Who would know more about what buses need for Australian roads more than Australian bus drivers and operators?
This very question was the driving force behind Challenger Bus and Coach, wanting to manufacture buses and coaches designed by Australians, for Australians.
“As a bus operator for decades, Challenger’s director Greg Sloan was fed up with the quality of most of the products on the market,” Challenger sales manager Dan Campbell told ABC.
“He wanted a premium product of superior quality and finish that was more durable to Australia’s harsh and unique conditions, more reliable structurally and mechanically, and tailored to driver requirements and comfort.
“So he decided to take control, locally designing buses and coaches that are purpose built for the Australian market.”
One of Challengers newest offerings, the Challenger Callibar, is the culmination of these ideals. With a successful run of its V10 and V12 models, operators started asking for a bus of that quality, in a smaller size.
“There was a definite market there,” Dan says. “So we have spent a lot of time to bring that vision to life.”
The road from conception to having a vehicle viable for the market is a complicated process, yet one that Challenger prides themselves on.
“We want to design buses with an ‘and’ not ‘or’ philosophy,” he says.
“‘And’ not ‘or’ means we simply chose the best every time. We create high quality buses and coaches made of the best materials, so you never have to compromise.”
The Challenger Callibar looks and feels like a luxury product, without the exorbitant price tag. Running a Cummins F3.8VI D170 engine and Allison T2200 transmission, operators don’t have to skimp on quality to save a few extra bucks.
Intrigued by the seven-metre mini-bus, ABC’s bus aficionado Paul Aldridge decided to put the Callibar to the test and hit the roads of Melbourne.
To read more, pick up the September edition of ABC Magazine.
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