BusToCoach

EUROPEAN ON-LINE MAGAZINE - December 2012

COMFORT CLASS 500 SCANIA IN BRAZIL - SOLARIS FOR ALL - MERCEDES IN WARSAW - ALEXANDER FOR HONG KONG - FIAA IN MADRID - AUTOCAR EXPO IN BORDEAUX

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ON-LINE MAGAZINE linked www.bustocoach.com - December 2012

AUTOCAR EXPOTouring coaches on display in Bordeaux.

FIAA IN MADRIDClose up on Iberian

bodybuilders.

DIRECT LINK

IN THE FOREGROUND

BusToCoachEuropean on-line magazine

Editor in chiefMarino Ginanneschi

marino.ginanneschi@bustocoach.com

Managing editor and International relations

Elena Prearoelena.prearo@bustocoach.com

Photos and videos Marco Degano

marco.degano@bustocoach.com

AdministrationTransport Web di Marco Degano & C Snc

I 20149 MilanoVia Silva 33

E-mail: bustocoach@bustocoach.comInternet: www.bustocoach.com

Registration: Tribunale di Milano n. 140 del 16/03/2012

***BusToCoach® Magazine is a monthly e-mail delivered to 12,000 European

operators in the sector of bus passenger transport.

To subscribe to our mailing list, send an e-mail to:

bustocoach@bustocoach.com SETRA

All the qualities of the new ComfortClass 500.

EVENTS IN EUROPE

SCANIAOne

hundred trolleybuses on Swedish chassis for São Paulo do Brasil.

MERCEDESGerman manufacturer makes a shiny return to Warsaw with 60 Conecto.

ALEXANDEROrders for

1,000 buses, more than

half heading to Hong

Kong public transport.

SOLARISArticulated, CNG or airport version, the Urbino is well liked araund Europe.

USED BUS ON LINEOn www.bustocoach.com

websiteis on line the directory

dedicated to Used.

If you want to sell or buy a bus, here’s the right way.

You can make your insertion or search vehicles for sale.

***You can access through

the site, selecting the USED directory or going directly to

the linkwww.bustocoach.com/en/content/announcements

BusToCoach on-line Magazine - December 2012

Scania chassis modules for Brazil

UNDER the Surface

MORE trolleybuses on the way to São Paulo, the Brazilian

megacity served by a fleet of 17,000 buses. There are currently about 400 trolleybuses over there, but interest for such vehicles is growing rapidly together with the construc-tion of dedicated lanes for public transport. This is the kind of solution that local authori-ties count upon in response to stricter emission standard regula-tions adopted to combat climate change.The latest order for trolleybuses came from Am-biental Trans, one of many local public transport con-cessionaires. The commission consists of 101 trolleybuses intended for service on dedicated electric bus lanes.These 15-metre three-axle vehicles have three double doors and are built on chassis modules

by Scania. One such prototype was recently showcased at Fetrans-Rio public transport fair in Rio De Janeiro (October 3-5).These trolleybuses have a remarkable passen-ger capacity, in fact they can accommodate up to 96 seated passengers compared to 80 for a conventional two-axle city bus.

The vehicle is powered by a high output WEG electric motor that eli-minates the need for a ge-arbox. The mo-tor powers the vehicle via a propeller shaft to the drive axle.A bank of ba-ckup batteries, located under the dome on the

roof, ensures an operating range of 3-5 kilo-metres, in case of power failure or re-routing.The body will be manufactured by Caio Indu-scar, a Brazilian body builder specialised in bodies for city buses. •

Scania will produce chassis modules for 101 trolleybuses commissioned in São Paulo (Brazil).

The three-axle vehicles are 15 metres long

Orders and deliveries for Solaris Bus & Coach

Suitable for all TASTES

FROM Bulgaria to Spain. And it comes in all kinds of for-

mats. Such is the case for the Urbino model according to the latest orders received by So-laris Bus & Coach.In Bulgaria, the Polish manufacturer won an or-der for 67 buses. The buyer is Burgabus, tran-sport company of Burgas, a major Bulgarian city located on the shores of the Black Sea.The order, valued at € 15.5 million, includes 39 twelve-metre Urbino CNG buses by plus another 28 articulated Urbino buses measuring 18 metres in length and equipped with diesel engines.The 67 buses, fea-turing all kinds of equipment, will be delivered by the middle of next year.This commission strengthens the position of Solaris Bus & Coach in the Bulgarian market, where the manufacturer from Bolechowo de-buted in 2010 with thirty trolleybuss equip-ped by Škoda Electric and with destination to the country’s capital Sofia.

In Spain, Solaris Bus Iberica delivered a pair of Urbino U15 A to Air Rail company, a vehi-cle and equipment supplier for airports, ports and railways.The two vehicles are the 15-metre three-axle airport shuttle version. The peculiarity of this configuration consists of five large doors ope-ning outwards on both sides and in its capaci-ty of up to 100 passengers with luggage. The

U15 A (airport) are equipped with a DAF PR 183 EEV engine, Voith Diwa 5 automa-tic transmission and additional Sütrak air conditioning system for the driver. These two units will be put to use for RyanAir service in the airport of Seville. •

Urbinos by Solaris commissioned in the articulated, CNG and airport versions. Two 15 metres vehicles heading to Air

Rail in Spain. 67 units ordered by Burgas in Bulgaria

BusToCoach on-line Magazine - December 2012

Supply of Mercedes-Benz for Poland

A Welcome RETURN

MERCEDES Benz took the path to

Warsaw once more. The Polish capital is buying buses bearing the three-pointed star again. It’s an important sign for the Stuttgart company af-ter several decades of absence from the main scientific, cultural, political and economic de-velopment centre of Poland.As part of its fle-et renewal, tran-sport company Miejskie Zakłady Autobusowe Sp. z o.o. (MZA) awarded the com-mission for 60 ar-ticulated buses to Mercedes-Benz. The Conecto G was chosen. Pro-duced in the bus plant in Hosdere, Turkey, the Conecto G is an 18 metre low-floor with a maximum capacity of 160 pas-sengers and EEV standard compliant engine without particulate filter.Comfort features and safety equipment are the requirements demanded of vehicles by Polish

operator. The configuration includes four do-ors, a powerful air conditioning system and a passenger information system through five 22 inch monitors plus two 38 inch screens for the display of route information, transfer points and stopping points. Passengers can make use of onboard Wifi for free.

