australian conditions. Coach & Bus editor Peter Barnwell sat down for a chat with Gold Coast based coach company, Surfers Paradise Coachlines, a fleet that has embraced Yutong and is a strong advocate for the Chinese brand.

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T

he Gold Coast is the epicentre of Australian tourism and conventions with a huge influx of holidaymakers and delegates arriving on the sunny beach side strip each year. Coaches play a vital role in servicing that marke4t, ensuring all of those people are transported around the region and to and from the airports either at Coolangatta or the Brisbane international airport.

One such coach operator fulfilling that demand is Surfers Paradise Coaches ``While the wheels go around, we turn a profit,’’ says Allan Russell of Surfers Paradise Coaches, which has been operating on the Gold coast for more than 20 years.

Surfers Paradise Coachlines is a charter company with a lot of good things to say about Chinese manufacturer, Yutong.

Allan’s first exposure to the Chinese brand was two years ago when he bought a 50 seater for general charter work. ``We compared the Yutong with some other Chinese brands and overall, it offered better value for money and the added benefit of a Cummins/Allison power train.’’ ``After two years, our decision was vindicated because the bus has had zero breakdowns and only received regular scheduled servicing,’’ Mr Russell said.

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``It has turned out to be just a solid, quality unit that does the job reliably and with impressive fuel economy,’’ Mr Russell said.

Surfers Paradise Coaches has subsequently purchased two more Yutongs, another 50-seater and a 27-seat midi bus specifically for the tourist day trip market. ``We went for the smaller Yutong instead of a Coaster or Rosa and the 27 seater compares extremely favourably and our experience is that the Yutong’s aftersales service is second to none,’’ Mr Russell said.

Surfers Paradise Coaches is set to buy another Yutong when the HiLine model is launched later this year because, as Allan Russell says ``We wouldn’t have a second or third dig if we weren’t happy.’’’

Surfers Paradise Coaches was started back in the early ‘90s by bus stalwart Don Phelan and has grown into a robust charter business with 19 buses ranging in size from small to large. The company employs about 45 people including some 30 drivers along with multi-lingual guides to cater for the international group tourism market.

Don says they very quickly realised the need for guides fluent in Chinese and Japanese to satisfy customer needs. ``We do a lot of charter work including the international stuff but also lots of school

charters so we need a variety of buses to suit various applications,’’ he said To that end Surfers Paradise Coaches utilises a number of buses including some from BLK and Autobus along with Toyota Coaster and Commuter models and the Mitsubishi (Fuso) Rosa. ``A while back the Chinese came along and we decided to mix the model line-up and see how they stacked up,’’ Mr Phelan said. ``We liked Yutongs from the outset and found them to be `a good product’ that give reliable and economical service.’’ ``They are on the money for service costs as well as purchase price which is comparable with other brands.’’ ``With the Cummins/Allison powertrain there’s some parts commonality with other brands that helps us control running costs.’’

The arrival of Chinese buses in Australia coincided with a downturn in the second hand bus market that has had a knock-on effect through the industry.

But as Don Phelan says, ``Why would you buy second hand when you can buy a new Chinese bus as good as these Yutongs.’’ ``We used to recondition our buses and string them out to 25 years but now there’s no point.’’

Surfers Paradise Coaches is set to buy

“It has turned out to be just a solid, quality unit that does the job reliably and with impressive fuel economy�

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Yutong has set up the only centre in the world specializing in the experimental study of buses and coaches another Yutong when the HiLine model comes out soon because, as Don Phelan says ``We wouldn’t have a second or third dig if we weren’t happy.’’’

You can’t argue with that.

Yutong buses have been offered to the Australian market since 2012 and have proven a popular choice with many customers including the education sector and charter operators.

Starting out in the hands of a private importer’s, Yutong head office took over the reins and established a factory owned distribution office based in Sydney.

Yutong’s Australian product offering includes three models with the 27 seat, 39 seat and 53-57 seat configurations.

This represents just a small proportion of the number of models made by the giant Chinese manufacturer who cranked out some 77,000 buses last year.

According to Allan Russell apart from the strong after sales service and reliability the brand’s price competitiveness alongside similar spec buses on the market.

“It seems to me that they pride themselves on offering value and service which has won over plenty of customers in the past few years, including us,” said Allan.

“I believe that the fact that all the Yutongs roll off the boat completely built up and fitted out is a great advantage as buyers

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only have to wait a week for the pre-delivery service before driving their new bus out the dealership doors,” he added.

“With other manufacturers there are long lead times for the products or in the case of locally built bus bodies there are often months waiting for the manufacturing process to be completed,” he said.

“Sure it yields super high quality buses but they come at a cost and in a competitive and hard fought market you have to gain every advantage you can.’

Yutong takes pains to distance itself from other Chinese buses some of which are not held in high regard here.

In fact, one or two have only this month decided to depart these shores leaving the turf to fully players like Yutong.

Yutong buses utilise quality component suppliers with Cummins engines and US made transmissions from Allison to name just two.

Its clear that Yutong benefits in terms of reliability reputation given these key components which rates highly within the industry and have helped the Chinese maker open more doors than it might have.

Aiding this are the advanced manufacturing techniques used at Yutong where extensive R&D is carried out according to the market the bus is being sold in.

Yutong has set up the only centre in the world specializing in the experimental study of buses and coaches. Additionally, Yutong has the world’s leading cathodic electrocoating lines designed for whole vehicles including chassis.

Strict raw material quality control is applied at the source along with quality control monitoring during the entire manufacturing process.

They spend four per cent of the company’s annual turnover to research state-of-the-art technologies for buses.

In safety terms Yutong has, for example, conducted rollover tests many times with the tilt angle reaching 42 degrees. The deformation after rolling was very small and the bus could still run after the rollover test.

It has met the European standards, which not only provides a safety guarantee for the operator, but puts passenger’s minds at rest Yutong is fully committed to so called new energy buses, and to that end has developed a number of hybrid and electric models, including China’s first electric sightseeing bus and 18-metre hybrid city bus. Up to now, Yutong has launched a series of 10m -18m hybrid city buses and 7m-14m electric city buses. In addition, Yutong also has practical operational experience in more than ten different cities with a total mileage of over 25.68 million km.

The Connected Vehicle Revolution TomTom BRIDGE: Developing fully connected vehicles with Caltex Telematics Traffilog, Caltex Telematics technology partner has created a public transport solution to meet the demands of a global client base, including many of the world’s largest passenger transport fleets and manufacturers.

