Putco gets its 100th Mercedes-Benz bus

Mercedes-Benz Buses has concluded the historic delivery of 100 vehicles to Putco with the final handover of the 100^th bus. This follows a 100-unit order placed by Putco in 2020. The buses were delivered in batches, with the first being supplied in December 2020.

In keeping with current times, the handover – which took place at the end of August 2021 in Sandton – was small. However, it certainly was illustrious, with the likes of Franco Pisapia, managing director of Larimar/Putco; Jason Brunninger, head of Mercedes-Benz Buses; and Lucus Garbardo, general manager of Marcopolo South Africa, in attendance.

The buses comprise the OF1726 front-engined bus chassis equipped with Marcopolo Torino G7 bodywork. They form part of Putco’s fleet of over 1 850 vehicles. Putco is the biggest commuter bus operator in South Africa and transports more than 230 000 commuters daily in and around Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Limpopo. Sandown Commercial Vehicles will provide aftersales service to Putco.

Pisapia said that the handover of the 100^th Mercedes-Benz bus was the culmination of hard work, dedication, and collaboration from both the Larimar/Putco and Mercedes-Benz Bus teams.

“The first 23 buses were delivered in December, and we have already seen a shift in perception from the public and happier passengers. The company is deriving value for money due to a reduced total cost of ownership, a comprehensive maintenance package, outstanding fuel efficiency and reliability. There is a reduction in en-route breakdowns, providing convenience and consistency in our operations.

“In addition, the new delivery has set the fleet apart and created excitement amongst drivers who have taken ownership and pride in driving these buses. This is a huge investment towards a sustainable transport system in our country. We are already discussing our future bus replacement programme, as we continue to strengthen our position in the market,” he revealed.

Brunninger noted that the team at Mercedes-Benz Buses was humbled by the faith and confidence that Putco has placed in its brand. “Being able to fulfil the specific requirements on these new buses and delivering timeously is an accomplishment for us as a team. Together with our bodybuilder partner Marcopolo South Africa, we have been working tirelessly to ensure premium quality in every detail.

“We are proud that our vehicles are contributing to the economic success of Putco and to the overall transport industry across the region to ensure our country’s people are safe at all times. This is a crucial step forward on our ongoing commitment to providing revolutionary mobility solutions to meet the business demands of our customers and keep the wheels turning for all who keep Africa moving,” he pointed out.