DIMO and TATA Motors launch all-new Ultra bus range

From left: Diesel and Motor Engineering COO (TATA Division) Vijitha Bandara, TATA Motors Head – Sales (CV International Business) Rudrarup Maitra, Diesel and Motor Engineering Chairman/MD Ranjith Pandithage, Diesel and Motor Engineering CEO Gananath Pandithage and TATA Marcopolo Motors CEO Rohit Srivastava

Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) together with TATA Motors on Friday announced the launch of the ‘Ultra Standard Bus’, ‘Ultra School Bus’ and the ‘Ultra Luxury AC Bus’ in Sri Lanka. 

The 34 seater ‘Ultra Standard Bus’, ‘Ultra School Bus’ and the 29 seater ‘Ultra Luxury AC Bus’ showcase superior technology and design along with superior aggregates, ensuring lowest cost of ownership and higher uptime with enhanced driver and passenger comfort.

Launching the two new Ultra Bus models TATA Motors Ltd. International Business, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit Head of (Sales) Rudrarup Maitra said, “The launch of these globally benchmarked buses from TATA Motors mark the introduction of our world-class range of Ultra buses in Sri Lanka. These Ultra buses have been uncompromisingly designed for intra-city as well as inter-city transport and to offer unmatched performance and reliability, to become the ideal choice for all fleet owners. Keeping in mind the ever evolving industry, we have yet again taken a pioneering step in Sri Lanka’s commercial vehicle market and we hope to continue introducing new models from our portfolio every year.”

Commenting on the launch of the new vehicle, DIMO Chairman and Managing Director Ranjith Pandithage said, “The TATA Ultra buses are going to change the way Sri Lanka commutes in the coming years.  With a range of more than 100 products, our endeavour is to meet all customer requirements by providing products which are built to suit specific applications.”

The ‘Ultra Standard Bus’, ‘Ultra School Bus’ and the ‘Ultra Luxury AC Bus’  have been built on the sturdy and versatile LPO 7.5 T platform and are powered by the reliable TATA 497 engine along with a viscous fan, resulting in higher fuel efficiency and lowest NVH levels in its category. The 6-speed gearbox with overdrive and cable shift mechanism ensures higher mileage, more speed selection options and higher maximum speed, besides providing 30% more life. The high strength chassis and stronger rear axle enhance the life of the vehicle, while the wider tubeless radial tyres give a longer running life. The service interval has also been doubled for more on-road availability and to significantly reduce maintenance cost for the operators.

The Ultra luxury variant comes with engine-driven individual AC vents, integrated in the modular hat-rack along with reading lamps for easy access. To make travel more comfortable, push-back seats with up to 135 degree recline, wide arm and foot rests are provided in the bus without compromising on the rear and side luggage boot space. Additionally the bus also comes with LCD screen fitment and a CD / DVD player on request. 

The school variant on the other hand is equipped with 25 safety features along with various comfort features for children. With wider track axle and lowest in class turning radius, the vehicle is stable at turns and easy to manoeuvre. The power steering is both telescopic and tiltable and the sub-assembly comes with a high capacity power steering pump and dashboard mounted gear lever to reduce driver fatigue.

TATA Ultra range of buses are the first in its category with a door ahead of the front axle, resulting in more seats for the same length of bus and subsequently better returns for the operator. The advanced parabolic suspension, wider aisles and comfortable seating ensure that commuters experience a smooth and peaceful ride. These buses open up a whole new world of comfort and luxury for regular commuters, office-goers, tourists and school children.

The TATA Ultra buses are available in a wide range of luxury, standard and school variants. These are available in different seating configurations, on different wheelbases, thereby providing the customer with greater options to choose from.

Pix by – Sameera Wijesinghe