The Newly Redesigned TEMSA TS45
by Larry Plachno Photos courtesy of TEMSA unless indicated
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One of the most exciting events at the recent United Motorcoach Association’s Expo in Long Beach was the unveiling of TEMSA’s newly redesigned TS45. Initially requested by American operators and designed with their help, the TEMSA TS45 was originally introduced in 2014. Also introduced at the Expo in Long Beach was the companion model the TS45E.
hat many considered the most exciting moment at the recent United Motorcoach Association’s Expo in Long Beach was the grand unveiling at TEMSA. It was a double event because TEMSA had not one but two coaches under wraps that they were introducing to the industry. As the unveiling time approached, a crowd of people gathered at the TEMSA stand as the anticipation mounted. At the appointed moment, the wraps came off and the redesigned 45-foot TS45 model and its companion battery-electric TS45E model were unveiled to the crowd.
Some of the people there commented on the long list of improvements and new features that TEMSA included in their redesigned TS45. The new aerodynamic design helps fuel economy while other changes, like the three-piece bumpers, help reduce operating costs. An improved multiplex system simplifies diagnostics and makes maintenance easier. In addition, the new TS45 can boast of state-of-the-art technology and increased safety features. As a result, we have received requests for NATIONAL BUS TRADER to take a closer look at the redesigned TEMSA TS45 with its new attributes and improvements. 16 • National Bus Trader / May, 2022
Background While every model has a story behind it, the TEMSA TS45’s heritage is connected with customer input and suggestions. TEMSA brought their short 35-foot integral coach to North America in 2008. It became an immediate hit because coach operators were looking for a smaller coach with integral construction and big coach features for smaller groups. Customers eventually persuaded TEMSA to add a smaller 30-foot coach to its product line that also found a niche in the North American market.
As time went on, it was not unexpected that TEMSA customers pleased with the shorter coaches began asking for a full size 45foot coach. TEMSA had previously developed a longer coach for the European market called the Diamond. I had the opportunity to ride on one and was pleased with the appearance and the ride. To TEMSA’s credit, they elected not to use the old design but to start from scratch with a coach particularly designed for and geared to the North American market.
They gathered several American customers together and asked them what they would like to see in a 45-foot coach. The resulting list was then given to the TEMSA
engineers and designers who set to work turning the list into a coach. An initial prototype was developed at the factory in Adana, Turkey in 2012. TEMSA then invited some of the American customers to come for a visit and critique the new model. I was there and participated in the tire kicking, measuring and discussion. It was fascinating to see the coach operators going over many details on the coach. The resulting list was given to the engineers who went back to their drawing boards. This resulting TS45 model for the North American market made its debut in 2014 and was arguably a coach designed with a great deal of customer input.
Things have moved on since the introduction of the TS45. One is that the bus industry has embraced a great deal of new technology and safety features. This ranges from threepoint seat belts to improved diagnostics to new systems for accident mitigation. Another is that TEMSA already had three battery-electric models in its product line and was working on an electric version of the TS45 (to be known as the TS45E) to be the fourth. These two items prompted a major redesign of the TS45 to take advantage of new technology and state-of-the art features. All of this led to
