EUROPEAN ON-LINE MAGAZINE - June 2013
Transport Web Snc - www.bustocoach.com
Bus To Coach VDL BUS & COACH
EIGHT METRES OF
LUXURY
SAFETY - MERCEDES CITARO - VDL CITEA - SOLARIS - SETRA COMFORTCLASS 500 - SPRINTER EURO VI - VOLVO 7900 PLUG-IN - FLASH NEWS
ON-LINE MAGAZINE linked www.bustocoach.com - June 2013 BusToCoach
COLUMNS
DIRECT LINK
Editor in chief
Marino Ginanneschi
marino.ginanneschi@bustocoach.com
Managing editor and International relations
Elena Prearo
elena.prearo@bustocoach.com
Photos and videos
USED BUS ON LINE
On www.bustocoach.com website is on line the directory dedicated to Used.
European on-line magazine
FLASH NEWS Indcar, TAM DuraBus, ADL, Daimler, Optare.
MERCEDES The new Citaro with EEV and Euro VI engines.
VDL BUS & COACH The Citea hits the 1,500 mark.
REGULATIONS
Marco Degano
marco.degano@bustocoach.com
Administration
Transport Web di Marco Degano & C Snc I 20149 Milano Via Silva 33
E-mail: bustocoach@bustocoach.com Internet: www.bustocoach.com Registration: Tribunale di Milano n. 140 del 16/03/2012
SAFETY IRU handbook adopted in the bus and coach sector.
SOLARIS Articulated buses for Germany and hybrids for the Czech Republic.
SETRA In Germany with the ComfortClass 500.
IN THE FOREGROUND
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BusToCoachÂŽ 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
MERCEDES Not only Euro VI engines for the new Sprinter.
VOLVO The 7900 Hybrid with Plug-in technology.
VDL BUS & COACH 300 km onboard the VIP MidEuro version.
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 link www.bustocoach.com/en/ content/announcements
FLASH NEWS
BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
ALEXANDER FOR SCOTLAND
INDCAR OPENS IN ROMANIA
Spanish body builder InTHE dcar is focusing on the European market with the opening of a
new factory in Rumania. It’s located in Brasov (a town in Transylvania region) and it’s going to start activity on June 2013. The investment in the Rumanian factory amounts to EUR 4.6 million. Indcar plans to produce here more than 250 bodyworks per year with more than 60 workers. It will focus on minibus bodyworks, mainly school buses. In the first step, the products manufactured in Rumania will be destined to the main Indcar’s markets like France or Italy while the future the prevision is to supply the markets of East Europe. In addition, Indcar will produce exclusively in this plant the new model Mobi. Indcar is a company orientend on export sales with 85% of its production sold in Europe. Indcar has branches in Italy (Modena) and more than 40 dealers across Europe, mainly in France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Germany, England. Indcar continues its commitment through the partnership with Vehixel, a French company engaged in the manufacture of bodies in addition to those made by Indcar.
cottish bus operator McGill’s Buses has S taken delivery of 10 ADL Enviro200s. This is the first batch of an order for twenty
vehicles that immediately entered service in the Inverclyde network, Scotland. The remaining ten units will be be delivered in autumn. The Alexander Dennis Enviro200 is a midibus manufactured by Alexander Dennis since 2006 for the British market. The Enviro200s commissioned by McGill’s Buses are all 10.8m models powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 160PS EEV engines with Allison S2100 transmissions. Specification includes bonded glazing, Mobitec destination equipment and Civic V2 seats. McGill’s Buses is a bus operating firm based in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland. The company employs over 700 staff and operates more than 350 buses across almost 55 routes.
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SETRA AND MERCEDES IN AUSTRIA
Buses and the Austrian company ÖBB Postbus GmbH, • Daimler entered into a frame agreement for the delivery of about 400 buses between 2013 and 2017. The models that Daimler will supply
THE RETURN OF TAM
lovenian TAM brand reborns from the S ashes of TVM (went into receivership in 2011), thanks to Chinese investor
CHTC and Dutch company DuraBus. Based in Maribor, TAM-DuraBus is 51% Chinese-owned and 49% Dutch-Austrian. Local media report that the new owners have bought EUR 805,000 worth of unfinished buses and material as part of receivership and they also plan to buy the production hall that they are presently hiring until the end of the year. They plan to produce this year 50 to 60 buses, mostly for nearby markets like the Czech Republic and Croatia. The vehicles will be marketed under the TAM brand which is still well known around Europe. Long-term plans include the production of various types of lorries and buses, including electric ones. In this respect, TAM-DuraBus presented at the at the Maribor central bus-station the MARPROM city bus transportation system. It’s a first sneak pre-view of its electric city bus prototype. As an integral part of the local community, TAM-Durabus plans to develop a pilot project for electric city bus transportation system using induction charging technologies for the city inner-circle lines.
