MAN Truck & Bus says its recent delivery of 80 units of the New Lion’s Coach to a customer in Saudi Arabia is its largest-ever single deal in the Gulf state.
Describing it as a milestone in MAN’s journey in the Middle East, the deal is the second major sale in Saudi Arabia this year, after securing its first private coach customer in the Middle East, Al-Salem, early in 2020.
The MAN Lion’s Coach was voted ‘Coach of the Year 2020’, and according to MAN, it combines “economic efficiency, comfort, and practicality with innovative
technology and timeless design.”
“This is a significant moment for us. We are happy with the confidence our customers have placed in our buses,” said Joerg Mommertz, SVP and head of sales area Middle East, Africa and Latin America, MAN Truck & Bus. “Our commitment is to make the ownership enjoyable & profitable for customers by offering the best-in-class and we will work to deliver the best support.”
The New Lion’s Coach has been praised for its exceptional handling behaviour and fuel efficiency on the road, as well as MAN’s typically comprehensive range of safety features.
Rudi Kuchta, head of Business Unit Bus at MAN Truck & Bus added: “The MAN Lion’s Coach is the vehicle that has constantly impressed for a number of years thanks to its high reliability and low fuel consumption – and a clear champion when it comes to total cost of ownership.”
The Lion’s coaches are powered by a 6-cylinder diesel engine that conforms to EEV emission norms and delivers 440 hp. They are also equipped with Automated MAN TipMatic 12 OD gearbox, with retarder; air-conditioning system engineered for hot climates; driver assistance systems such as Electronic stability program (ESP), Lane Guard System (LGS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Adaptive Cruise Control; ergonomic seating layout with impressive passenger comfort together with features like USB sockets at passenger seats; Advanced Multi Media Coach (MMC) and two LCD monitors.
Driver Notes: MAN on the New Lion’s Coach
According to an MAN statement announcing the deal, the New Lion’s Coach is a solid vehicle you can ‘truly rely’ on: “The highly efficient coach exudes power and strength, yet actually saves on fuel and is based on a sustainable driving concept.”
“Developed with the daily needs of customers in mind, every last detail of the MAN Lion’s Coach has a focus on efficiency. The TipMatic automated gearbox employs MAN’s new moving-off and gear-shift strategy, optimally matched to the D26 engine. The engine itself is proven to deliver consistent high-performance with low fuel consumption and long maintenance intervals.”
“The Lion’s Coach also stands out in terms of the innovative safety solutions it provides for drivers, passengers and other road users. The ergonomically designed cockpit offers intuitive operation while driving, meaning that the driver can fully concentrate on the road. The new, bigger glass skylight/ emergency exit hatch features high UV filtration to protect passengers from the sun and offers increased safety by providing an easier option of escape in case of emergency. The MAN Lion’s Coach provides maximum safety every time it takes to the road.”