In order to en-hance passenger safety there are eight cameras installed inter-nally and two externally. The driver is also protected thanks to a driver’s cab that is comple-tely sealed off from the passen-ger compartment and with dedica-ted access (on the

right) as well as a door that can only be ope-ned from the driver’s side, in order to prevent intrusion and possible aggressions.Delivery of the first vehicles started in No-vember and will be completed by the 20th of December 2012. •

Buses featuring the Mercedes-Benz logo are back on the streets of Warsaw. They are 67 Conecto G measuring 18

metres with EEV engine for transport company MZA

Good results for Alexander Dennis Ltd

Almost 1,000 Vehicles

IN spite of the economic crisis, there are those who have reasons to cele-

brate. Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) is one of them. In fact the Scottish manufacturer announced orders for almost 1,000 buses. This result should not be attributed solely to achievements in the British market, that in 2012 (January-September) saw an increase of 55 percent in registra-tions of buses over 3.5 tonnes. But also, and foremost, to exports. In fact, among ADL’s main customers there are Hong Kong public transport operators.Out of the nearly one thousand bu-ses commissioned to Alexander Dennis Ltd (worth £ 220 million) 640 vehicles have been purchased by Hong Kong transport operators. The three-axle double-deck Envi-ro500 is the most popular model (532 units). Intended for export markets, the Enviro500 is the latest model of the ADL, it is lighter, more fuel efficient, easier to maintain and it

can transport up to 135 passengers.The Enviro200 is another high-demand mo-del that continues to be a worldwide best-seller. It is a medium size bus characterised by high manoeuvrability. In this case 175 units have been ordered and they are inten-ded both for the UK and for export markets,

with del iver ies scheduled to take place over the next six months.Furthermore, ADL will introduce 150 vehicles of the new hybrid-electric se-ries in the United Kingdom. These vehicles will be de-livered by summer 2013. •

Scottish manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd announces orders for almost one thousand buses. Hong Kong bus

operators among major customers

IT'S been a couple of months since the 65th IAA event took place in

Hannover, after which the baton was passed to the Feria Internacional del Autobús y Au-tocar (Fiaa), on show in Madrid last October. The event celebrated its 20th anniversary in circumstances that are not easy for the home industry. The economic crisis in Spain is worse than in other countries: vehicle sales declined and during the first nine months of the year re-gistrations of buses over 3.5 tonnes collapsed by 37 per cent (ACEA data, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association). Despite the diffi-cult economic situation, the Spanish bus market is a dynamic sector, both in terms of supply and demand; the latter represented by 3,663 mobility companies, 59,900 vehicles on the road and 3.6 billion euro in annual revenue.For their part manufacturers stand firm and try to deal with the crisis by means of products and markets diversification. A total of 181 compa-nies, including vehicle manufacturers, com-ponent and service suppliers, as well as local transport companies, gathered at Fiaa. The Fair Trade took place in two exhibition halls for a to-tal of 38,400 square meters of exhibition space. Truth being told, participation decreased both

Feria Internacional del Autobús y del Autocar

The SHOW Must go on

Trade Fair Fiaa is back in Madrid featuring new models and vehicle range updates. Lineups by Iberian bodybuilders are always lively in spite of the economic crisis. Also featuring vehicles by major European and Chinese manufacturers

in terms of visitors and exhibitors. For instance, in 2010 there were 200 exhibitors. Some major European manufactures, such as Scania, Vol-vo and Temsa that were present in the prior edition, this year did not show up at all, while some local bodybuilders such as Hispano, Staco and Farebus did not participate. On the other hand Chinese manufacturers Foton and King Long made their first time appearance at the Fair in Madrid, tackling the Spanish and Euro-pean markets with their low cost buses.The showcase featured many premieres for the local market. Big manufacturers simply set up an encore of the IAA in Hannover from last September. Such was the case visiting the exhibit area of Daimler where the spotlight was directed to the last edition of the Merce-des Citaro upgraded to Euro VI and to the new ComfortClass 500 series of tourist coaches by Setra. Chassis with Euro VI engines manufactu-red in Spain constituted another novelty for the Iberian market. At Fiaa they were represented by one chassis belonging to the MB OC500RF series measuring 13.5 metres with Esp, Abs, Asr, Ebs, Enr. Among the other proposals seen at the Mercedes’ stand there were: the mini-size city bus Sprinter City 77 (8.7 metres, two dou-

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CASTROSUA - Tempus Hybrid Stellae

