Published: 25th March, 2019

Tata Marcopolo Motors Ltd. (TMML), the company that brings you Starbus, is a joint venture between Tata Motors Ltd. and Marcopolo SA, Brazil.

TMML combines technology and knowhow of both Tata Motors, the world’s second largest bus manufacturing company, and Marcopolo SA, Brazil, the world leader in body building for buses and coaches.

Together, Tata Motors and Marcopolo SA, Brazil has developed a world-class bus with features tailor-made for the South African commuter bus market – the all new Tata Starbus LPO 1823.

The 65-seater Tata Starbus LPO 1823 is powered by a 5.9-litre Tata Cummins engine that offers unmatched reliability, along with optimal performance. The powerful 235hp (175kW) engine produces smooth, reliable performance. Peak torque of 800Nm is delivered at just

1 500rpm in a flat torque curve for better all-round performance.

The turbocharged Euro 2 engine is synonymous with reliability, while the association Tata has with Cummins brings with it additional peace of mind for bus operators.

The Tata Starbus LPO 1823 incorporates several features that offer enhanced safety for passengers. For example, the transmission-mounted Hydrodynamic Voith retarder provides superior braking performance, enhances brake and tyre life and above all, promotes the highest levels of passenger safety.

The Tata Marcopolo body meets all SABS compulsory standards relating to safety, such as roll-over structural strength, seat strength and anchorage, emergency exit requirements and ABS brakes, while 315/80/R22.5 radial tyres ensure superior comfort and stability.

With passenger comfort a priority, the Tata Starbus LPO 1823 is supplied with an aesthetically designed interior with dual-tone seats. The voluminous rear luggage compartment has also been specially designed to meet the most demanding of baggage space requirements.

Furthermore, the Tata Starbus LPO 1823 features a modular hatrack, a twin leaf pneumatic in-swing door for easy entry and exit, and a chassis that has been designed specifically for bus applications.

Other noteworthy features include fire-retardant high back seats; fluorescent roof lamps; anti-slip vinyl flooring; five emergency exit windows and two roof hatches.

All in all, the Tata Starbus LPO 1823 offers exactly what every fleet owner looks for in a commuter bus: a high quality engine, retarder and body that culminate in low maintenance and long service life; reliable axle, suspension, brake and transmission components that have been tried and tested the world over; robust front axle with 7.7-ton capacity for high load capability, a large 380mm diameter-assisted clutch for maximum driver comfort and prolonged clutch life and a 350-litre fuel tank for long, hassle-free trips.

The Tata commuter bus range in South Africa also includes the smaller 4×2, 28-seater Starbus LP 713 TMP and the 4×2, 38-seater Starbus LPO 918.

Tata Bus is a bestselling nameplate not only on Indian roads, but also in various parts of the world, such as the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries and across Africa, thanks to excellent reliability and low running costs. Ideal for intra-city commuting, the Tata Starbus range is sure to delight local bus operators in equal measure

Benefits and features of the Tata Starbus LPO 1823:

*           Robust front axle with 7.7ton high load capacity

*           Tata Cummins engine for unmatched reliability and optimal performance

*           Hydrodynamic Voith retarder provides superior braking performance

*           Bus specific chassis with Tata Marcopolo body

*           ABS with Hydrodynamic retarder as standard

*           350-litre fuel tank

*           Twin leaf pneumatic in-swing doors for easy entry and exit

*           Five emergency exit windows and two roof hatches