Available now in Australia, Caltex’s Telematics technology, combined with TomTom BRIDGE, delivers a truly end-to-end solution between authorities, dispatchers, drivers and passengers. This unique platform enables improved communication and planning, offering more reliable and safer services to passengers. The solution includes: • • •

Messaging directly from the app Vehicle Inspection reports Driver performance reports

The need for a single platform to control and support driver and company needs, became evident as a result of years of telematics experience within multiple market sectors – logistics, bus and coach, utilities, construction, leasing and rental.

Traffilog’s challenge was to develop this single platform, aimed at creating better communication between drivers, controllers and vehicles, thus streamlining communications and enhancing the fleet’s efficiency.

The Caltex Telematics and TomTom BRIDGE solution provides monitoring of not only driver performance and efficiency, but also vehicle safety. When combined with real-time engine diagnostics, driver mechanical behaviour and predictive maintenance, every facet of running an efficient and cost effective fleet is covered, providing increased passenger comfort at reduced operational costs.

The solution •

• •

•

The on-board system connects drivers with their vehicle and their environment – providing them with real time alerts from the vehicle, driving performance reports, and communication with the company HQ or service centres.

The system acts as a paperless report centre for vehicle checks and other required reports.

The ‘Points of Interest’ function is loaded with predefined important locations such as company Offices, depots and customer sites, for easy instant navigation.

The results •

• •

Companies are able to significantly improve compliance, while reducing the operational demands of outdated paper-based systems.

Fuel improvements of more than 10% are typical through improved driver performance.

By including vehicle health, predictive maintenance and mechanical diagnostic within the same solution, even greater savings are obtained.

“The Traffilog solution developed for TomTom BRIDGE is now available in Australia through Caltex Telematics. This is the beginning of a revolution for in-vehicle technology. For the first time in Australia, drivers are at the centre of telematics technology, freeing up their time for other duties” - Jacques Lepron, Caltex Telematics Manager

Find out what Caltex Telematics could do for your business today.

Call 1300 624 106 or visit caltextelematics.com.au

POWERED BY

BRIDGE

Coverstory

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The Rolling Stones sang that they wanted it painted black back in the 1960s and ever since then celebrities have loved a black limo with dark windows and for Adelaide based coach operator Kanga, that concept has been taken to the ultimate level with the addition of a very special Volvo Signature Series coach. C&B takes a look at the special ‘Limo’ coach and at the company that has opened up a new market by adding it to the fleet.

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I

n the 1989 Hollywood block blockbuster, Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner hears in a dream one night “build it and they will come”. In a similar vein Adelaide based coach operator Kanga Coachlines has built a super luxury long distance Volvo coach and in so doing it has attracted a whole new clientele and is now catering to the selective tastes of political dignitaries, elite sporting teams, high-end corporate clients and celebrities.

Kanga Coachlines’ Signature Series Volvo B11R three-axle coach has become the company’s flagship and is one of the most modern of its kind in Australia.

Finished in an exclusive high gloss black with near opaque ‘black as night’ window tinting, the Coach Concepts body design has given the coach a big black limousine look and the celebrity cool that comes with it for the Kanga Coachlines fleet. Amongst the celebrities and sporting teams that include the Signature Series Volvo as a favourite are the Adelaide Crows, the team which has dominated the AFL home and away games this year and head into the Finals as clear favourites for the flag.

Kanga Coachlines has been around for more than 30 years and is vastly experienced at transporting customers around South Australia and beyond. The company boasts one of the newest and safest fleets in the country with more than 45 buses and coaches in its fleet.

CEO of Kanga Julian Roeager has pushed the luxury end of the market with the new Signature Volvo and believes that Kanga has reaped benefits from having the most luxurious, uber cool Limo style coach in the city of Churches.

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“I wanted to continue to push the limits within the bus and tourism industry. I wanted to do something which was more exciting and innovative than what is usually out there in the market. It’s pioneering, I was confident it would work and give passengers an amazing experience and I am being proved right in that regard,” explained Julian Roeger.

“The Volvo really caters to high-end touring, global celebrity visits, sporting teams and corporate partners who need transport in Adelaide for big events, work conferences and the like, but also we cater for Adelaide based customers wanting to travel interstate in comfort, safety and style,” he added.

Seating capacity and floor space adjustability means the internal layout can be customised to suit all needs – just a few seats and loads of room to walk around, or up to 46 sumptuous plush leather low-slung Styleride seats and plenty of legroom still for even the longest intrastate or interstate journeys.

Even better, if you are a coffee lover, foodie or just celebrating a special event then the convenient kitchenette at the rear will delight aficionados with first-class facilities – highlighted by natural sunlight through the sleek glass roof above.

“We love the reliability and the strong global brand that is Volvo. We chose Volvo because it was about everything that goes on behind the scenes, like the support.

Volvo is a family - it’s knowing that I have friends and such support behind me that counts,” Roeger said.

Julian says that his drivers and operators love the handling and efficiency of the Volvo B11R three-axle chassis and Volvo’s I-Shift 12-speed A/MT gearbox. The I-Shift transmission is able to be supplied with or without a compact retarder and can be programmed with different shift packages that optimise the bus for individual applications.

The Kanga Signature is fitted with Volvo’s 11-litre in-line turbo intercooled six-cylinder D11C engine, which puts out 450hp(332kW) @1600-1900rpm and 2150Nm@9501400rpm. Julian reckons this makes it ideal

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“Volvo’s renowned road behaviour and driveability allow the driver to stay alert and focused”

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for tackling the various inclines and hills in SA’s wine regions, or coasting effortlessly down country highway stretches.

The I-Shift transmission is smart, innovative and adaptive to all terrains and conditions.

It allows you to choose between fully automatic gear-changes or manual selection, and has a performance mode with a kickdown function that utilises the engine’s capacity to the maximum, making it a pleasure for drivers to operate.

A range of power ratings and alternative suspensions provide flexibility and combine technical quality with passenger comfort and lifecycle productivity. Volvo’s modern powerful engines, fuel efficiency and environmental care, add sustainability

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to the B11R package.

Volvo’s renowned road behaviour and driveability allow the driver to stay alert and focused. Bus operators – and passengers – will benefit from this, and from Volvo’s top position in reliability and safety.

So just how will Kanga Coachlines spread the word about its exclusive Signature Series black coach?

“We want to take the coach to do personal visits. I believe that photos or images do not do this vehicle justice – it needs to be seen to be believed, so keep a lookout for our Signature Series coach on an Adelaide road near you soon.”