City Versus

IRIZAR - i3

SUNSUNDEGUI - Sc7 NOGE - Touring-H

48 EEV engine of 360 hp. In addition, in the outdoors area there was also a Lion’s City Hybrid available in the for visitors to test drive.Also in the line up there was a luxury double-decker Skyliner of 14 meters with a capacity of 77 passenger seats plus two service seats by Neoplan . In addition featured vehicles Man in-troduced a new concept of modular frame made of five main modules.Solaris brought to the fore the new Urbino Ü, a two-door low-entry intercity bus mea-suring 12 metres in length with Man engine and Voith Diwa transmission and with a ramp for wheelchairs mounted on the central door. Another highlight was the restyled Interurbino in the 12.8 metres variant with 51 seats and Daf PR65 engine combined with a ZF 6AP 1700B transmission, a model suitable for regional tran-sportation.Otokar lined up a collection of vehicles for all types of uses. Starting with the ‘short’ length Centro C class I (not even 6 metres long, 11 seats plus wheelchair area equipped with tip-up seats and robotic gearbox), followed by the Vectio model featured in the following variants: a 9.2 metre Vectio C ideal for city deployment, a Vectio U class III fitting 35+1+1 seats and a 10 metre Vectio T with toilet and luggage space of 5.5 cubic metres. There was also a Navigo T of 7.1 metres with Cummins engine and Eaton transmission as well as a 10 metre intercity bus Territo U with Braun UVL wheelchair lift that retracts between stairs.Underneath the VDL Bus & Coach banner there was a 13.95 metre Futura FHD2 139/460 with 61 Vogel seats, Daf MX 340 engine of 460 hp and ZF As Tronic 12 AS 2301 BO transmis-sion. As well as a SB 4000 MX chassis with Daf engine of 410 horsepower for use as tourist/intercity coach.Iberian manufacturing companies introduced several premiere offers. Starting with Spanish market leader Irizar that, in addition to presen-ting the brand new logo, at Fiaa it also show-cased the i3 low-entry, the first coach by Irizar introduced in the Iberian market with the option for class I homologation. The two options on display, both built on Volvo B7R E5 LE chas-sis, consisted of: a 12 metre Class I equipped with 41 Kiel Idea seats and Masats manual ramp and a 12.5 metre Class II in the 45+1+1 seats configuration. The two thousand square

ble doors, 10 seats plus wheelchair area), the intercity bus Intouro in the size of 12.98 me-tres, the Tourismo 16 RHD-2 measuring 12.96 metres and the Travego 17 RHD equipped with toilet, fridge, kitchen and all safety device sy-stems imaginable.Parked in the Setra area one could see the new 12.3 metre S 515 HD and the 13.93 metre S 517 HD, both equipped with Euro VI engines and Mercedes-Benz 250-8 PowerShift transmis-

sion, the 13.89 metre double decker 431 DT with glass ceiling and the 12.2 metre S 415 UL from the Multi-Class series with Euro VI engine.Irisbus set up a full hou-se parade of its range. In terms of city buses, besides the well known Citelis Hybrid equipped

with Tector E 6/EEV diesel engi-ne of 300 hp and a 175 kW electric engine, it was also possible to see the 18 metre Crealis Neo with EEV diesel engine of 380 hp and ZF 6HP604C automatic transmission. Representing the intercity range there was the well establi-shed Crossway in the size of 10.6 metres while the tourist coach segment was represented by the beautifully designed Magelys Pro of 12.8 metres with Cursor 10 Euro V engine of 450 hp and ZF AsTronic automatic transmission. For the ‘small size’ rage Irisbus presented some variants on Iveco Daily chassis sporting diffe-rent equipment: the 7.8 metre Sunset X, the 8.5 metre Sunrise (both bodied by Spanish com-pany Ferqui), the Wing Indcar of 7.72 metres and the 7.8 metre Compa by Unvi. All of them equipped with F1C EEV engine of 170 hp and ZF manual transmission. The parade lineup by Irisbus ended with a three-axle Eurorider chas-sis measuring 15 metres in length.The exhibit area of Man Truck & Bus featu-red three models. Carrying the Man brand there was a Lion’s Coach in the classic size of 12 metres (Man D2676 LOH 26 EEV engine of 440 hp with Man Pure Diesel technology via EGR) equipped with Hübner ramp mounted in the luggage compartment and four removable seats to make room for a wheelchair. Alongside there was the Lion’s Regio L in the 13.9 me-tres variant powered by a Man D2066 LUH

BEULAS - Jewel

Wing City

Wing

INDCAR - Mago2

UNVI - Cimo T Urbis Open Top

CAR-BUS - Spica Urban FERQUI - Coco

AYATS - Atlas 2

exhibit area of Indcar, that is preparing a new vehicle for 2013, developed together with French company Vehixel and intended for French and Italian markets (it will debut at the Autocar Expo 2012 in Bordeaux). Meanwhile, the small size Wing, that was awarded the best minibus of the year 2012 title in Spain, was subjected to renovation in terms of an upgrade of external lines as well as increased brightness and space in the passengers’ area. A taste of it was given by the two versions for city tran-sport and for occasional services built on Iveco 70C17FR/P chassis powered by an EEV engine of 170 horsepower. A change in style was also provided for the Mago2 that thus becomes more beautiful on the outside and more comfortable on the inside. The spotlight shone on a model with Iveco engine fitting 28 Esteban Sega Re-lax reclining seats. A 6.2 metre Microbus City M with double access doors and driver’s door, 150 hp engine, Vogel Pine 9 seats and wheel-chair box was built on a Renault Master.Beulas focused on the relaunch of some of its top models. It changed the front (and also the rear) of its tourist coach Aura that was presented at Fiaa in the version of 12.72 metres on Mer-cedes chassis in the 54+1+1 configuration and also on Iveco mechanics measuring 15 metres in length with a capacity of 70 passengers. The Jewel double-decker, which has also been renew-ed on the rear end, was exhibited in the version on Man chassis of 14.6 metres fitting a total of 93 passenger seats. Also on display there was a 9 meter midi Spica on Man and the three-axle Glory of 13.9 and 14.6 metres in length.Tourist coach models Touring and Titanium made a charging reappearance on Noge’s di-splay area. The 9.5 metre Touring H with Man front engine made its first public appearance. Also on display there was the Touring H, de-voted to pupils transport, on Iveco chassis with the rear door positioned further backwards and the HD variant in size of 13 metres on Iveco Eurorider chassis. And finally, a Titanium on Man 18,440 chassis.Ayats presented the Bravoir, the French edition of the unique looking Bravo 1 double decker. It measures 13.95 metres in length, mounts a Man EEV engine of 480 hp and is equipped with a ‘drive-assistant’ device. Same size and chassis for the Atlas 2 fitting 51 seats.The Cimo T on Man mechanics with Man

meters of exhibit area also hosted a parade of: a i4 Class II of 12.92 metres on Mercedes OC500RF hLA 1836 E5 chassis, a pair of i6 tourist coaches built on Vol-

vo and Mercedes with lengths of 12.2 and 12.92 metres and two model versions of the PB range in sizes of 12.2 and 15 me-tres on Man and Scania chassis equipped with a rich arrangement, inclusive of personalised entertainment onboard video system by Fun-

