East Lancs Kinetec

The East Lancs Kinetec is a type of bus body for MAN chassis. Both variants were launched at Euro Bus Expo 2006.

Kinetec (single decker)

The standard Kinetec is a single decker body that appears to have been influenced by the Optare Sigma body in styling and construction. Unlike the Sigma though it is of low floor design. Reviews from its launch as Euro Bus Expo 2006 were very poor. Like the Scania OmniTown the bus uses the East Lancs Esteem body, but with the chassis maker's (MAN's) "Lion's City" front.

Kinetec+ (double decker)

The Kinetec+ is a double decker bus seemingly influenced by the Optare Spectra body. The first prototype body has a low-height (4 metres) design under EU regulations, which has been criticised. However the next prototype will be of London specification with a 4.3 metre height. Like later Spectras, the body is of low floor design and has the same lower dash panel as the single decker Kinetec. Like the Kinetec, this bus again uses the chassis maker's (MAN's) front with the East Lancs Olympus body.

Naming

Both the Kinetec and Kinetec+ were placed on display at the 2006 Coach and Bus Show with "KINETEC" lettering, but with plates bearing the alternative spelling "KINETIC". The LED displays also showed the name with an "I". This has inevitably led to some uncertainty as to the correct spelling of the model name.

ee also

External links

* [http://www.elcb.co.uk East Lancashire Coachbuilders]
* [http://jenkystransportbuses.fpic.co.uk/p38388287.html Image of a Stagecoach Kinetec.]
* [http://jenkystransportbuses.fpic.co.uk/p37925329.html Image of the prototype Kinetec+.]