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In focus | marcopolo audace 1050
MARCOPOLO LAUNCHES NEW AUDACE 1050 COACH IN AUSTRALIA
Volgren parent company Marcopolo has launched a new Audace coach series for the Australian bus market – the Audace 1050 – aimed at the school, charter and long-distance coach sector, the company announced recently.
Available in either 57 fixed or 53 reclining seat models – and available to order in Australia from February 2021 – both buses feature high levels of customisation and flexibility with options for toilets and wheel-chair lifts installed, explains Marcopolo.
Available to order exclusively by Australian operators from February 2021, the updated model continues the momentum for the popular vehicles since first launching in Australia in 2013, it states.
As a point of note for local bus fans, Marcopolo has brought a total of 200 Audaces into the country through its Australian operation, Volgren.
The changes range from major design to bodywork adjustments to wholesale seating modifications, says Volgren’s national sales manager Yuri Tessari.
“The Marcopolo Audace is a proven performer with more than 450 units sold globally each year. It’s a high-quality, flexible bus on a top-class European chassis, and it offers plenty of passenger comfort while being competitively priced,” Tessari explained.
“It’s also an incredibly versatile bus that can be used in a range of applications from school runs, charter, mining and long-distance trips.
“The changes we’ve made are mostly design refinements and body improvements, apart from one major shift: we are now offering a version of the Audace 1050 with reclining seats and retractable armrests, aimed at long-distance operators who want to offer passengers extra comfort,” he stated.
Tessari says the changes are a result of operator feedback and the company’s global insistence on continual improvement in design and engineering – backed up by arguably the most successful bus body builder in the world.
“Since we first launched this bus in Australia we’ve made strong progress in standardising the way we build buses all over the world,” he said.
“We call our manufacturing method – it’s actually about our entire workplace culture – the Marcopolo Way, and as we work towards it we improve our buses in every one of our facilities. You can see that improvement in this bus.”
BORDER HOPES
The launch comes after a difficult period for operators impacted by Covid-19 and Tessari says that as Australian state borders open again he hopes the Audace launch will help ensure operator confidence in the sector.
“We know better than most that the travel and tourism industry, which includes school, charter and coach operators, has been badly affected over the last 10 or 11 months,” he stated.
“All operators will be looking at 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism and perhaps with a fresh start in mind, so we think the new Audace enters the market
at the right time,” Tessari explained.
“The Victorian government announced in December last year a quarter of a million dollars to upgrade the Great Ocean Road, which is such an important destination for coach operators. I think that demonstrates that some confi dence and optimism is returning to the industry.”
CHASSIS SPEC
The fi rst two Audace 1050s that have arrived in the country are built on a Volvo B8R Euro 5, two-axle chassis with ZF automatic transmission. They will be supported locally by Volgren`s strong after-sales support with presence in VIC, NSW, QLD and WA, Marcopolo confi rms.
“The beauty of the Audace is you get an upgraded version of one of the most popular and versatile buses of its type on the planet built specifi cally for this country with after-sales service offered by Australia’s most trusted bus body builder,” Tessari stated.
“As an operator you can expect precisely the same after-sales service with your Audace as you’d get with a Volgren Optimus.”
QUICKSILVER INVESTMENT
Quicksilver Cruises (QSC) coach operations manager Ben Tozer – one of Australia’s leading Great Barrier Reef tourism operations – has four Marcopolo Audaces in his fl eet.
Quicksilver coaches transfer passengers from Cairns and surrounds to Port Douglas, it explains. The coastal road is one of the most scenic drives in Australia, but due to its winding, hilly course it’s demanding on coach safety and passenger comfort, it adds.
“After careful consideration the Marcopolo Audace was chosen as the coach for Quicksilver’s coach-replacement program. QSC took possession of their fi rst Audace in 2016. Since then three more Marcopolo Audaces have been added to the fl eet,” Tozer said.
“The Audace have performed well with numerous compliments from passengers and drivers on its comfort and handling. Fuel consumption, servicing and after sales assistance have been consistently good.
“The investment in the vehicles highlight Quicksilver’s commitment to the comfort of our passengers and also ensuring we continue to lead in all aspects of environmental sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint,” he added.
Top:
The fi rst two Audace 1050s that have arrived in the country are built on a Volvo B8R Euro 5, twoaxle chassis with ZF automatic transmission, Marcopolo confi rms.
Above, Right:
Audace 1050 with 57 fi xed seats.
Opposite, Bottom:
Audace 1050 with 53 reclining seats.
ZF DRIVES ELECTRIC INNOVATION
ZF and the word ‘technology’ have been intrinsically linked for decades because, from the very beginning, that is what ZF has done – develop, manufacture and deliver innovative technology to the world’s automotive manufacturers.
Whether it is passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, or buses and coaches, ZF technology has been central to the safety, performance and effi ciency of these vehicles for generations.
And in the e-Mobility space, ZF’s years of research and development continues to place it ahead of the competition.
“For over 100 years, ZF has globally developed a reputation as a leader in automotive systems, and has subsequently been at the forefront of the move towards electrifi cation in the commercial vehicle segment,” said Shane Trenbath, technical services manager, ZF Services Australia.
“What makes ZF unique is that the expertise for all of the different components of the EV system are available from a single source, which truly sets us apart.”
THE NEXT STEP
The AxTrax AVE portal axle has already been installed in over 2,200 electric buses globally, which have subsequently travelled around 150 million kilometres with zero-emissions.
Local Oceania manufacturers including BusTech Group in Australia, as well as Zemtec and Global Bus Ventures in New Zealand, have selected AxTrax AVE in their designed chassis, with trials commencing shortly.
