- The value proposition of the Galician bodybuilder for these two areas focuses on the New City and Magnus.E models, respectively
- Castrosua is exhibiting a high-floor Magnus.E unit powered by Compressed Natural Gas at the Belgian fair, a pioneer in Europe
Santiago de Compostela, October 16, 2015.- Grupo Castrosua is participating these days in the Belgian city of Kortrijk in a new edition of Busworld, one of the most relevant industry fairs for buses and coaches held in Europe. Within the framework of this forum, Castrosua has highlighted its proposals for the urban and commuter segments, materialized through the New City and Magnus.E models, respectively.
In the press conference presenting these products, the Marketing Manager of the Galician bodybuilder, Teresa Fernández, emphasized the pillars that make up the company’s Strategic Plan until 2017: internationalization; alliance policy; and in-house R&D&i development.
Specifically, regarding the latter point, Fernández highlighted that “it is evident that the best showcase for innovation is our products, some of which have received significant awards this year.” Thus, the New City was awarded the prestigious Red Dot design award in the product design category, and the high-floor Magnus.E bodied with CNG propulsion received one of the awards from the Regional Transport Consortium of Madrid in the public transport and sustainable mobility category.
Features of the models exhibited at the fair: New City
For his part, the international sales manager of Grupo Castrosua, Simon Kienast, detailed the technical characteristics of the models exhibited at the fair. He began by referring to the potential of the New City, a bodywork that was presented to the national market at the last edition of FIAA. “Since then, units of this model are already circulating in several Spanish cities,” indicated Kienast.
The international sales manager of Castrosua pointed out that in this vehicle, modernity and technology come together to create a bus with a distinctive aesthetic. “We have developed construction solutions that represent a clear advance, while maintaining our seal of quality,” emphasized Kienast.
With variable lengths depending on the specific model (10.5, 12, or 18 meters), diesel or CNG propulsion, the model can be bodied on any chassis. Safety, functionality, and comfort are prioritized in its design. Thus, the latest generation LED daytime running lights form the C of Castrosua, as a symbol of brand identity. These exterior lights give the product a unique character. In addition, the windshield with its enveloping design improves driver visibility. In parallel, the new driver’s station of the New City improves ergonomics to promote optimal working conditions for the person driving the vehicle, complying with ergonomic studies for safety and occupational protection.
Active Safety Improvements
This model also incorporates, as highlighted at Busworld, active safety improvements such as a luminous and acoustic warning system for moving doors; latest-generation devices such as USB connectors or backlit pushbuttons, among others. In addition, the New City has space for wheelchairs, strollers, or bicycle racks.
But in addition to its aesthetic appearance, the New City also stands out for its powerful technical development and structural framework. Taking advantage of the Euro VI launch, the vehicle aims to reduce weight while maintaining its unmistakable robustness. “In the product development process, new materials and innovative design and validation methods have been introduced, resulting in a significant reduction in the vehicle’s unladen weight, while maintaining the rigidity and structural strength of Castrosua buses,” said Kienast.
Magnus.E
On the other hand, Grupo Castrosua presented its Magnus.E model at Busworld – designed to meet the exclusive needs of operators of peripheral and intercity (medium-distance) routes – a segment that is increasingly important for the Galician bodybuilder. “It is a model with directed airflow, and at the same time elegant,” said Kienast.
The Magnus.E offers an ergonomic driver’s station, easy access, and a wide field of vision. Optionally, for example, it features a lane departure warning system that can be combined with a fatigue warning system. “This is a strong commitment to ensuring passenger safety,” added Kienast.
High-floor unit bodied with CNG
Considering the growing need for cities to reduce the combustion of excessively polluting fossil fuels, Grupo Castrosua is exhibiting a high-floor Magnus.E unit powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at Busworld these days. In the development of this new configuration of the Magnus.E bodywork, which is equipped with Euro VI CNG engines, the Galician bodybuilder has been a pioneer in Europe.
“The technical work to adapt the chassis of this high-floor bodywork with CNG is a novelty on our continent and represents a clear example of our bodybuilder’s vocation for service and customer orientation,” Kienast highlighted at the Kortrijk press conference.
Among other important features, the Magnus.E, in all its versions, is manufactured with composite aluminum sides to reduce weight (easily replaceable and with access hatches to the bodywork and chassis components); LED interior and exterior lighting ensuring greater durability and low consumption; as well as various equipment such as platforms, double or single glazing, possibility of USB connectors and power outlets, different models of reclining or non-reclining seats, or the option of luggage compartments and luggage racks, among others.
Furthermore, this bodywork can be equipped with self-supporting communicating luggage compartments and interior luggage racks with individual reading lights and air outlets extending to the last row.
Fuel Savings
In addition, the Magnus.E has various approved layouts on different chassis. Depending on the length of the vehicle and the number of liters and CNG cylinders it has, ranges of over 500 kilometers can be achieved. Furthermore, it reduces the required emission levels and allows for fuel savings of up to 57%.
Finally, the international sales manager of Grupo Castrosua indicated that “the high-floor Magnus.E allows passengers to gain comfort in their journeys, by having more comfortable and environmentally friendly vehicles.”
