The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Elavil Tours Phils. Inc. (ETPHI) recently took delivery of the first batch of Scania buses comprised of three Scania K360 and one Scania K400 Touring that will be at the forefront of its fleet of more than 120 buses designed to provide passengers with utmost comfort and convenience and are equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems and smart technologies. BJ Mercantile, Inc. (BJM), the exclusive distributor of Scania in the country, is scheduled to complete delivery of ETPHI’s initial order of six units before the year ends.
“It was an easy decision for us as the buses made by Swedish manufacturer Scania are known worldwide for their reliability, durability, safety, and efficiency. Not to mention we’ve been very impressed with BJM’s track record of excellent after-sales service and unwavering commitment to ensure spare parts are readily available,” ETPHI CEO Adolfo Lo Villamonte said.
The 360 horsepower Scania K360, whose body was built by Del Monte Motor Works, Inc., is a 49-seater bus with 2×2 configurations with plush leatherette seats, cushioned headrest, and are reclinable. It is also equipped with a toilet. The 400 horsepower Scania K400 Touring, on the other hand, is fully imported with the bus body manufactured in China through a partnership between Scania and Higer and has 51 seats with 2×2 configurations using imported fabric.
Scania buses also prioritize the safety of drivers, passengers, and the motoring public as bus drivers will appreciate the eight-speed Scania Opticruise semi-automatic gearbox with three driving modes It is Scania’s automated, clever, intuitive, fast, and smooth gear-changing system that relieves the driver of all work related to changing gears whilst driving, improving driver safety, comfort and fuel economy. They are also equipped with the latest technology to enhance the safety of its passengers and other motorists with features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Speed Limiter, Traction Control, Hill Hold, and Auxiliary Break (retarder). Another invaluable feature is Scania’s Fleet Management System (FMS) that allows BJM and ETPHI to remotely monitor driver behavior, vehicle data and fleet position, as well as conduct diagnostics to aid in service planning.