toro with retractable 7-inch monitors, among other service sets.Sunsundegui also showcased a novel-ty: the Sc7. It’s a tourist coach combi-ning design and innovation, characte-rised by a panoramic windscreen that offers and additional 30 cm of visibi-lity. The four versions on display were bodied on Man, Mercedes and Volvo chassis and varied in lengths between 12.3 and 15 metres. Regarding city transport, the Astral made a come back in the articulated version of 18.75 metres with 55 Esteban seats, double wheelchair area, video surveillance sy-stem, passengers counter on entrance

doors and Aesys route indicators.The Tempus hybrid vehicle by Castrosua, de-veloped in collaboration with Repsol, was also a first timer. It’s a hybrid-series vehicle equip-ped with two electric traction motors by Sie-mens up to 67 kW, an LPG PSI heat engine of 100 kW output and four power inverters. Gas tanks are mounted on the roof. It measures 11.3 metres in length, has two entrances with double doors and accommodates 22 seating passengers plus 57 standing and one wheelchair. This so-lution is added to the other hybrid alternative with CNG engine already presented during the previous Fiaa edition. For the city bus segment, Castrosua delivered a City Versus with natural gas engine Man A-22 CNG and diesel engine on a Scania N 280 UB chassis. The Magnus.E bus instead, dedicated to intercity services, was proposed with Iveco Eurorider and Scania chas-sis. And finally it was possible to see the Stel-lae, a long size tourist coach that is 12.8 metres long and 3.61 tall with Xenon headlights and Actia Dual Zone audio-video system with 15 and 19 inches monitors.Product innovations were spotted also at the

INTEGRALIA - Avalon LC RAMPINI - ALé

IRISBUS IVECO - CrealisIRISBUS IVECO - Citelis Hybrid

MAN - Regio LNEOPLAN - Skyliner

MERCEDES - Intouro M SETRA - S515 HD

N49 engine of 250 hor-sepower made its debut for Unvi. It’s a mid-size vehicle reaching 9.5 me-tres with new design and usage versatility: from tourism services, to li-mited mobility passen-gers transport, to the Vip formula configuration. In addition to the diffe-rent Compa T variants on Iveco, Mercedes and Man chassis, Unvi pre-sented once again the open top double-decker Urbis 2.5 DD of 12 me-ters in length, 77 seats and ramp on the central

door. It is powered by a Volvo engine delivering 260 hp. Available in two other sizes (10.8 and 13 metres) the Urbis is also offered with hybrid diesel-electric engines.Among the ranks of the minibuses range bo-died by Integralia, Avalon LC made its debut. It’s a basic product designed for customers with economic budgets. It is a 22-seater minibus on Volkswagen Crafter 50 with a 163 hp engine. The 19-seats version equipped with a rear lift with two arms for the boarding of up to four wheelchairs is also available. The Astoria XL Sheratan on Mercedes Sprinter 519 of 7.3 me-tres with darkened panoramic windows, leather reclining seats, edge-lit coffee table between the two two-seater at the front, two retractable 10-inch monitors and bluetooth is designated for VIP services instead.Specialised in the segment of mini and midi bu-ses, Ferqui offered a broad overview of its pro-ducts. Starting with the Sunset fitting 19 and 22 seats on Mercedes Sprinter or on Iveco Daily, moving to the Sunrise fitting up to 28 seats with lift mounted on the emergency door, and the sin-gle door Salero for pupils transport on Mercedes Vario in the 34+1+1 configuration, and ending with the Coco, basically a transformation of the Volkswagen Crafter van fitted with 19 reclining seats and rear lift.Car-Bus also presented small-size vehicles. Specifically the two-doors Spica Urban made out of the Mercedes Sprinter 516 with automatic transmission (10 seats plus 12 standing passen-gers and one wheelchair) and the variant based

on Sprinter 519 CDI with 19 seats plus driver. Same size (7.5 metres) and mechanics for the Corvi Long with single door and 22 seats.Electric motor also for small-size Ale produ-ced in Italy by Rampini and imported by Joule Power, a company specialised in batteries-run industrial vehicles. This small size city vehicle has a long history in the Italian market, it started with former Autodromo and it was later picked up by Rampini. It measures 7,720 mm in length and 2,200 in width and provides excellent ma-noeuvrability in historic city centres. It comes in various versions: the electric one, equipped with Siemens engine from 85/150 kW, monoin-verter IGBT, lithium ferrite batteries for 180 kWh and the hybrid variant with electric engine and Hydrogenics fuel cells of 16 kW plus Dyna-tech hydrogen tanks. Or else it is possible to opt for the diesel version with Man Common Rail direct fuel injection engine with PM-Kat filter and five-speed ZF transmission with integrated retarder. The first two fit up to 44 passengers while the last can transport up to 50.Foton Motor Europe, the European division of Chinese parent company Foton, dedicated to the production of commercial vehicles, trucks and buses, also focused on alternative drive. Founded in Spain in 2011 with the goal of pro-ducing electric vehicles for the European mar-ket, Foton Motor Europe presented the parallel hybrid BJ6123 equipped with Cummins ISB 6.7 E5225B (Euro 5) diesel engine, Eaton Hybrid electric drive system delivering 44 kW and 38 kWh lithium-ion batteries. It is a 12 metre low floor (95 total passengers) on ZF axles and with Wabco Ecas air suspensions. The manufacturer states that consumption consists of 40 litres per 100 kilometres. The very same model is also available as hybrid series or as pure electric.King Long, another manufacturer from the Peo-ple’s Republic of China come forward with four vehicles developed specifically for the European market. King Long Spain, the exclusive dealer for the Chinese brand in Spain, presented three tourist coach models and one for long distance intercity services. For the former, there was the Xmq 6900Y, a 9 metres long vehicle, the 10 me-tre Xmq 6996Y and the 12 metres Xmq 6129Y. The Intercity vehicle was the 12.2 metres long Xmq 6120C.This is all regarding Fiaa 2012. Next meeting with the 12th edition is scheduled for the au-tumn of 2014. •

