IVECO once again showcased the wide breadth of its commercial vehicle offering to the South African market at the Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) Annual Conference and Exhibition 2019, which was held in Pretoria. Regarded as the “Voice of the Bus and Coach Industry”, the association is a member-driven institution which aims to create a transformative and sustainable bus and coach industry in South Africa.
At the exhibition, IVECO BUS highlighted its commitment to providing cost effective, safe and sustainable transport solutions to the African market. It displayed two vehicles, the Afriway bus, developed exclusively for the African market, and the Daily minibus, which emphasized safety as a major design feature of the IVECO range.
“The SABOA conference is the prime annual event that brings bus operators together, giving IVECO BUS the opportunity to network directly with major stakeholders of the South African bus industry,” commented Roberto Nobili, Head of Bus at IVECO South Africa.
Elvis Mutseura, Product Marketing Manager of IVECO South Africa, explained “The 23-seater minibus on display, converted locally from a Daily 50C15V panel van, is positioned as the ‘Safest minibus on the road’. It is fitted, as standard, with numerous features that ensure the safety of the passengers. These include active safety systems such as daytime running lights and the electronic stability program (ESP 9) braking system, as well as passive systems such as airbags for the driver and front passengers. The multifunction steering wheel and air conditioner, not only add to the luxurious comfort, they are essential components designed to reduce driver fatigue and consequently save lives.”
The Afriway bus on display was configured by IVECO South Africa Works, IVECO’s manufacturing facility in South Africa, to meet the contract requirements for the state-owned electricity utility, Eskom.
“Some company tender requirements in South Africa specify that a percentage of the fleet of buses must provide wheelchair access,” explained Roberto Nobili. “The solution we developed is built on a 6x2 Afriway bus chassis, which can contain 65 seats and two wheelchair stations. The Afriway bus is able to cater to mobility needs whilst maintaining safety and comfort as its top priority through class-leading internal dimensions and passenger ergonomics.”
