Cycle & Carriage donates a fully-equipped Maxus V80 private hire bus to the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). Essentially a fully-loaded Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), this Maxus V80 was specially configured to fit up to four wheelchairs and three seated caregivers very comfortably.
Mr. Eric Chan, Managing Director, Singapore Motor Operations, Jardine Cycle & Carriage said, "The Maxus V80 made its first appearance in Singapore last year as the official vehicle at the 8th ASEAN Para Games. At Jardine Cycle & Carriage, we strive to help improve the lives of the local community through our vehicles. Hence, we recognise that sports has a significant role. We wanted to do our part in making our national athletes' transportation experience a pleasant one."
The Maxus V80 has a class-leading 1,800mm wide interior and can be configured in several ways. It can be used as a cargo van, 12 to 15-seater commuter coach, and as witnessed, a fully-customised wheelchair-friendly private hire bus. "We have benefitted greatly from the partnership with Cycle & Carriage during last year's ASEAN Para Games," said Dr. Teo Koh Sock Miang, President of SDSC. "With the Maxus V80 being available to us from this point forward, I believe future trips will be a delightful one for our athletes."
This special Maxus V80 costs about $65,000 without COE, but it includes the specially-configured interior and installation of all the equipment including the hydraulic-assisted wheelchair lift. That's about $10,000 more than a regular, unfitted commuter coach. It is currently the most wheelchair-accessible vehicle of its kind in Singapore's light commercial vehicle segment.
Along with the Maxus V80, the SDSC has two other similarly purposed vehicles. "Transportation is a key challenge when it comes to our athletes. Though our public transport system may be improving, it still remains to see if the city will start catering more to the disabled and their caregivers," said Dr. Teo.
The Maxus V80 is available with an automatic as well as manual transmission. It produces a healthy 330Nm of torque, thanks to a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine. It has a max speed of 150km/h, a fuel consumption rating of 10.75km/L and emits 246g/km of CO2 into the air.
