Thaco hands over Empire Group’s new double-decker sightseeing fleet

After over a year of research, THACO Research and Development Centre (R&D) has launched the double-decker tour buses (54 seats-42 seats on the upper deck and 12 on the lower deck) of European standards, applying the most advanced technology, manufactured with components imported directly from Germany, Japan, and South Korea, meeting strict quality requirements, and making the ideal vehicle for sightseeing activities in tourism cities.

The bus consists of two decks with a roof top, clear space and visibility, a suitable choice for sightseeing. The bus is equipped with a mini bar, a multi-language touch screen system incorporating global GPS navigation which automatically provides destinations for foreign tourists. The body structure and chassis of the bus are designed by Full Monocoque technology, the most advanced technology in the world today. The Hino engines were imported from Japan.

The six-speed automatic transmission system, front and rear axles, disc brakes, pneumatic suspension and steering systems, among others, were imported from ZF Group (Germany). The automatic transmission incorporates a modern hydraulic braking system, a pneumatic suspension system, combined with the Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) from Germany to keep the bus stable and safe in every road condition. This is a special dedicated system applicable to European-standard bus models, new to all Vietnamese buses at the moment.

At the event, Coco Tran, deputy CEO of Empire Group, stated: “Empire Group and THACO have become strategic partners due to their shared desire to provide the best products and services for the Vietnamese people. In the coming time, proving that Vietnam’s double-decker buses are not inferior to imported ones, the Coco City Tour buses will roll along the most beautiful roads in Vietnam.”

“Danang, a tourist destination with well-invested infrastructure, is a popular retreat in Vietnam. It is perceived that the investment in tourism development in the central city, especially the sightseeing tour by Empire Group’s new double-decker buses is a breakthrough, contributing to the development of the city and improving the city’s professionalism in serving travellers, increasing the popularity of Danang and Vietnam,” Mai Phuoc Nghe, THACO deputy general director, said at the handover ceremony. “Once again, this handover confirms THACO’s position as a pioneer of product development in accordance with modern trends. This product is a breakthrough in technology, contributing to the development of the Vietnamese tourism industry and our THACO is honoured to accompany the programme.”