MAN Truck & Bus has, together with its long-standing partner TopBest Co., Ltd., delivered a total of 311 coaches to the Thai state-owned transport company Transport Co., Ltd. (BorKorSor). The vehicles, based on the MAN Lion's Chassis CO (RR3), are the first coaches with Euro 5 technology in Thailand. Bodywork is carried out in close cooperation with local body manufacturer TopBest.
The coaches are based on the two-axle Lion's Chassis CO (RR3) and were built by TopBest in configurations with 24, 32 and 36 seats. They will operate on key long-distance routes between Bangkok and the northern, southern and north-eastern regions. "This marks an important milestone for clean and comfortable mobility in the country," says Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus, adding: "At the
same time, the project underlines our international growth strategy in the bus business." Hadi Zamani, Head of International Sales Bus at MAN Truck & Bus, adds: "Thailand is a key market for our bus business, one that we want to continue developing consistently. Together with our local importer, we are unlocking additional potential, including beyond the country's borders."
As part of the delivery, the operator has also launched a new VIP bus service with the motto "Travel with Heart", featuring luxurious 24-seat coaches. This service covers key routes from Thailand's capital to Koh Samui, Nakhon Phanom, Chiang Mai and Mae Sot. The order in Thailand illustrates the importance for regional partnerships for MAN with companies like TopBest for the Asia region, Modasa for Central and South America, and Geyushi for North Africa and the Middle East, these selected as "MAN Lead Bodybuilders". "These partnerships create a robust international network and new sales channels – both in our partners' home markets and for export," says Oktay.