Certainly as the preferred supplier for the newly crowned minor premiers of the AFl,

the Adelaide Crows, Kanga’s flash limo will have a prominent presence around the Adelaide Oval in the next few months.

The striking black Limo coach will be a sight on the roads and streets of the city of churches and is already starting to make an impression. It is this sort of initiative that takes coach travel out of the mundane realm into a special category and we have to salute Kanga Coach lines for its vision in adding such a vehicle to its already well established fleet and for Volvo for supplying the vehicle.

With its silky smooth driveline, brilliantly smooth and easy ride and fantastic fit out The Kanga Volvo will we believe live up to that line from Field of Dreams, they have built it and the customers will be coming.

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Operator

WE’RE JUST MAD ABOUT MCHARRY 032 www.truckandbus.net.au

Geelong’s McHarry’s Buslines has just added its 100th Scania bringing up 30 years with the Swedish brand, so both Scania and McHarry’s must be doing something right. Editor Barnwell dropped in to find out a bit more about this long established company on the shores of Corio Bay.

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W

ay back in 1932 John McHarry was employed as a coach-building contractor at the Ford Motor Company’s

famous Geelong plant. McHarry transported his team to the Ford plant each day in the

back of his truck and it wasn’t long before

he was inundated with requests from other Ford workers for a ride to work. That was the beginning of what has grown to be McHarry’s Buslines, with a fleet of 197

buses operating around 100 government route services and more than 70 private

and government school routes. From its base, which is still in Geelong, where its founder kicked things off 85 years ago

McHarry’s runs school bus services as far as Altona in suburban Melbourne.

These days McHarry’s is a large-scale

business that is part of the fabric of

everyday life for residents of Geelong and its surrounding areas.

Of the 197 buses on the McHarry’s

Buslines fleet, 100 of the vehicles are

Scanias, which the company has been

buying since 1986. Back then McHarry’s

bought its first Scania, an 11.0-litre, 305hp Scania K 112. The fact that this bus is still in working order and earning its keep

probably only underlines why McHarry’s has been so loyal to the Swedish brand

1

That first Scania was on hand recently

2

over the past 31 years.

when the company took delivery of its

100 Scania, a new K 310 IB 4x2 Express

Coaches-bodied school and charter bus,

acquired as part of a fleet upgrade program.

Company chairman, John McHarry and his

son and executive director, Ash McHarry, as

well as company secretary Greg Graham and fleet manager John Van Lith commissioned the new vehicle into McHarry’s fleet.

The handover was a big day for McHarry’s

and Scania and also attracted a big

contingent of representatives from the

Swedish bus maker, including national

bus sales manager, Julian Gurney, general manager - vehicle sales support, Trevor O’Brien, Victorian sales manager Jamie

Atkinson, and former head of Scania bus sales, Horst Koerner.

In a world where bus operators are a little

reticent to put all their eggs in the basket of one maker it is a big deal for more than 50 per cent of the McHarry’s fleet to wear the one badge as it does with Scania.

“We worked hard to justify the cost to

ourselves but we needed a top line coach.

The Scania did what we wanted it to do and

we still have it in the fleet. It opened our eyes as to what Scania could offer. We expected

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3

“We worked hard to justify the cost to ourselves but we needed a top line coach, we were very impressed with the vehicle”

4 5

6 1. Company chairman, John McHarry 2. Third generation McHarry, Ash McHarry who is the company’s executive director.

3. McHarry’s new Scania ready for action.

4. At the handover of the new McHarry’s Scania were (L to R) former head of Scania bus sales, Horst Koerner, Mcharry’s executive director Ash McHarry, Scania national bus sales manager, Julian Gurney, chairman John McHarry, Scania general manager - vehicle sales support, Trevor O’Brien and Victorian sales manager Jamie Atkinson.

5. The colourful and bright interior of the new McHarry Scania.

6. One of McHarry’s drivers slips behind the wheel.

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it to last 20 years, but it lasted 30,” he said. “We were very impressed with the vehicle.”

When the K 112 joined the McHarry’s fleet it comprised 70 vehicles, today there are almost 200 on the books, partly due to McHarry’s acquiring bus businesses over the years.

The original Scania K 112 was dedicated to senior citizen charter duties initially, running interstate routes, and even served as a policeescorted media transport for journalists following The Queen around Geelong several years ago, driven by John Van Lith. It was also used as Ash McHarry’s wedding transport.

For the past 10 years McHarry’s has been buying Scania chassis for its bus operations exclusively, for heavy-duty high-capacity work.

Two new Scania-powered IRIZAR-bodied i6 53-seaters have also just been added to the fleet, for high-end private charter and touring work, in addition to five new K 310 school and charter buses.

“Reliability is the key to why we are still buying Scanias,” John McHarry said. “Also, the guys in our workshop love them and say they are very easy to work on.

The 100th Scania on the fleet is actually the 102nd purchased by the company, with two older vehicles, a K 82 and K 93 having been sold on after long and loyal working lives with the company.

The new vehicle uses SCR after treatment to achieve Euro 5 emissions compliance.

“We have a good partnership with Scania,” Ash McHarry said.

“There is good aftersales support, good reliability and drivers enjoy being behind the wheel. As our business has grown we have added more Scania heavy-duty chassis buses to the fleet.

“With access to the Scania driver trainers we have experienced good results particularly with the school bus drivers in terms of fuel

Driver’s View

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efficiency increases. We have been able to monitor school bus drivers more readily as the route buses switch drivers through the day.

“Overall it would be fair to say we have had a reasonable improvement in individual driver efficiencies as a result of the driver training, perhaps in the region of 4 per cent and we’re soon to offer a refresher course to the drivers,” he said.

“Over the past eight years the business has grown quite considerably, as the government has put more focus on public transport, and we have extended our reach out over the entire Bellarine Peninsula and along the Great Ocean Road as far as Apollo Bay,” Ash McHarry said.

According to Jamie Atkinson, the delivery of the 100th Scania to the McHarry’s fleet is a milestone event for both companies.

“McHarry’s has been buying Scania exclusively since 2008 and we have been able to provide them with very reliable and efficient vehicles in that time. We have an excellent working relationship with the management team and we have proven ourselves in terms of delivering support to ensure they have excellent uptime.

“With the advent of Scania Driver Services, we have been providing driver training to improve their operating efficiency, and now with this latest programme to upgrade the fleet, McHarry’s is putting new, safe, low emission, cost-effective buses into the school bus business, giving the youth of the region a very positive public transport experience through their school days.

