Citybus 400 comes to UK
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• A Daf bus distributor and a Hungarian bus manufacturer have launched a steel-bodied, low-decked single-decker based on the Daf S11220 underframe.
The 50-seater lkarus 400 Citybus, designed specifically for the UK, will be sold by Hughes Daf of Cleckheaton and will cost between 270,000 and 280,000 — slightly less than the Optare Delta, which uses the same chassis, says Robert McLeod, managing director of Hughes Daf.
The new Citybus is not available until Septentber, but McLeod says he already has orders for five.
The bus uses an 11.6-litre six cylinder turbocharged diesel engine which produces 218bhp through a ZF 11P500 automatic four or five-speed gearbox. And its front axle layout coupled with the centrally-mounted steering box gives a 56° turning angle.
The European-styled interior has single seats, a luggage pen and room for 24 standing. It has an lsringhausen driver's seat, which is usually only fitted as standard on luxury coaches, says McLeod.
For disabled passengers it has a low first step height of 330mm and an optional kneeling device, which lowers the step in line with the kerb.
From March 1991 a dual door option will be available on the vehicle. The entrance post can be removed to make it easier for the disabled.
Once the chassis have left Daf Bus's factory in Eindhoven they are transported to Budapest, where the steel bodies are welded on to them by Ikarus. The units weigh 10,580kg which is heavier than the Swiss aluminium Optare Deltas.
lkarus produces 13,000 buses a year which makes it the sixth or seventh biggest bus producer. Its share in articulated bus exports exceeds 50% and it is the world leader in producing buses over 8 metres. Since it started producing buses 10 years ago it has made over 250,000 units.
McLeod sees the singledecker market as a major growth area and says there is no reason why Daf Bus should not increase its market share from 12% to 25% with its full range of single-deckers,