OTOKAR - Territo U VDL - Futura FHD2

SOLARIS - Interurbino 12.8SOLARIS - Urbino U

KING LONG - 6129Y FOTON - Hybrid

IN 2010 Autocar Expo was held in Nice, however for the third edition organisers

and top 10 manufacturers of buses and coaches in the French market decided to move the event to Bordeaux, a region known for its vineyards and wine. Although it’s a very touristy destina-tion, Nice was no longer deemed suitable by organisers for hosting Autocar Expo, mainly be-cause Nice did everything to get rid of tourist buses and the exhibition centre was too small. Instead the exhibition centre of Bordeaux of-fered plenty of space and this fact was the first thing noticed by visitors. This year’s problem however was that a major tourism show was held in Paris during the same week as Autocar Expo. Thus Long King, BMC, Integralia and Sunsundegui decided to attend that event inste-ad and to skip the one in Bordeaux. Obviously visitors could not participate to both events and this was evident in terms of attendance figures. Nevertheless the Autocar Expo in Bordeaux proved to be a respectable bus exhibit, inclusi-ve of sector premieres. Indcar-VehiXel - The first big novelty that vi-sitors had been waiting for was the announce-ment of a collaborative alliance - technical and industrial - between Spanish company Indcar and French company VehiXel. Indcar commer-cialises city minibuses in Spain, while VehiXel started selling Wing and Wizard minibuses in France. But that’s not all: in fact at the event in Bordeaux they presented their future school minibus called Mobi. It has a 34 seats capacity, measures 8.44 metres in length (4.75 metres wheelbase) and is manufactured on an Iveco Daily chassis. It is due in 2013 and it will come in three versions: the school bus, the line bus

Autocar Expo 2012

Bordeaux is also GT

From October 17 to 20, the “Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux” hosted more than 80 exhibitors, including ten

coach and bus manufacturersand the mixed service bus (as well as the Low Entry and electric versions). Kapena - If we talked about the Indcar-Vehi-Xel alliance first it is because Indcar’s Wing and Wizard buses have so far been imported by Ouest Industrie Autocars, a subsidiary of Hervouet Group, which is also the importer of King Long from China. Henceforth Hervouet will commercialise two models on Iveco Daily chassis: the Thesi, one for mixed services and the other for the transport of students. Their bodywork will be done by Kapena, which is also the distributor of Irisbus Iveco in Poland. The Thesi in the school bus version is available

with 33 seats, while the mixed services version comes with 28 seats.Scania & Irizar - In France Scania has been collaborating with Spanish manufacturer Irizar for years and has been commercialising New Century, PB, i6 and i4 models on Swedish chassis. Since 2010, however, Irizar has also been selling its own self-supporting vehicles. Therefore the Swedish and Spanish companies become competitors. At Autocar Expo however the reconciliation finally took place. And here is the proof: Irizar could be seen all over the Sca-nia stand. Namely a PB for Publitour company (12.2 metres, 51+1+1 seats) and a two-axles i6

on Scania K 400 EB chassis 13 metres long. This 55 or 57 seats coach is equipped with the new Opticruise transmission, two video screens for the rear camera (for the 55 seats version), the rearview camera (for the 57 seats version) and also with a third door with the pre-arranged configuration for a wheelchair lift. All this does not mean that Irizar abandoned its business strategy that in 2011 produced a revenue growth from exports of over € 500 million compared to 2010. An i6 and i4 on self- supporting frames were also exhibited. Their commercialisation and post-sales servi-ce will be the responsibility of a small team of Irizar Autocars in France, based in Tours. Fast Concept Car - In France Fast stands for Starter and Scoler, very popular intercity and school buses. Their exhibit area featured three vehicles: the 12.8 metre Starter LE fitting 55 seats in addition to the driver and another 25 standing passengers, the Scoler re-named Kid sporting a new layout and a 57+1 seats con-figuration and the 13.04 metre Starter S with 63+1 seats. Fast takes the credit also for an original wheel-chairs lift system located near the central door and accessible from the sidewalk. The passen-ger can directly board and exit the vehicle, and no seat is lost in the passenger compartment. In fact, Fast built foldable seats and by using the ‘UFR Lift Entry’ system the platform is no longer needed. The manufacturer from Vendée also imports some Otokar models (Otokar was also present at the Expo). In Bordeaux it featu-red the Navigo and Vectio SH and Vectio Low Entry (with belts) for long distance travels. Dietrich Carebus - Being one of the biggest

FAST - ScolerVEHIXEL / INDCAR - MobiHERVOUET / KAPENA - Thesi

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importers in France it took up one of the largest stands at Autocar Expo. The Dietrich Group Care-bus from Ingwiller (Alsace) im-ports vehicles by Temsa, Yutong and minibuses for city as well as for touring uses manufactured ac-cording to need. The Ingwi 33 on Iveco Daily chas-sis is equipped with a 2.9 litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 170 hp, and fits 31 seats plus guide and driver. Advantages include: driver’s area with large window, luggage compartment of up to 3 m3 and rear emergency door pre-arranged to fit a wheelchairs ramp. Yutong displayed three buses, the mixed 6119 (10.8 m long) and the big novelty 6129 (12 metres). There was also the 12.2 metre inter-city 6121. These vehicles are equipped with: Cummins engine, ZF transmission (the 6121 mounts an Ecolife automatic transmission), Webasto auxiliary heating system and Telma electromagnetic retarder. In terms of innovations of the Temsa range, we’d like to point out the new seat versions for the MD9 (tourism, intercity and Low Entry) and for the Safari (HD, RD and RD DD): cu-stomers can opt between Sporting or Sporting Black, also between Cambridge or Cambridge Brown, as well as three other versions named Classic Black, Urban Grey and Red Bubble as optional choice.Man/Neoplan - MAN Truck & Bus was pre-sent at Expo Autocar with its two brand names Man and Neoplan. Visiting the latter’s exhibit area visitors were able to admire the Jetliner,