The system can be utilised in numerous confi gurations, including pure electric buses, hybrid buses and trolleybuses, in both solo and articulated wheelbase confi gurations, with energy provided by battery, fuel cell, supercapacitor or mains supply.
Instead of a traditional driveline featuring an engine, transmission, prop shaft and a differential, the AxTrax AVE features a compact electrical engine installed within what would typically be the hub of the wheel.
Providing high-torque output, the system keeps weight low, while also saving space.
The system utilises regenerative braking, which tops up battery stores while saving on service brakes, with the overall system containing fewer moving parts that in turn simplifi es the maintenance task.
Tuned specifi cally for each installation, the AxTrax AVE system features an inverter and the ZF EST 54 control unit, which manages power requests, recuperation and energy storage needs.
ZF CETRAX DRIVE SYSTEM
For manufacturers looking to integrate an electric drive system into their conventional vehicle designs, the CeTrax is a recent addition to the ZF range, opening up a host of installation options.
Bus manufacturers can utilise the system in both low-entry and high-fl oor applications, as well as for low-fl oor buses in combination with the AV 133 portal axle.
With a maximum power output of 300 kilowatts and a top torque fi gure of 4,500Nm, CeTrax has the performance to overcome the toughest terrain.
Featuring tried and proven components from the ZF-EcoLife city bus transmission, the CeTrax is lighter and more compact than combustion engine options, all while allowing for the use of standard axles and common differential ratios.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE
ZF’s OE range for buses and coaches features a vast catalogue of parts, from driveline, to steering, brakes, chassis and electronic components.
Transmissions include the proven EcoLife and AS Tronic, as well as TraXon.
Aftermarket components from ZF and its LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW brands include the CDC electronic damping system, individual dampers, ActivMode and EV Series power steering pumps, clutch and dual mass fl ywheel systems, and electronic control units.
There is also a myriad of parts including steering systems and chassis, axles, clutches, brake components and lubricants.
Further details are available at zf.com/ au, or by calling 1800 ZF SALES (1800 93 72537).
Systematic Perfection!
The electric driveline is here to stay. ZF therefore provides two solutions for city buses up to 29t. From these two solutions bus manufacturers and end customers choose the system that suits their requirements best: the AxTrax AVE electric portal axle or the CeTrax electric central drive. Both products feature high peak and constant power with liquid cooling and a low dead weight. The AxTrax AVE with two integrated wheel motors and a maximum power of 250 kW can be installed with conventional ZF low-floor axles and allows for innovative bus concepts. With the integrated planetary stage of ZF EcoLife, CeTrax transfers 300 kW to the road and can be installed in all types of buses with standard axles. The ZF experts provide the same long-term support and service from a single source as for conventional systems. zf.com/buses
For more information, contact ZF Services Australia 02 9679 5555
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
A stream of announcements about the new products that will be on display at this year’s highly anticipated Brisbane Truck Show will be coming soon, so stay tuned.
With visits to showrooms and customers off the cards for signifi cant parts of the past year, the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show presents the best opportunity to come together and reconnect with customers, peers and the entire industry.
It also allows for these new products, models or innovations to be seen up close.
That applies across the full range of trucks, trailers, components, technology, equipment, accessories and even merchandise.
On the opening morning of the show, highly anticipated new models will be unveiled to an eager audience.
Before the doors open the halls are busy with sales teams putting a fi nal polish on every item and every counter. It is a beautiful thing to see the lights come on, screens light up and the doors open.
But fi rst is the media tour. Each of the truck manufacturers has fi ve minutes for each of their brands; the aim is to get the pack of industry journalists excited about the latest innovations.
Each manufacturer has a different pitch based on its new model: is it packed with safety technology, will it be more productive than existing models, or will we see the spotlight on sustainability in 2021?
Executives from each of the brands are on hand to pull the silks off and tell their stories. Their enthusiasm is infectious.
It is hard not to imagine your own livery painted across cab doors and trailer curtains.
This year will be a little bit different because the crowd will not be packed so tightly as we ensure a COVIDSafe event. But we promise you will be able to get up close to the new models and innovations.
We are lucky enough to be attending the Southern Hemisphere’s largest automotive event, in one of the world’s best convention centres.
That means your experience has been
You get great value for a fun day’s entertainment.
carefully planned to ensure your safety and wellbeing are the highest of priorities.
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Government, and the truck show’s organiser Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a COVIDSafe event.
Likewise, the exhibitors are putting the same degree of care into the planning of their exhibits and following detailed guidelines that have been developed to give everyone confi dence that the rebirth of major Australian business events is delivered successfully by every measure.
Tickets are on sale now. It is hard to imagine better value for a full day’s entertainment and yet this year the show delivers.
Not only is the Brisbane Truck Show accompanied by the South Bank Truck Festival with a huge display of trucks and trailers on display in the parklands, and all the free entertainment in the area, this year your ticket will also get you into the new Civil Construction Field Days – the new heavy equipment and machinery show awash with everything you could ask for in excavators, graders, rollers and the like.
All of that on one ticket!
Then, add to that the chance to win the Ultimate VIP Experience Package just by registering your ticket.
The BTS21 major promotion partner, Morris Finance, has put together a package of amazing experiences including a box at the AFL, V8 supercar hot laps, four Bathurst 1000 corporate suite tickets, and your own racing simulator.
Add to that a large screen TV, SP Tools voucher, bar fridge, BBQ, Walkinshaw Sports golf buggy, a fi re pit, dart board and more.
It’s a heck of a prize and you will be in the running when you purchase and register your ticket to the show.
