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Home / SMRT Buses, Singapore (before GCM/BCM) / MAN NL323F A22 Lion's City SD (Euro V, Gemilang Mk I) 88

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Satisified with the results after evaluating the MAN NL323F demonstrator, SMRT Buses awarded the tender of 200 new buses to ST Kinetics delivering the MAN NL323F chassis. However, the bodywork for the production units was supplied by Gemilang Coachworks from Malaysia using Alcan's EcoRange aluminum-based technology.

Mechanically, the configuration of the production MAN NL323F (coded A22) is similar. Its Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and PM-Kat filter technology (the latter developed by MAN) does away the need for additives in exhaust treatment, while still able to meet the Euro V emission standards. All production NL323Fs are powered by the MAN D2066LUH-32 diesel engine (10,518cc). Batch 1, 2 and 3 A22s are fitted with 6-speed ZF Ecolife 6AP 2000B automatic transmission, while Batch 4 A22s are fitted with 4-speed Voith D864.5 automatic transmission.

The bodywork supplied by Gemilang gave the production batch NL323Fs a very different appearance. The exterior bodywork design was based on the integral 'Lion's City Hybrid' seen in European countries and built under license, but it is not a electric-hybrid bus. The unique protruding roof design, which covered the Denso LD8u overhead air-conditioning pod, has led to a number of hilarious nicknames given by both the public and bus enthusiasts. This model has been marketed by the local dealer as the Lion's City SD, especially with a 3-door demonstrator (with an updated bodywork) as revealed in late 2016.

EDS was supplied by Mobitec, which included additional route details on the boarding side of the bus. The interior configuration and design was fully low-floor and similar to the demonstrator NL323F; Masats outward sliding doors were fitted at the exit for additional safety. The first production NL323F entered service on service 963 (Woodlands to HarbourFront) in September 2011.

A follow-up tender of 202 new buses was also awarded to ST Kinetics, dubbed as Batch 2. Deliveries of Batch 2 A22s to SMRT Buses began in January 2013, with technical specifications similar to Batch 1 and minor updates to the interior. Later Batch 2 A22s have a few seats removed so as to create additional standing space at the front and rear of the interior, and this interior configuration continued for Batch 3 and 4 A22s.

On 2 April 2014 SMRT Buses announced a further order of 332 A22 buses to be fully delivered by end 2016, subdivided into Batch 3 and Batch 4. This new order replaces all existing Mercedes-Benz O405 (Hispano bodied) step-floor buses, and are technically similar to the earlier batches with some changes to the interior. Batch 3 and Batch 4 A22s have adjustable air-con outlets installed in response to customer feedback, and "doors are closing" announcements played on these buses whenever the front door closes. SMRT Buses switched its transmission option to Voith D864.5 for Batch 4 buses.

At 734 units the MAN A22 is the largest purchase ever in TIBS/SMRT's history for a particular bus model, making it a staple for its contemporary bus fleet and operations.