available in two measure lengths, 12.29 m (Jetliner PA26 ) and 13.05 m (Jetliner PA27), both measuring a total height of 3.40 metres. A ground clearance measure of 1.07 metres stands at the core of the possibility to use the vehicle in two ways, for line service and for excursions. This Neoplan offers total flexibility in terms of choice for upholstery, in fact it is possible to chose from a wide range of high quality fabrics, including leather. A comprehensive safety sy-stems package is provided as standard. The new Man Lion’s Coach ‘EfficientLine’ of 12 metres was the other main attraction in the stand. This Lion is the first coach by the German manufac-turer to include a platform lift for limited mobi-lity passengers. Not only that, in fact the term ‘Efficient’ also stands for ‘protection of the en-vironment and profitability for customers’. The eco-friendly Man Lion’s Coach EfficientLine claims a fuel consumption reduction of 4 litres per 100 km translating into savings 4000 litres

per year. It mounts a Man TipMatic automatic transmission, low rolling resistance tires and ae-rodynamic equipment. Iveco Irisbus - Irisbus Iveco used its exhibit space to display its entire range, from intercity to long distance, but also the new high level ser-vice coach CHNS (car à haut niveau de service - BRT Bus Rapid Transit). This CHNS will be deployed on the new international routes that have been finally liberalised in France. There are currently three companies competing with Eurolines. The Crossway has been displayed in the Low Entry versions of 10.80 and 12 metres in length but also in the ‘High value’ raised floor version of 12.80 metres with air conditioning, convectors heating and wheelchair platform. This equipment configuration is now available to everyone and therefore it has been included in the catalogue. Magelys Pro continues to be the flagship vehicle of Iveco Irisbus. It is availa-ble in sizes of 12.20 and 12.80 metres, and, due

to its transition to the Euro VI, it may serve as the basis for a new future range, as happened already in the past with the famous Iliade (formerly FR1).Autocar Expo provided the oc-casion to present the Magelys Pro ‘luxury’ edition with 44 se-ats with two play tables, 220 V outlets, Wifi. The Magelys Pro CHNS for IDBus of SNCF par-ked outdoors was also equipped for international line service, and it came with reclining seats and power outlets for computers and mobile phones.We’d like to give note to the stan-

ce of Iveco Irisbus ‘Bus range’ vice president Pierre Lahutte according to whom it is impor-tant to “design, but also to produce in France.” That’s because it is a matter of fact that Iveco does not want to sit on its hands in front of so many imported brands in France that “do not play with us on equal levels”.Van Hool - By taking a look at the Van Hool TDX21 Altano it was possible to see an exam-ple of how to board and exit a coach without a wheelchair lift. It is a high performance vehi-cle equipped with a small ramp to be placed manually on the double door located in the front. Behind the driver’s seat there are five se-ats, including one for the guide. By simply re-moving one passenger seat (or the guide seat) the wheelchair can easily climb on board. Van Hool’s stand also hosted several models from the new TX range.VDL Bus & Coach - Alongside the Futu-ra Classic, bowing to Euro VI, VDL Bus &

SCANIA / IRIZAR - PB NEOPLAN - Jetliner IRISBUS IVECO

DIETRICH CAREBUS / TEMSA MERCEDES - Sprinter Travel 60

Coach unveiled its ‘New’ Futura FHD2-139 with 50+1+1 seats. Ho-wever, the Futura Classic, accounta-ble for about half of total sales, was presented featuring a platform for limited mobility passengers, and, as they say at VDL, it “still knows how to make people happy.” A 14 metre Synergy double-decker was responsible for attracting visitors to the stand. Fitting nearly 80 seats, this three-axles vehicle offers 7.3 m3 of luggage compartment space and is equipped with a Daf MX 375 U1 engine of 510 hp.Mercedes/Setra - Mercedes had plenty to provide to its visitors. Star-ting with the smallest vehicle, the Mercedes Sprinter was a first timer in France for the Travel 65. Dedicated to VIP transport, the 65 has the distinction of having not only a stunning interior (15+1 seats, side walls lined with fabric, overhead compartments with air vents, reading lights and speakers, air condi-tioning ...), but also a large rear luggage com-partment of 2 m3 volume space that is accessi-ble through a large door, thus providing another advantageous feature. The Intouro, dedicated to long distance and students transport is by far Mercedes’s best seller in France (over 600 units in 2011). It is now available in new mea-sure lengths: 12.64 and 13.32 metres, on top of the 12.14 metres. The 12.64 m version offers 59+1 seats while the 13.32 m offers 63+1. The Optimum version (12.14 metres) provides the possibility of mounting four folding seats in the wheelchair area for a maximum capacity of 51+4+1 seats without wheelchair, thus gaining

two seats. On the Euro 6 front Mercedes had an advantage over its competitors: the presen-tation of the new coach Travego Edition 1 with 49+1+1 seats.The adjacent Setra stand featured the new ComfortClass from the 500 series, as seen at the Fair in Hannover. Otokar Europe - After the European Mobility Exhibition in Paris last June, it was the first time that Otokar Europe participated to a bus fair in France. The ‘star’ of its stand was the intercity bus Territo U. It is available in three arrangements (Confort, Eco and Luxe), it’s 12.08 metres long and fits 63 passengers. “That is what French transport companies are curren-tly looking for in terms of capacity provided by a 12 metres long vehicle and we believe that market response will be excellent”, says Otokar Europe. Equipped with seats covered with red fabric upholstery and that also have

handles on the aisle side, the Territo U makes use of independent front wheel suspensions, large windows and 4.5 m3 of luggage com-partment. It is powered by an in-line 6-cylinder D0836 LOH 64 Man engine delivering 290 hp. Otokar’s catalogue is not limited to this model: from now on Otokar Europe will commercia-lise the Vectio T (10 metres) and the Navigo T (7.72 or 8.39 metres) for tourism, the Centro C (5.89 metres), Vectio C (9.16 metres), Kent C (only 12 metres with the Territo), just as well as the Navigo C (7.72 metres), for a total of four city models.Volvo - Tourist coaches foremost. The 9500 retains all the advantages of the 9000 series, welcomes its passengers with spacious and easy access, with a handrail carefully located to aid passengers to board with minimal ef-fort. The 13 metres 57+1+1 seats vehicle was exposed in the Optimal version (aluminium

