The deal was signed earlier this month at the Euro Bus Expo, at the NEC.
MAN will provide 18-tonne MAN EcoCity gas-powered buses with a low entry chassis to Arriva for use on its Mersey Travel contract.
The vehicles will be built to a bespoke Arriva CNG specification, which includes on-board wifi, USB charging points and leather upholstery.
Wayne Ulph, general manager for MAN Bus & Coach, says: “The vehicle is sold as a complete MAN product, so both body and chassis are supported through MAN.
“The bus bodies are made from lightweight aluminium and power is provided by a six-cylinder 270bhp E28 engine which meets the new Euro 6c specification. They have a six-speed ZF Ecolife gearbox and have four roof-mounted CNG tanks giving a capacity of 1,176 litres.
“Gas buses are part of our commitment to future-proofing technology for urban transport. Running vehicles on natural gas also makes it possible to save up to 30% on running costs as well as reducing emissions.”
Arriva’s area managing director Phil Cummins (pictured, right, with MAN’s Wayne Ulph) adds: “Arriva was very happy with the first MAN buses we added to the fleet in 2013 and chose to go with MAN again based on the quality of aftersales support and service, as well as the fact they were able to deliver a bespoke specification for us.
“These MAN gas buses are part of Arriva’s ongoing investment in improving environmental performance in our bus fleet and further helping the environmental sustainability of the services we provide to our passengers.”
In other news, MAN Bus & Coach recorded a successful Euro Bus Expo 2016, achieving what it describes as landmark sales figures – including 11 new vehicles sold during the three days, as well as a further three coaches sold following enquires made at the exhibition.