“It is always pleasing to see significant customers reach milestones, however, irrespective of the number of vehicles in any given fleet we like to treat all our customers as members of the Scania family, and deliver them the best service and support to enable them to focus on what they do best, servicing their customers,” Jamie said.

GARY MARSDEN has been driving for McHarry’s Buslines for 27 years and says he is delighted to be behind the wheel of the latest Express Coaches-bodied Scania to join the fleet.

“It is a magnificent vehicle to drive,” he said. “It is very smooth and comfortable, and it practically drives itself.

“One of the nice new features is the power-operated windscreen blind, which is very handy when you turn into the sun in the afternoons.”

Gary does morning and afternoon school runs out to Queenscliff and Ocean Grove bringing school kids into two of Geelong’s Catholic schools, and he does charter work in the middle part of the day. As a result, Gary said he clocks up around 400 km on average each day.

He said he still enjoys driving for McHarry’s after all these years.

“It really is like being in a family. They are very supportive of their drivers. It’s a pleasure to work for them, which is why I am still here,” he said.

The delivery of the 100th Scania to the McHarry’s fleet is a milestone event for both companies

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Road Test

CHAMPION

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SPRINTER Serious competition in the minibus segment has sees a number of manufacturers squabbling over sales and wielding the red pencil on price tags with some seriously good machinery available in the small bus market at some very keen pricing. Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a case in point so Coach & Bus editor Peter Barnwell got behind the wheel for a road test of the Three Pointed Star’s contender in the transfer sector. www.truckandbus.net.au 039

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here is a lot of competition in the small transfer bus battleground at the moment and the fight for sales has seen some sharp pencils brought to bear by manufactuers.

This has resulted in the impressive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transfer 313CDi tested here, going for a keen $64,990.

That’s where you have to be playing these days in the 12 seater segment.

The MB Transfer comes in 3665mm mid-wheelbase configuration in a choice of standard and high roof variants.

A number of option packages are available along with individual options to tailor your Transfer for specific applications.

It’s a conventional front engine, rear wheel drive layout with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel four cylinder under the bonnet. The `BlueEfficiency’engine is a relatively `clean’ unit scoring an EU5 rating.

This ubiquitous engine finds a home in plenty of other MB commercial vehicles and is a strong and economical unit delivering 95kW and 305 Nm, the latter from a low 1200rpm.

Fuel economy is acceptable at 9.0-litres/100km which is OK for a vehicle this size and weight (2.5 tonnes) with a 12 seat capacity and a large luggage space down the back.

Of major benefit to the vehicle’s performance is the 7-Gtronic automatic

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transmission that offers a manual shift mode if you feel the need.

Like the engine, the transmission finds a home in numerous other MB vehicles and is ideally suited to minibus purposes _ in this case, being at home in stop start traffic, urban driving and out on the freeway.

You can barely detect changes up or down the range and the transmission feels to have an almost adaptive function when driving up and down hills.

It also makes towing easy, an undertaking that’s facilitated by the engine’s low rev torque peak.

The MB Transfer 313CDi has a GVM of 3880kg and will tow up to 2.0 tonnes with trailer brakes. A high output alternator and battery are fitted along with remote central locking and 16-inch steel wheels. With 75 litres in the tank, the Transfer has a potential range of around 800km if you have an egg under your right foot.

In hard statistics, it is 5926mm long, 1993mm wide and either 2595 or 2850mm high depending on which model is specified.

A large side slider facilitates passenger access particularly with the automatically deployed side step that swings out in sync with the door sliding.

Electric side slider door operation is optional.

SP EC S MA KE/M ODEL P R I CE E N GINE TR A NSM ISSION PA S SENGER CAPACI T Y FU EL CONSUM PTIO N W E IGHT TO WING CAPACITY B R A KES WA R RANTY L xW xH GV M

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transfer 313CDi From $64,990 2.2-litre two stage turbodiesel four cylinder 95kW/305Nm output 7 Gtronic automatic RWD 12 including driver 9.0-litres/100km combined 2.5 tonnes 2.0 tonnes braked Discs 3 years/200,000km 5926mm x 1993mm x 2595mm or 2850mm (high roof) 3880kg

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The rear has a pair of large barn door that open right around to aid loading.

A step is built into the rear bumper to further help loading.

A decent aisle separates the seats and six footers can stand up straight when walking to their seat.

All seats are upholstered in a generic looking fabric that is good to sit on.

Multiple aircon’ outlets extend towards the back of the bus but only four cup holders are provided.

MB provides numerous storage options inside the Transfer including overhead shelving, bins, nets and compartments with lids.

Driver comfort is augmented by a centre arm rest along with rake and reach adjust steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors and a multi-function wheel.

The large centre infotainment screen is in full colour and controls many of the bus’s functions in particular, the Bluetooth phone, audio and information/trip computer.

The Transfer is good looking for a bus with a family MB look to its flanks and particularly the frontal area.

Same inside but nowhere near the luxury level of MB passenger cars. It’s much more workmanlike in appearance and operation…. as it should be.

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TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

CAB-HVA-1216-SD

KING LONG 6130 VOLVO LONG-DISTANCE TOURER King Long 6130CY is the perfect fit for the Volvo B11R chassis, creating its own class of long haul tourer, with an outstanding array of standard features and optional configurations. The King Long 6130CY will surely impress you with a wide range of seating configurations including a rear toilet. The Volvo D11C In-line 6 cylinder diesel engine, coupled with the 12 speed I-Shift transmission ensures fuel and maintenance economy and enough torque to take on the longest haul.

King Long – Built On A Proud Tradition.

King Long Australia Pty. Ltd. 130-132 Freight Drive, Somerton VIC Australia 3062 t. (03) 9305 2299 | f. (03) 8339 0265 | e. info@hvagroup.com.au

LMCT No: 10735

Please visit

kinglong.com.au for more information

044 www.truckandbus.net.au

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DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

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I took the MB Sprinter Transfer 313CDi for a good long drive over about 800km of mixed urban, country, freeway and tight inner city driving.

The minibus impresses in all environments particularly the tighter city streets where its smallish turning circle with fast geared steering response comes into its own.

No winding the wheel to get around corners here thank you.

The Transfer has a car-like feel to its performance and ride offering plenty of pick-up off the mark that continues up to freeway speeds.

This is the case even with half a dozen passengers and a driver in the bus it just keeps on pulling and continues to use minim al amounts of fuel regardless of the type of driving or the load. With 12 on board and half a tonne of luggage things might be different…

The engine can be a touch gruff when working hard but smooths out and drops noise levels once cruise is achieved.

