Based on more than a century of engineering experience, the new generation of Scania Touring has been developed to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s bus operators. Energy efficient and available in a wide range of powertrains, it offers the latest technology in everything from safety systems to reduced emissions and noise levels. And through excellent uptime and fuel economy, high levels of passenger comfort and generous luggage capacity, Scania Touring allow sustainable mobility to go hand-in-hand with operating economy.

“And to offer local bus operators utmost flexibility and more savings, Scania is unveiling the first Scania Touring with a Philippine-made body to be handed over to Bicol Isarog Tranport System, Inc. This provides operators, like Bicol Isarog, a myriad of options in terms of body configurations and choice of materials not to mention parts are readily available. But you can expect the same level of engineering excellence and riding comfort as with all Scania buses,” said Don Ramos, Sales Manager of BJ Mercantile, Inc.

The partnership with local bus body manufacturer Del Monte Motor Works, Inc. (DMMW) began in 2019 when Scania conducted a thorough inspection of its workshop and manufacturing process. DMMW then had to strictly adhere to the Body Building Guidelines of Scania and each step of the process is well-documented and all data are forwarded to Scania Headquarters in Sweden for monitoring. The resulting bus body design is patented for Scania and cannot be used for other brands. Customers then have a lot of choices in terms of interior design – from the audio-video set-up, to interior lighting, all the way to seat options wherein they can choose to install regular bus seats, deluxe or the top-of-the-line lazy boy seats. They can add a bathroom especially for long-haul trips while some can opt to transform the bus into a mobile conference room or a mobile hospital.

“Scania has been a part of our wish list being one of the best European brands known for its high quality, durability and safety features that is why we grabbed the opportunity to be the first to own the Scania Touring with a locally made body and we have 13 more buses for delivery next year. Another important factor is their very good after-sales support courtesy of the 24/7 workshop and guarantee of parts availability,” said Mr. BJ Cu, General Manager of Bicol Isarog.

What also sets Scania apart is the Fleet Management System (FMS) that allow operators more control over their fleet boosting operational economy and productivity. It promotes efficient and safe driving as the system monitors driving performance aside from vehicle data and fleet position. The FMS can evaluate what factors affect fuel consumption such as increased idling, harsh braking, acceleration and/or even fuel theft. It can detect mechanical and electrical errors remotely informing Scania’s professional technicians which parts and tools to bring for faster repair in the unfortunate event of breakdowns on the road. But those can be easily avoided by scheduling regular Preventive Maintenance when prompted by the FMS.

As testament to Scania’s commitment to safety, Scania Touring buses are equipped with the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Speed Limiter, Traction Control, Driving Mode (economy and standard), Hill Hold, and Auxiliary Break (retarder). Other functions that can be added to further support the driver whether they are on the open highway or in busy city environments are Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assistance, Blind Spot Warning, Electropneumatic Parking Brake, Vulnerable Road User Collision Warning and Underrun Protection.

To learn more about Scania, you may visit its showroom located at 1132 EDSA Balintawak, Quezon City. You may also call +63 2 8361 0088, email scania [at] bjmerc.com, or visit their website or check their Facebook page.