wheels, reclining seats and leather headrests, fixed 17 inches screens). It is equipped with the 9.4 litres in-line 6-cylinder D9B engine delivering 380 hp. Regarding the 9700 HD, it is a comfortable bus that can be used on various path drives, because it is ‘strong and tireless’ on all kinds of roads, Volvo claims. It is available in two arrangements and Volvo offers a long list of optional choices. At Au-tocar Expo it was possible to see the 12.30 metres long Superior version with 51+1+1 seats configuration. It is appropriate to say that the legroom is real! It is powered by a 13 litre in-line 6 cylinder D13C engine that delivers 420 hp, combined with a

12-speed I-Shift automated transmission.Isuzu - It is by using the ‘Isuzu Europe’ name that this brand, specialising in less than 10 metres long midibuses, makes its return to the French market after many years of absence. The company will be located in Cantal, the French department in the region of Auvergne. Two vehicles, intended for the French mar-ket, have been put on display in Bordeaux: the Tourquoise, fitting 33 seats and equipped with the 5.2 litre Isuzu delivering 190 hp, with a central door including a Braun lift, and a Novo Ultra with 27 seats. Isuzu Europe is aiming to introduce two city vehicles in the near future: the 9.51 metre Citibus with 28 seats and 39 standing passengers and the 7.50 metre Novo-citi with room for 20-25 maxi seats and 16-30 standing passengers. The 4th edition of Autocar Expo is scheduled for 2014, but it remains to be seen which French city will be hosting it. •

VOLVO - 9500 VDL BUS & COACH VAN HOOL - TDX21 Altano

OTOKAR - Territo U ISUZU - Novo Ultra

BusToCoach on-line Magazine - December 2012 SETRA COMFORT CLASS 500

FIRST presented in all of its variants at the IAA in September, after

which it made its appearance to all the other European bus fairs, the new Setra ComfortClass 500 series showed up for a test drive from Mo-naco to Aying, along the beautiful scenic roads of Bavaria. Thus we had the opportunity to get onboard and to have a fist hand experience of the comfort and the road performance of three such models: the two-axle S515 HD and S516 HD/2 and the three-axle S517 HD. The three-axles S516 HD was the only missing model of an otherwise complete entire range.

The charge of the 500

Lenght mm 12,295 13,115 13,115 13,935 Width mm 2,550 Height mm 3,770 Wheelbase mm 6,090 6,910 6,090+1,350 6,910+1,350 Front overhang mm 2,890 Rear overhang mm 3,315 3,315 2,785 2,785 Turning circle mm 21,256 23,350 21,010 23,000 Fuel tank litres 475 AdBlue tank litres 40 Luggage m3 9.7 11.9 9.7 11.9

DIMENSIONS 515 HD 516 HD/2 516 HD 517 HD

TESTS of Mercedes and Setra buses with Euro VI en-gines exceed expectations, recording a simul-

taneous reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. This is the picture emerging from Record Run Buses 2012, a road test carried out by Daimler in Wiesbaden (Germany) under the super-vision of Dekra, an independent specialist automotive organisation. A total distance of about 18,000 km was covered during the five-days long road test drive (October 22 to 26). Five vehicles were tested: three urban regular-service Mercedes-Benz Citaro and two Setra touring coaches, both with Euro V and Euro VI engines. Loaded at 50 percent of the payload (3.2 tons of ballast), the three Citaro buses covered 1,400 km in urban traffic along route 17 of the city of Wiesbaden. The vehicle equipped with the OM 936 Euro VI engine of 299 hp consumed 38.7 litres/100 km (2.58 km/litre), that is almost 8.5 percent less compared to the other two Citaro buses mounting Euro V engines. It is worth noting that all three vehicles used a fully automatic ZF Ecolife transmission, and had an identical drive ratio (i = 5.771).Regarding the Setra brand, the comparison was between the S 515 HD in the new ComfortClass 500 series with OM 470 engine of 428 hp (Euro VI) and its predecessor, the S 415 GT-HD with OM 457 LA engine of 428 hp (Euro V). Fully loaded to their maximum permissible gross vehicle weight (18 tons), the two buses featured identical transmission, final drive ratio and tyres. The S 515 HD recorded an average fuel consumption of 21 litres per 100 kilome-tres (4.76 km /litre) over a distance of about 7,000 km with fuel savings for 8.2%.

THE EURO VI CUTS DOWN CONSUMPTION

W hether the seats con-figuration conforms to

the three or four stars classi-fication or whether the more luxurious 2+1 raws configu-ration is preferred, the Setra Voyage Plus or Supreme seats offer the best that there is in terms of beauty and com-fort, with two-colour fabrics, leather headrests, full force accessories and adjustments.For the interiors, the ComfortClass 500 adds a continuous fabric across the whole central part of the ceiling, while in the new luggage racks service sets (redesigned to include LED lights) are separated from speakers, which are now lo-cated on a dedicated track at the level of the window columns for a better sound experience.Different roof air conditioning power levels have been confir-med to suit different vehicles’ length. Thus they come with the power ratings of 32, 35 or 39 kW and all of them are electronically controlled.

