MAN Lion’s Coaches and Volkswagen Crafters, all converted at the MAN Bus Modification Center, used at meeting of government leaders in Tashkent
UZBEKISTAN At the end of June, the government leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan met within the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, in order to consult on questions regarding the security of their countries. To provide transportation the Uzbek presidential administration purchased a pair of MAN Lions’ Coaches and two Volkswagen Crafters with customised, high-quality interiors installed at the MAN Bus Modification Center (BMC).
The Crafters, the first vehicles of this type to be modified at the BMC, received comfortable one plus one leather covered Brusa seats enabling nine passengers and a bodyguard to be transported. The interiors were adapted to give the appearance of a large tour bus and fitted with LED lights. Konvekta air-conditioning and convector heating was installed and the minibuses were repainted to match the MANs.
The MANs had individual seats with a locking mechanism, leg supports, adjustable headrests and a swivel function, which made it possible to have flexible seating groups. The 18 seats in each coach were complemented with folding wooden tables on the side walls. Also included in the specification were Continental Birdview cameras for 360-degree outside surveillance, modified entrances with non-slip covering and illuminated steps, and numerous assistance systems.
“This illustrates the whole product portfolio of the BMC”, said André Körner, Location Manager of the Bus Modification Center in Plauen. “From regional bus companies, German football league clubs, promotional vehicles right up to high-end vehicle upgrading for state and government leaders, every customer request can be fulfilled.”
In addition to the vehicles, the order from the Uzbek presidential administration also included after-sales support and driver training from MAN. During the SCO Summit, service engineers from MAN Truck & Bus were ready and available on site. In later everyday life, when the luxury vehicles will continue to be used for VIP transportation in Greater Tashkent, the local MAN Center will be responsible for the servicing and maintenance of all four.
At present, SCO represents around one-third of the world’s population and is therefore the largest regional organisation in the world. In addition to the six current Member States, additional countries are also represented as potential new members and permanent observers at the annual meetings.