With a wide torque band the Transfer is easy to drive made all the better by well calibrated suspension and powerful disc brakes.

Really, it’s a lot like driving a large people mover except there are 12 seats.

Some kit is missing in standard trip in particular a reverse camera… which all buses should have and satnav is also on the options list.

Safety is boosted by a range of driver focussed features and a smattering of driver assist technology but nothing like autonomous emergency braking or radar cruise control with braking. One day perhaps.

Sprinter Transfer has some keen competition from Toyota Commuter, Renault Master, Ford Transit and even the Chines LDV minibus that’s way cheaper but has a passenger payload similar to the Transfer.

I know which bus I would prefer to travel in and it doesn’t come from China.

Still, you have to have the budget to get the one you want but as the saying goes, ` `You gets what you pays for.’’

Just The Ticket Interline Enjoys More Efficient Bus Operations Since switching to Allison transmissions, leading Sydney bus operator, Interline has enjoyed significant efficiency and performance improvements. It’s seen a 9.5 percent improvement in fuel consumption from its new Daewoo buses equipped with Allison transmissions while also being more responsive and exhibiting smoother shifting.

Interline’s CEO Joe Oliveri says “We are very focused on fuel economy and reducing operating costs and Allison has been able to improve the economy of our Daewoos by re-programming the shift patterns, and applying dynamic shift sensing.”

Allison Transmission is the world leader in commercial duty fully automatic transmissions and as Interline has found-is the ideal solution for Australian buses.

Unique torque converter technology coupled with Allison’s industry-leading programmable Dynamic Shift Sensing and Acceleration Rate Management can allow significant fuel efficiency gains, particularly with widely varying passenger loads.

With lower maintenance and operating costs, Allison keeps buses on the road.

© 2017 Allison Transmission Inc. All Rights Reserved.

New Technology

It seems you can’t read anything about buses, cars or trucks these days without the topic of autonomous vehicles popping up. We are facing a brave new world and there is a diverse range fo views and opinions about when and how these self driving machines will really start to have a presence on our roads. The first automated shuttle bus to operate in Sydney has arrived and is currently undergoing testing in the city’s Olympic Park precinct. Editor Barnwell took a look at this brave new concept and how it works.

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he planned, neatly laid out Sydney Olympic Park area now comprises a mix of parklands and open space, dense apartment style residential blocks, offices, shops and general business developments and is seen as ideal for automated shuttle bus applications to deliver passengers to a rail head.

At this stage the automated bus is in `trial’ stage but will gradually be introduced to full service if there are now problems.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance and Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey launched the trial in August as the first of possibly a number of similar trials.

The NSW Government has linked with HMI Technologies, NRMA, Telstra, IAG and

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Sydney Olympic Park Authority to conduct a two-year trial of the automated bus system called a Smart Shuttle.

“The trial showcases a small part of our much bigger vision for a technology-enabled transport future,” Mr Constance said.

“Today we drive our cars but the reality is, cars will soon drive us and while we are not there yet, we need to be prepared for this change and we need to stay ahead of the game.”

“The ultimate goal of the trial is to find the best way to harness the next generation of driverless technology and how to make it work for NSW while also answering questions about how it can improve safety and reliability.”

“The first stage of the trial would conduct tests and safety checks in a secure, offroad environment. This testing is underway at Newington Armory where the shuttle will run autonomously on a preprogramed route.

“We will then extend the trial to public use with the shuttle making the rounds on the roads at Sydney Olympic Park.”

The expectation is for office workers at Sydney Olympic Park to be using the automated shuttle next year, becoming the first to test-ride this new technology before we start seeing it on our roads.

The trial’s secondary goal is to test vehicle connectivity to help develop the systems that will enable automated vehicles to be connected to Sydney’s infrastructure,

“The trial showcases a small part of our much bigger vision for a technology-enabled transport future” like traffic lights and to customers through their devices and applications.

Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey said, “There is still some way to go before automated shuttles become common place on Australian roads, but as a Government we are ready to take the next step and from here all sorts of possibilities open up for transport in NSW.” Legislation to allow the trial to go ahead has been passed through NSW Parliament that establishes a legislative framework to allow the safe testing of connected and highly automated vehicle technology in NSW. “These new laws will enable industry, researchers and government to trial automated vehicle technologies on our

roads, not only in the city but in regional areas as well,” Mrs Pavey said.

The legislation allows the Minister to approve trials – including type of vehicles, roads used and trial time period – and require trial applicants to have the appropriate insurance provisions and safety management plans in place.

The Autonomous Shuttle Bus trial will be conducted in three stages; Stage 1 (Q3 2017) of the trial will involve testing in an enclosed off-road environment at Newington Armory, adjacent to Sydney Olympic Park.

Stage 2 (Q4 2017) progresses to initial operation at a closed section of Sydney Olympic Park.

Stage 3 (Q1 2018) will see the shuttle operating live at Sydney Olympic Park.

This will test things like infrastructure, how customers will interact with the vehicle and provide an opportunity for general public to experience the automated vehicle.

The trial will focus on observing how automated vehicle technology can improve the mobility of customers and interact with other people within the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.

The trial aims to achieve a better understanding for all partners in what supporting technology and infrastructure is needed to operate an automated shuttle in this environment, how it interacts with other precinct users (pedestrians, cyclists

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etc.) and how it integrates with the broader transport network.

Passenger expectations are also being tested to get a better understanding of their responses to this type of vehicle and the services it can enable, like on-demand transport in off-peak times.

The self-driving, fully electric vehicle carries up to 15 people and is programmed to navigate around the scenic grounds, venues and businesses at Sydney’s Olympic Park.

The primary partner in the trial, HMI, expects it to pave the way for automated vehicles to operate legally on Australia’s public roads.

CEO of HMI Technologies Australia, Dean Zabrieszach, said “The concept of automated vehicles seamlessly transporting people and goods and addressing

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congestion has captured the imagination of the public. They are no longer just a concept, however while they are such a new technology, HMI Technologies is aiming to address outstanding questions.”

“HMI Technologies has the expertise to fuse Automated Vehicles with Intelligent Transportation Systems, Artificial Intelligence, location referencing and traffic control systems. Trials will encourage the revision of legislation, systems and infrastructure required to make these revolutionary vehicles and their entire ecosystem an everyday reality.”

The Sydney trial, the first in New South Wales, is one of three automated vehicle trials that HMI Technologies will lead.

Planning is underway for trials at La Trobe University in Melbourne and Christchurch

International Airport, New Zealand. Each trial will help to test legislation and the supporting infrastructure which are critical for the adoption of highly automated vehicles.