The driver uses the multifunction steering wheel: to select pages visualisation on the colour di-splay on the dashboard, to activa-te Tempomat, to operate systems assist functions and to control the Coach Multimedia System,

including navigation features. Under the CMS on the dashboard there is a short manual shift le-ver, replaced by the lever on the steering column if one prefers to use the eight-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. •

AUTISTA Seats n. 51/55/59 Internal height mm 2,100 Aisle height mm 1,300 Comfort Type Seats Setra Voyage A.C. 32, 35, 39 kW Heater. convectors Glazing double Audio-video Coach Multimedia Refrigerator 63 litres Galley yes Toilette yes

Setra Style

INTERIORSBefore boarding we took a look on the outside to find out the external novelties characterising the new ComfortClass. From the side, in ad-dition to the dripping slope on the front of the roof, one can note the decorative sloping belt-line at the base of the windows (with the three-dimensional Setra logo) that runs all the way to the extremities to merge with the lamp clusters. These have also been redesigned, LED daytime running lamps and direction indicator lights in the front (fog lamps and bi-xenon headlamps on request), ‘edge light’ LED brake lights in the back and an additional LED reversing lamp on the wheel arches on either side that illuminates the entire rear section.To meet the venting needs of Euro VI engi-nes, two asymmetric vent grilles have been posi-tioned on the rear hatch with an opening on the right side (the one on the left is closed for aesthetic reasons).Other changes on the front end relate to the windshield, it is now more rounded and it extends all the way to the front mask bearing the Setra logo. Another change is the introduction of Aquablade win-dscreen flat wiper brushes that convey washer fluid directly in front of the wiper lip of the cli-pless wiper blade. The shape of rearview mir-rors have also been improved, rounded up to create a single body with their supporting arms.In summary, all body parts have been optimised in function of aerodynamics (including the dri-ver’s window and the doors closing system) in such a way as to reduce the aerodynamic drag by 20%, resulting in the Cx record value of 0.33, with a consequent reduction in fuel con-sumption by about 5%.Reduction of fuel consumption is also due to: a decrease of the vehicle weight (330 kg), the new Euro VI engine technology, the suspension system for the electronic lowering the vehicle body by 20 millimetres when exceeding 95 km/h (0.7% savings) and the optimisation of all service equipment, from the electronics ar-chitecture to the air conditioning system.The positive effects of all these interventions have been certified by the test drive that took

THE Setra ComfortClass 500 series adopts

the new generation Blue Efficien-cy Power engine by Mercedes. In particular, the OM 470 engine with a displacement of 10.7 litre and a rated power output of 428 hp (315 kW) at 1,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm at 1,100 rpm. The common rail injection system

with pressure booster (X-Pulse) constrains consumption and ex-haust emissions. In order to meet Euro VI standards, the recircula-tion of exhaust gases and a closed particulate filter have been added to previous BlueTec technology with SCR and AdBlue injection. It should be noted that thanks to the exhaust gas recirculation, the generation of nitrogen oxides is reduced and consequently con-sumption of AdBlue decreases (up to 40%). The particulate filter needs replacement only after the first 360 thousand kilometres and afterwards every 240 thousand km.

The entire exhaust gas aftertre-atment system (oxidising ca-talytic converter, particulate filter and SCR catalytic converter) is housed in a single body.For the S 517 HD measuring 13.9 metres, it is possible to opt for the more powerful 12.8 litre OM 471 engine providing a po-wer output of 476 hp (350 kW) at 1,800 rpm and a maximum tor-que of 2,300 Nm at 1,100 rpm (almost constant up to 1,400 rpm).The standard transmission is the manual six-speed GO 210, but it can be substituted with the excel-

lent eight-speed automatic GO 250-8 PS3 transmission (standard for the S517 HD), approved for peak engine torque of 2,500 Nm, with heat exchanger capable of keeping oil temperatures steady at about 80 degrees, thus exten-ding oil change intervals (every 360 thousand kilometres).The new Voith water hydrodyna-mic retarder with braking torque of 3,500 Nm comes integrated with the transmission.Among the many safety systems available, there is also the tire pressure monitoring system and the Active Brake Assist (ABA2).•

place in Germany in late October under the impartial supervision of Dekra (see box on top of this article). The results from a comparison between an S415 GT-HD Euro V and an S515 HD Euro VI recorded 8.2% savings in fuel con-sumption from the latter. It was not possible for us to record consumption data during the test drive in Bavaria, but we hope to be able to check these data and to provide our readers with the information pertaining to BusToCo-ach’s own mixed-route test drive.The unmistakable atmosphere of Setra can be immediately perceived as soon as one enters a ComfortClass 500 vehi-cle. It is distinguished by style, elegance and atten-tion to details. Regarding this aspect, designers of the 500 series did not rest on their laurels, for in fact they increased the space in the three-stepped entrance area, widening and relocating the guide seat towards the outside wall (it also features a folding footrest under the dashboard). Now there is also more room in the passenger compartment: interior standing headro-om increased from 1,990 mm to 2,100 mm and more space is found between the overhead compartment (expanded) and air ducts opening outwards towards the side window.Some substantial interventions were found when we tried out the cockpit. The 70 mm increase of the front overhang allows, among other things, to adjust the seat position by 230 millimetres lenghtwise (before it was 200 mm) and also to increase the vertical adjustment ran-ge. Similarly, the 50 millimetres raise of the dri-ver’s cockpit in turn improves outward visibility and the overall ergonomics of the workstation. Everything is clearly visible and easy to reach, from the central display to switches, to CMS buttons (Coach Multimedia System), including the multifunction steering wheel with integra-ted controls and shift lever on the steering co-lumn (for the 8-speed transmission). In short, everything contributes to driving at maximum comfort and safety levels. •quello che è successo nella selezione

Clean Power

Nm

2,100

1,650

1,200

kW

315

300

270

240

210

OM 470 Euro VI

1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800rpm/min

AUTISTA Engine OM 470 Displacement c.c. 10,670 Power hp(kW)/rpm 315 (428)/1,800 Torque Nm/rpm 2,100/1,100 Emissions/System Euro 6/Scr+Egr Transmission GO210/GO250 Disc Brakes with Ebs, BA, DBL Suspensions indipendent Tyres 295/80 R 22.5

SafetyAdaptive cruise control (ART)Active Brake Assist (ABA2)

Lane Assistant (SPA)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)Tyre pressure monitoring system

Fire detection system

TECHNIQUE

OM 470 GO 250-8