The progress of automobile industry in India has not only made new avenues for cars and bikes but buses as well. Buses form a large part of the transportation system in India and a lot of manufacturers are working towards launching new technologies in this peripheral. Tata Motors, one of the largest auto makers in the country, is contemplating the introduction of a double-decker touring coach, which is likely to be based on the Marcopolo Paradiso 1800 DD (Generation 7) model.
Tata Motors has been working in collaboration with Marcopolo, a Brazilian firm, for several years now and the Indian automaker is hoping to take its partnership to the next level. India, like many other countries, has long bus routes, which means longer journeys for passengers. The concept of luxury bus coaches for long distances is something that is bound to be a reality sooner or later. One country where four-axle coaches are already operating is Brazil including the three-axle Paradiso 1800 DD, which features 60 semi-sleep seats.
Tata Motors, according to experts, has the strategic and logistic capability to be among the leaders in this segment. In addition, Tata Motors’ collaboration with Marcopolo is likely to boost its prospects in the double-decker bus segment. Volvo, the famed Swedish firm, is already leading the market in the high-performance luxury coach vertical. However, analysts are of the opinion that Tata Motors can perform really well and be among the pioneers as far as India is concerned.
The development of double-deck coaches will require a great deal of thinking on the parts of Tata Motors, Marcopolo and TMML. According to sources, the engineering expertise of Tata Marcopolo Motors Ltd (TMML) is likely to play a huge role in the success of this project. Factors like body engineering, mass manufacturing expertise and execution of plans need to be put ahead of others. Marcopolo is a heavy contributor in this collaboration between the two firms and offers inputs related to things chassis and designs.
Source: OD