HMI Technologies is actively pursuing opportunities to work with governments on intelligent transport systems and identifying ways to develop and test new transport technology that will improve safety and efficiency of transport networks, including transport technology such as autonomous vehicles.

Meantime the Sydney trial is underway and we will have to wait and see how it all pans out. Which ever way you look at it , there could still be a long wait for driverless buses or shuttles, then again technology is racing ahead and it may just come sooner than we think.

GET ALL THE LATEST TRUCK AND BUS INDUSTRY NEWS AS IT HAPPENS AT THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY’S BEST NEWS WEBSITE

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New Model

Toyota says it’s an update but when you take a closer look, the latest Coaster is pretty much a completely new model, In fact they’ve changed just about everything in some way except the name. With fierce competition from the likes of Fuso’s Rosa and some of the Chinese the Japanese giant has responded in force as editor Peter Barnwell reports in this road test of the new Coaster 054 www.truckandbus.net.au

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he body is obvious, totally different, taller by 70mm, wider by 45mm and more squared off, under that, the chassis is different and though it’s the same series, the engine is revised with a tweaked transmission bolted to the back of it in five speed manual or four speed auto.

Don’t ask me why they are calling it only an upgrade, some car companies call an upgrade a new set of headlights….

The previous Coaster was such a good thing it lasted 30 years basically unchanged.

The new one will probably do the same though with exponential sales growth of electric buses expected soon and tightening

emissions laws, it might not be as long lived.

Whatever, Coaster is a `fave’ with schools, aged car facilities, airport transfer companies, community groups, too many users to mention when you dig into it.

What makes Coaster so popular is down to the number of seats and undoubted reliability of Toyota.

With 21 seats in a 2-1 arrangement and the driver, Coaster is ideal for its intended purpose plying suburban and inter urban roads… as long as you don’t want to carry much luggage.

Precious little storage space is provided down the back, infact, there isn’t any as the

rear pews are almost hard up against the rear barn doors.

That defines Coaster as a short haul urban bus to carry passengers with minimal luggage that can be stored in the luggage rack or on their laps.

This time around, taller passengers won’t have to stoop as they walk down the aisle because there over 190cm of headroom.

Safety is improved through the driver and front passenger airbags, a stronger chassis and revised suspension, steering and brakes but advanced driver assist technology bypasses new Coaster. It has twin rear doors with an emergency exit, a larger entry step and rear fog and high-

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Standard

mounted stop lamps. One-piece 17.5 x 6-inch steel wheels wear tubeless 215/70 tyres.

Toyota offers two versions of Coaster in Standard manual with optional auto transmission and auto only Deluxe. The Standard manual is $119,500, auto adds $7000 while the Deluxe is $130,500.

The previously available manual Deluxe has been dropped from the line-up.

Spend the extra money on the Deluxe and you get an electrically operated sliding side door, better upholstery and a touch of black

Deluxe

paint on some body hardware. The Standard doesn’t look that much different on the outside, or the inside for that matter.

The new dash design features a wide arcing sweep two thirds across the front of the bus with all controls contained within. It forms a cockpit arrangement for the driver that aids operation, visibility and provides some additional storage.

A reasonably large 6.1-inch control touch screen was in the Deluxe model tested with a number of apps looking after satnav, audio, phone and other functions with speech commands.

C OASTER PRIC E S STANDARD MANUAL $119,500 STANDARD AUTO

$126,500

DELUXE AUTO

$130,500

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DRIVING On mounting up in the Coaster I notice the steering wheel is nearly dead flat but does have rake and reach adjustment. The steering feel is light and Coaster has a decent turning circle. I found the steering a tad indirect when I first started driving. I got used to it.

Gear selection is by a conventional centre console selector while pedal arrangement is one each side of the steering column.

It’s a functional work space for the driver and the seat feels pretty good even after a few hours behind the wheel.

The reversing camera is a godsend simplifying parking while adding a huge safety benefit.

Rolling along the road, I notice how rigid new Coaster feels over rough roads through corners and particularly over driveways.

Where the earlier model would rock and roll, groan and rattle, this one is solid. It uses a circular structure to connect side pillars with roof reinforcements. An additional pillar has been added near the front passenger

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seat for greater body stiffness.

Laser welding of thick metal sheets results in precise, high-strength welds. Other structural features include extensive use of high-tensile steel and the addition of floor panels above the transmission to reduce the level of noise reaching the cabin.

It’s a good platform to get the best out of Coaster’s double wishbone/leaf spring suspension which offers a supple and controlled ride with minimal body roll in corners.

The 4.0-litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel is an oldie but a goodie with a revised turbo this time around and some changes to cut noise, vibration and harshness including a new exhaust system.

Power output from the Euro 5 compliant engine is 110kW at 2700rpm and 397Nm of torque at 1800rpm.

Performance with a part load is good and would be similar with a full load thanks to the strong torque output.

It’s speed limited to 105kmh which can be problematic on the freeway with B-doubles bearing down.

I found the four speed auto OK but in the 21st century, it should be at least a six speeder to optimise efficiency and cut emissions.

I didn’t drive the manual and who would want to be flogging through a manual gate day in day out in the city?

New Coaster is a good thing to drive and ride in. It is more comfortable by a longshot thanks to the stiffer chassis, recalibrated suspension and additional sound deadening material.

Access is easier and the seats are better.

In terms of vital statistics Coaster’s kerb weight is 3815kg, it has a GVM of 5540kg and can tow 1700kg.

The new Coaster bus range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing at $360 a service.

COMING SOON!

AN ALL NEW MAGAZINE AIMED SQUARELY AT BUILDING AND MAINTAINING GRAVEL ROADS IN THIS COUNTRY

WELCOME TO GRAVEL ROADS AUSTRALIA AN ALL-NEW niche publication will be hitting your desk in early 2018 when Gravel Roads Australia arrives on the scene.

Gravel roads make up almost 66 per cent of the nation’s road network with close to 600,000 kms of unsealed thoroughfares across this wide brown land. Many have low traffic volumes while others are vital arteries providing access to some of our most valuable resource assets.

Building and maintaining our unsealed road network is a major industry in itself with Local Govt, Civil Contractors, Mining Companies, Forestry, Farmers and a

myriad of others all involved in ensuring these vital routes are available to industry and travellers alike.

Now, for the first time, this sector will have its own journal featuring interesting stories about road construction practices, new equipment, case studies, planned projects and new techniques - in fact anything that involves the building and maintaining of gravel roads.

