Konsortium e-Mutiara Berhad (E-MUTIARA), one of the largest express bus operators in Malaysia, is expanding its fleet with brand-new double-deck coaches built on premium Euro V-specification MAN RR5 26.440 chassis.
E-MUTIARA has ordered a total of 55 units of double-deck coaches and 12 units of single-deck coaches from MAN as it seeks a reliable partner that can help it roll out innovative new services, deliver a new level of safety and comfort to its passengers and drivers and meet the company’s growing operational needs.
The first batch of 10 units of the new 42-seat MAN double-deck coaches in the new 13.5-metre length with lightweight aluminium bodies built by Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd were officially handed over to E-MUTIARA by MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd by Head of Bus, Anvar Kasimov, and Finance Director, Philip Walton, at Johor Bahru recently.
The new MAN coaches are equipped with Telematics, Fleet Management System and speed limited to 90 km/h. They also come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Electronic Braking Assistance (EBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Cruise Control as standard for added safety.
In an innovative move, E-MUTIARA has also specified the installation of a 10-inch tablet on the dashboard. This allows the company to digitise, upload and update the pre-departure checklist and also passenger manifest and do away with the need for sheets of paper and manual sign-off by supervisors at every destination.
Speaking at the event, E-MUTIARA Managing Director Naemah bt Ya’acob said that the company has always invested in premium European chassis and insisted that the maintenance and repair be undertaken by the chassis manufacturer for assured quality and optimum uptime.
“Our decision to go with MAN, our first brand switch in 15 years, reflects our confidence in the brand’s ability to grow with us to the next level. We always believe in the quality and durability of German engineering and the new generation of MAN vehicles are technologically advanced and there is a high level of digitalisation in their back-end operations.
We also like that MAN’s Service and Repair contract allows us to focus solely on our operations and better manage our cashflow as the cost per kilometre is fixed with no surprises,” she said.
MAN Malaysia’s Head of Bus Kasimov thanked E-MUTIARA for placing its trust in the brand.
“We are pleased to support the continued recovery of bus industry. Our MAN Bus/Coach chassis offer the perfect combination of proven reliability, comfort and safety, fuel efficiency and sustainability.
In MAN, I believe E-MUTIARA has found the right and reliable partner to help simplify and grow their business. Our promise to them and every one of our customers -- More peace of mind, optimum uptime and lower total cost of ownership,” he said.
The low-emission Euro V-specification MAN Coaches are timely acquisitions as E-MUTIARA plans to roll out a host of innovative services aimed at revolutionising the express bus industry and also expand its footprint.
Currently, E-MUTIARA express coaches service the Kota Bahru – Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh – Singapore and Kuala Perlis – Singapore routes. The company is planning to spread its wings beyond Peninsular Malaysia by the end of the year.
Following the positive market reception to its premium Mutiara Luxe service, E-MUTIARA aims to introduce further ground-breaking new features to capture a bigger slice of the premium executive coach segment.
“Even as we do so, we will continue to ensure that E-MUTIARA plays its part in providing affordable, safe, comfortable and timely economy express bus services to the public like we have done for the past three decades. We believe travel should be something to look forward to, not endure,” said Puan Naemah.
