Cote D’Ivoire team delivers 117 buses in Abidjan along with Tata Motors
May 15, 2017
Tata International subsidiary, Tata Africa Côte d’Ivoire, delivered the first lot of Tata buses in Abidjan for the city’s public transport system, through Tata Motors in March 2017. Tata Motors collaborated closely with the Société des transports Abidjanais (SOTRA) to develop the LPO 1924 RESLF (Rear Engine Semi Low-Floor) buses.
The 117-strong fleet was inaugurated on April 5, in the presence of Tata International MD, Mr NN Tata, along with Mr Alassane Ouattara, President of Ivory Coast; Mr Meite Bouake, MD of SOTRA; Mr Jules Amani, Advisor to MD of SOTRA; and teams from Tata Africa Côte d’Ivoire and Tata Motors.
Speaking at the event, Mr Tata said, “We are fortunate to be in Cote d’Ivoire at this time to participate in this journey. Tata International has been here, in this lovely country, for 15 years representing the Tata group. We are humbled by the welcome and encouragement we have received from you.”
“In line with the expectations of today’s customer, we are proud to bring the most modern and cost-effective fleet of our buses to Cote d’Ivoire,” he continued.
Prior to the shipment, one bus was deployed from March to June 2016 with SOTRA, to test it under real-life conditions. The customised specifications under which the 12 metre-long bus was developed included:
- Engine: 240 HP, Cummins ISBe Euro III, Diesel, turbo-charged and water cooled
- Gearbox: Allison (USA) T 280R Automatic with hydraulic torque converter and Internal retarder
- Front axle: Meritor (USA) FH 946 with ABS
- Suspension: Air suspension with 2 front and 4 rear air bellows
- Tyres: 295/80 R22.5 Radial tubeless
- Max speed: 90 kmph
The delivery is part of the agreement with SOTRA through Tata Motors, India for the supply of 500 buses, 62 support vehicles and spare parts for over two years. The deal also includes the supply of workshop equipment, technical training and on-site support for two years.
“I am also delighted to learn that SOTRA will use these buses for the Francophone Games in July. We are extremely proud to be part of this event,” shared Mr Tata.
Conservatively, SOTRA has estimated a requirement of 2,000 additional buses to their fleet in the next four years. This would mean adding 500 buses per year till 2020.
Competitive prices, backed by the right financing schemes from India, puts Tata International in a position to meet the entire requirement of SOTRA over the next four years. “With an experienced sales and service team on the ground, we will ensure high uptime and service availability,” added Mr Tata.
“I hope the people of Cote d’Ivoire will like the buses and other vehicles we have to offer,” said Mr Tata concluding his address. He congratulated the team on the launch and thanked the gathering on behalf of Tata Motors and Tata International.