Gravel Roads Australia will be a high quality 64-page publication, produced four times a year by Grayhaze Publishing, publisher of Transport & Trucking Australia and Coach and Bus magazine

as well as the highly successful transport website, www.truckandbus.net.au Gravel Roads Australia will feature great writers with features and news produced by some of the best journalists in Australia with high quality photography and design.

The first edition will be published in March 2018 and then in June, September and December each year. The magazine will be direct mailed to more than 3000 Local Govt Works Officers, Civil Contractors, Transport Operators, Machinery Dealers and Manufacturers as well as Mining Companies.

For advertising please contact: Grayhaze Publishing 02 9938 6408 admin@truckandbus.net.au – ads@truckandbus.net.au

Working Wheels

NAVARA-HO The NP300 Navara was released in June 2015, with much needed improvements in power and torque. The Series 2 models were announced in November last year and have been upgraded again recently, when the confusing ‘N P300’ name tag was dropped.

Transport & Trucking editor Allan Whiting takes a look at the latest version.

O

n a recent launch event Nissan put together an excellent drive event for the latest 2017 coil-rear-spring models, with a selection of empty, part-loaded and towing vehicles, hauling T Van camper trailers.

The drive involved freeway, secondary roads, hilly back roads and some off-road tracks and our main interest was in the revised suspension, because the remainder of the new specification was largely unchanged from the vehicle tested in 2015.

We’re pleased to report that the revised damper settings have firmed up the ride, but we still reckon buyers who intend to tow

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trailers with heavy ball weights invest in aftermarket rear springs and dampers, or settle on an RX Navara, with leaf rear springs.

Towing economy was pleasing, averaging 12.4L/100km in the auto transmission Navara, with a 1.2-tonne camper bobbing along behind.

The 12th-generation Navara was released in Thailand in June 2014 and in Australia in May 2015. The NP300 Nissan Navara range included Short, King and Double Cab models.

The Navara retained Nissan’s signature grille and headlight shape in a styling effort that incorporated a high beltline

and blacked B-pillar. Daytime LED running lights were standard equipment.

The new chassis retained coil-front suspension, with leaf rear springs on load-priority models and coil rear springs on higher-spec’ dual-cab models.

VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) helped improve 4WD driving performance and safety, along with ABLS (Active Brake Limited Slip), HSA (Hill Start Assist) and HDC (Hill Descent Control).

The Australian-market NP300 Navara 4WD was offered at launch in three grades; RX, ST and ST-X, with single-turbo and twinturbo diesel engines, and six-speed manual

“The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara delivers first-in-segment features while honouring the heritage of Navara and the outgoing D40 and D22 models”

and seven-speed automatic transmissions.

“The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara delivers first-in-segment features while honouring the heritage of Navara and the outgoing D40 and D22 models,” said Nissan Motor Co. (Australia) Managing Director and CEO Richard Emery.

Key features included: twin-turbo diesel YS23DDTT engine with 140kW and 450Nm, in ST and ST-X levels; single-turbo 120kW and 403Nm version in RX; five-link coilspring rear suspension in dual cab pick-up variants; seven airbags including driver knee airbag; rear power sliding window in RX, ST and ST-X king-cab and dual-cab models;

LED headlamps in ST and ST-X models; Nissan Intelligent Key with remote keyless entry and push button engine start in ST-X; and NissanConnect in ST and ST-X levels.

Maximum braked towing capacity was 3500 kilograms on all diesel variants.

Maximum payload ranged between 880kg and 1112kg, depending on the variant specification.

Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) optimised the driving force of each wheel in slippery conditions.

A rear power-sliding glass window operated by a switch on the dashboard featured on RX, ST and ST-X grades,

allowing for easy access into the tub and increased ventilation.

All dual-cab models had three interior 12-volt power sockets and a fourth, weatherproof 12-volt power socket was in the rear tub on RX, ST and ST-X pickups.

All dual-cabs had a USB and auxiliary port in the centre console and automatic on/ off headlights. Bluetooth Phone and Audio Streaming were included on all grades.

All five seats had three-point Emergency Locking Retractor seatbelts, while front seatbelts also included load limiters and pretensioners, height adjustment and audible warnings (second row had seatbelt alerts).

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All in all the Navara is now a very smooth and sophisticated work horse that has some impressive credentials

Rear View Camera was standard on ST and ST-X grades, with reversing sensors also included on ST-X. Announced in November 2016, but not available until 2017, the Navara Series 2 range includes the addition of a new ‘SL’ grade, with coil-spring rear suspension, aimed at tradesmen and fleet customers.

Available with the twin-turbo engine and a choice of six-speed manual or sevenspeed automatic transmission, the Navara SL rides on 16 x 7 inch steel wheels and 255/70R16 tyres and features a durable

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vinyl floor interior.

The SL also comes with a rear-view camera and LED headlamps and daytime running lights.

All coil-rear-spring Series 2 Navaras receive suspension tuning, with revised front and rear shock absorber valving, for improved ride and handling, and lateral stability, especially when carrying a load or towing.

Other specification changes for the Navara Series 2 range include deletion of the rear fold-out cup holders in dual-cab model

variants; Dual Cab RX Cab Chassis available with automatic or manual transmission and vinyl flooring replaced carpet and satellite navigation standard equipment on Dual Cab ST models.

The Navara comes with a myNissan Service Certainty schedule, three year/100,000 kilometre warranty (extended warranty optional) and three-year roadside assist program.

All in all the Navara is now a very smooth and sophisticated work horse that has some impressive credentials.

MISSED AN ISSUE? Issue 28 – JUNE/JULY 2017 – $8.95 incl. GST

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OPTARE MUSCLES UP NEW DISTRIBUTOR DOWN UNDER FOR BRITISH BUS MAKER LAUNCHED: VOLVO'S NEW B8 CANBERRA'S NEW NBUS IMAGE

RENAULT'S MASTER BUS PUT TO TEST BUS 4X4'S OFF ROAD PEOPLE MOVERS

Surf to www.truckandbus.net.au to register for a FREE back-issue today!

For all advertising queries contact: ads@truckandbus.net.au – 0404 883 249

064 Money Matters

PAUL CLITHEROE DIVERSIFYING INVESTMENTS AND PREPARING FOR OUR SEND OFF

A

ustralians are keen investors with more than 11 million of us holding investments outside of super. That’s great news!

What we’re not so good at is spreading our money across different assets, and four out of ten investors admit they don’t have a diversified portfolio. In particular, we tend to focus on local investments yet there’s a whole world of opportunities beyond our shores.

