by Bill Gocwin
Page 57
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For DM57,280 (E12,700) Neoplan-Berlin offers outside contractors a Unibus chassis inco rporating all standard mechanical features for use with specialist bodywork. Of particular interest is the design of the rear suspension unit with the air .bag on each independent trailing wheel mounted at an angle of approximately 45°. Tyre equipment is single all round with Michelin 8R 17.5 as standard although 9.5 R 17.5 may be specified for a gvw of 6,000kg.
Production at the Berlin plant this year is fixed at 215 vehicles with 62 firm orders already in hand and options for a further 82 units on the books. Guaranteed delivery at present is three months and the first orders include vehicles for the USA, Sweden, Algeria and Thailand in addition to 33 destined for the Berlin Telebus scheme.
The new venture represents another stage in the growth of Neoplan as a major international bus builder. Built in under eight months, and opened on the day fixed on the occasion of cutting the first sod, the Berlin factory, which has benefited from low interest finance given to industry in this city, will also become the manufacturer's service and repair base for local and visiting operators.
In a unique feature of the round-the-clock availability of service, rooms are available for drivers to sleep on the premises while their vehicle receives the required attention.