The Busworld show was both an end and a beginning for Daimler Buses with its Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands: it concluded the early change over of the buses and coaches to the coming Euro VI emission standards.
A changeover for the upcoming Euro VI goes hand in hand with a completely new engine generation. Numerous tests and feedback from customers have confirmed its success: the new generation of buses reconciles ecology with economy, is more cost-effective and weighs no more than the preceding models. At the same time, Busworld Kortrijk marked the beginning of another model initiative with six world premieres for Daimler Buses.
Whether for mini-buses, urban and inter-city buses or touring coaches with high-floor or super high-decker design, and whether complete vehicles or chassis, Mercedes-Benz or Setra, Daimler Buses opts for the BlueTec 6 technology for all Mercedes-Benz and Setra model series and engines. A closed-loop particulate filter is combined with an SCR system, including AdBlue injection and an oxidising catalytic converter, which has been in use successfully for almost 10 years. This is complemented with cooled exhaust-gas recirculation.
Mercedes-Benz’ new products
The full-line manufacturer Mercedes-Benz exhibited a representative selection from its range at Busworld. The mini-buses are based on the new Sprinter, with sharper design lines, refined engines, economical major assemblies and new assistance systems. Both inside and out, the Sprinter Transfer and Sprinter Travel benefit from detailed advancements.
The new model Mercedes-Benz Citaro LE has made a major advance. This attractive low-entry bus has not only been changed over to Euro VI emission standards, but has now been brought into line with the new generation of the Citaro as a worldwide best-seller. In addition to many new technical features ranging from the cockpit to the engine, this includes a design upgrade.
The highly cost-effective and functional Intouro inter-city bus impresses with a restructured model range. This affects both the vehicle and engine models. A particular highlight is the two-axle Intouro M with a seating capacity of up to 59 and a length of only 12.64 m, which makes it amazingly profitable.
For many years the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo has been successful as Europe’s best-selling touring coach in the business class. In the coming model year it impresses with new, economical and refined engines: the new Tourismo K is a highly manoeuvrable midibus with the technology of the larger touring coaches, and covers a wide segment ranging from inter-city services on extremely demanding routes to a club bus for VIP travel.
The flagship series in the Mercedes-Benz touring coach range is the Travego. The two-axle Travego 15 RHD continues what the three-axle Travego Edition 1 started with its world premiere at the Busworld show two years ago: it was the world’s first bus to comply with Euro VI emission standards. It is now followed by the two-axle version that features numerous advancements.
The Setra TopClass 500 coach of superlatives celebrated its official public debut at the trade show. Till Oberwörder, Head of Sales & Marketing Daimler Buses, and Project Manager Thomas Fricke presented the new Setra flagship. “We are certain that we will set new standards in the exclusive touring coach segment with the TopClass 500. True to the Setra tradition, the new TopClass 500 represents a completely new vehicle family and new technological competence that are always to the benefit of the operator and passenger”, said Till Oberwörder.
These elegant and dynamic touring coaches stand for a new travel experience which combines luxury and practicality at the highest level. They indeed shed new light on the aspects of design, quality and safety, and combine highlights from the world of interior design with the outstanding economic attributes of the ComfortClass 500. The new TopClass 500 is also eye-catching by virtue of the new panoramic roof, which Setra presented in a widened and longer version for the first time. Compared with the TopClass 400, the TopSky Panorama glass roof is 50 per cent larger for an unprecedented feeling of spaciousness.
In addition to the S 516 HDH and S 517 HDH from the new touring coach generation, Setra exhibited for the first time a double-decker S 431 DT coach in Euro VI and the two-axle S 516 HD from the ComfortClass 500 in a special long-distance version.
In the outdoor area at Busworld, business visitors were also able to test-drive an S 515 HDH from the TopClass 500, an S 515 HD from the ComfortClass 500 with a rear salon, an S 412 UL and an S 415 UL, the latter both in Euro VI and representing the current MultiClass 400.