A recent report by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) shows we’re generally very comfortable investing in the basics like cash, shares and of course, rental properties. But our investments are heavily concentrated in Australian assets.

When it comes to shares, only one in ten investors hold international shares.

That’s a shame because investing internationally is a great way to add diversity to a portfolio. Not only is our sharemarket small by world standards, accounting for just 2 per cent of the global market, it’s also heavily concentrated in the resource and financial sectors.

Along with diversity, international shares have the potential to deliver strong returns.

The MSCI World Ex Australia Index, which measures gains on global sharemarkets, notched up 5-year annualised returns of 10.77 per cent to the end of April 2017.

This compares to annualised gains of 6.97 per cent on Australian shares over the same period.

Investing in global sharemarkets may sound daunting but technology has made it far easier and cheaper than it used to be.

A number of online brokers offer international share trading, and while the cost has come down it’s still more expensive than buying local shares. If you’re buying shares on markets outside the United States for instance, it can cost around $US40 – more than double the brokerage on Aussie shares.

The thing is, adding one or two big overseas companies to your portfolio isn’t really beefing up diversity. And let’s face it, not many of us know much about which companies in Poland, Brazil or

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China are worth investing in which is why, for my money, it makes sense to use an international share fund.

There’s a good selection of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with an international focus listed on the ASX. These come with very low fees, often just a fraction of a percent, and they can be bought and sold in much the same way as regular shares with the benefit of low brokerage.

Alternatively, unlisted global share funds are available through our large financial institutions. These let you pick and choose the exact region, country or industry you’d like to invest in, with the fund manager making the day to day decisions about companies to invest in. It can be a straightforward option for investing internationally, though do check the annual fees on global share funds. High fees will eat into your investment, and they are no guarantee of healthy returns.

On another tack we all know life can be expensive but so it seems, is death. The average funeral costs around $7,000, yet research by comparison site Finder shows 60 per cent of Australians either haven’t thought about their funeral costs or are expecting relatives to foot the bill. One in ten have considered ways of dodging the expense altogether by donating their body to science or not having a funeral at all.

Decisions about funeral arrangements typically need to be made quickly, and often at a time of intense personal grief.

Understandably, money watchdog ASIC found we usually settle for the first funeral product we find with little thought about value for money.

Websites like Gathered Here (www. gatheredhere.com.au) offer online price comparisons of funeral costs. However, the big question can be how to pay for it all.

Using life insurance may be an option though it can take weeks for the payout to be finalised. This assumes life cover is in place, which may not be the case for many seniors.

The thing is, it’s possible to plan ahead – not just to decide the type of funeral you’d like, but also to cover the cost.

One option is prepaid funerals available through funeral directors. You choose the type of funeral you’d like and pay for it in advance or pay it off gradually a bit like layby. This locks in the cost at today’s prices but you may not get your money back if you change your mind.

An alternative is funeral bonds.

These are a type of tax-free investment that can only be accessed after your death. The sweetener for retirees is that money invested in funeral bonds is normally excluded from the age pension assets test.

A third possibility is funeral insurance.

The idea here is very straightforward. You pay premiums, and if you die the policy covers the cost of the funeral. The catch is that the premiums can skyrocket as you get older – not surprising really. Canstar found it can cost a 52-year old $45 in monthly premiums to buy $10,000 worth of cover for funeral expenses. For a 72year old, the monthly premiums rise to $72.

Seniors can find it hard keeping up these sort of payments, and according to ASIC as many as 80 per cent of funeral policies sold are cancelled - often in the first year, largely because of the cost. But if you stop paying, you lose the cover.

If you’re really concerned about meeting funeral costs, a simple option is to open a dedicated savings account to save for the expense.

Whatever the case, be sure to let loved ones know about any financial products you have in place to pay for your funeral.

It’s a final legacy that could be greatly appreciated by family members.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine. Visit www.paulsmoney. com.au for more information.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money magazine. Visit www.paulsmoney.com.au for more information.

Renault MASTER BUS

Safety. Comfort.

Low running costs.

That’s what we value too

Master Bus is easy to get into. It has an exceptional headroom space, a wider than average aisle and an electric sliding door and step*. There’s also class leading 3.5 cubic metres of luggage space in the back which stops the cabin getting clogged up with bags. It’s easy to get into financially as well.

With a 3 year or 200,000km warranty and roadside assist†, 3 year capped price serving^ combined with Renault’s reliability and low running costs – we challenge you to find a better value mini-bus.

For more information visit renault.com.au * Electric sliding door and step is optional on Master Bus. †Three (3) year/200,000km warranty offer and 3 year/200,000km Roadside Assistance both apply to all new or demonstrator Master Bus models. Warranty and Roadside Assistance valid for 3 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) from new. Demonstrator vehicles receive balance of new vehicle warranty and Roadside Assistance. Roadside Assistance terms and conditions apply. Call our Customer Service Team on 1800 009 008 or view the Terms and Conditions statement at www.renault.com.au/ drivingpeaceofmind for details. ^First 3 scheduled maintenance services capped at $349 per service on new and demonstrator MASTER models, based on standard scheduled servicing from new and on normal operating conditions. Scheduled maintenance services required every twelve (12) months or up to 30,000km (whichever occurs first). However, Master is subject to adaptive servicing requirements, as determined by the Oil Condition Sensor, and may require servicing prior to the standard twelve (12) months or 30,000km service interval. If vehicle is not presented within three (3) months of when the scheduled service is required, right to that capped-price service under the program is forfeited.

EXPECTED SAVING OF MORE THAN

$60,000 7.3%

OR OVER THE LIFE OF THE BUS COMPARED TO OUR COMPETITORS*

A LIFETIME OF SAVINGS – GUARANTEED When you buy a Volgren, you’ll purchase a vehicle with the lowest lifetime cost of any bus in Australia.

That’s a guarantee backed by world-class university research.

In a recent study by Monash University, researchers investigated life cycle cost differences between buses with Volgren bodies* and others in the Australian market. After examining categories such as fuel savings, repair and refit costs, and purchase price, Monash found that an operator could expect a saving of more than $60,000 over the life of a Volgren bus compared to competitors. That equates to a saving of 7.3% compared to other bus bodies. * The 2016 study looked at the Volgren Optimus range in particular.

BUILDING BETTER BUS PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE INFO CONTACT VOLGREN ON 03 9791 4255 OR VISIT VOLGREN.COM.AU/GUARANTEE