Solar coaches on show in Perec
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• The world's first solar energy system to be fitted to a coach was demonstrated in ideal conditions at last week's Autobus Meeting International in Perec, Yugoslavia, which also attracted a UK-built MCW Metrorider midi.
The experimental Kassbohrer solar energy system — developed in conjunction with AEG — is mounted over almost the entire roof-length of the S 216 HDS coach and has a maximum output of lkW. It feeds the vehicle's batteries so that even when parked for several hours in strong sunshine the interior ventilation system can operate, keeping the saloon temperature down.
Kassbohrer also unveiled a specially-styled trailer for operators needing extra space to carry bicycles, canoes or other sports equipment.
Neoplan-based entries to the coach rally included a refuse compactor to help disposal and reduce the amount of waste accumulating on transcontinental journeys.
One vehicle ideally suited to such long-distance travel will not be available to European coach operators: an Americanspecification tri-axle coach from Kassbohrer appeared in the livery of Indian Trail Inc of Michigan. One of the four now being delivered, the Kassbohrer is powered by a 305kW (400hp) Detroit Diesel driving through an Allison HT 748 automatic gearbox into a Rockwell axle_ The trailing and steering axles are also made by Rockwell.
Bova, one of the few nonGerman participants, showed the British Metro-Cammell Weymann Metrorider as well as a number of Futura coaches.
Home-based Yugoslav builders included TAM, Fap-Famos Sanos and Automontaza, which was represented by the first MAN-based coach for an Austrian operator. It compared favourably with the Munich builder's own body style.
MAN's own contribution to the show comprised four Brunswick-built 362 FRH coaches. Several Goppelbodied tri-axle coaches from the Helicon 380 and 400 range attracted interest, while a Yugoslav-built AM 362 H by Automontasa further underlined the popularity of the MAN chassis.
MAN has achieved considerable success with the 10.180 midi chassis which was introduced 12 months ago: it has already attracted 230 orders.