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to ÖBB Postbus are different: the Mercedes-Benz Intouro, Integro and Citaro buses and the Setra buses from the MultiClass 400 series. All the Mercedes-Benz and Setra vehicles are equipped with air conditioners for the passenger area and the driver’s seat. The high floor versions have a wheelchair elevator in the double broad middle way. ÖBB Postbus operates local public transportation systems throughout Austria and also receives operating contracts from almost all of the transportation networks in the country.
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STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
ptare plc is a UK bus manufacturer and parent O company Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group, while Dawsonrentals bus and coach is a UK
rental, hire and leasing company, offering buying, supply and financing of buses, coaches and accessible vehicles. The two companies joined their forces in a strategic partnership. The agreement has secured a 50-bus order for Optare while it gives Dawsonrentals access to the international sales force of Optare’s major shareholder, Ashok Leyland, to facilitate the disposal of its used vehicles in right-hand-drive markets outside the UK.
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
Bus and coach road safety
Easy-to-use Handbook
International Road Transport Union (IRU) handbook with legislation proposals, suggestions and recommendations for security in the bus and coach sector
IN
occasion of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week (6-12 May, 2013), the bus and coach industry adopted the ‘Smart Move Road Safety Handbook’. It’s a manual by IRU (International Road Transport Union) specifically dedicated to the safety of buses and coaches. It is easy to consult and it collects legislation proposals, useful suggestions and practical recommendations. It is aimed not only at any responsible bus and coach company manager and at drivers, but also at policy decision-makers because it includes a series of proposals to further improve the already very safe record of this sector compared to other road transport modes. The handbook deals with the issue of security by focusing on three aspects: the vehicle, the
Current situation
Safety devices
driver and the transport company. Pertaining the sphere of the vehicle the handbook reviews all major active and passive safety tools, the regulations governing their use and possible improvements. For example IRU suggests that some devices are made mandatory on class II and III buses such as ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). In addition it recommends that all vehicles install a fire detection system in the engine compartment, including smoke and heat detection systems for the interior compartment. Another recommendation is to promote and support the use of rear view cameras and radar devices to improve visibility as well as navigation and intelligent transport systems such as eCall, a security system that in case of a se-
IRU recommendations
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Mentioned under Directive Mandatory for Class II and III vehicles 71/320/EEC and UNECE Regulation 13.10
Tyre Pressure System (TPMS)
Implemented voluntary basis
Monitoring
on
a
Mandatory for Class II and III vehicles together with Low Rolling Resistance Tyres
Rear-view mirrors
Regulated by Directive Horizontal mirrors in front and mirrors 2003/97 and UNECE between the door and the wheel Regulation 46 mandatory for all buses. Mirrors design improvements to eliminate blind spots on both near and off side of vehicles
Cameras and radar systems
No requirements
Fire detection system
Mandatory in the engine At source installation in the engine compartment of Euro compartment, recommended also for VI vehicles. Voluntary the interior compartment agreement in the engine compartment of new buses
Encouragement and support
Smoke and heat detection Mandatory in the interior system compartment
At source installation in the engine compartment
Emergency exits
Marked and signed with standard pictogram
Illuminated exit markings and pictogram sing
Dashboard and instrument panel
Directive 78/316/EEC will Requirements defined in the ISO be replaced by Regulation standard should be extended to all 661/2009/EC buses and coaches according to UNECE Regulation 121
Intelligent transport navigation systems
and I m p l e m e n t e d voluntary basis
rious accident automatically alerts emergency services, thus accelerating assistance. Training, controls and compliance to regulation on driving and rest times are the aspect specifically addressed for drivers, while for transport company operators IRU provides twelve ‘golden road safety rules’ and promotes the signing and adhering to a voluntary charter with a series of safety measures to be taken.
on
a
Promote the use of eCall for faster emergency response in case of accident
The handbook also offers a ‘checklist’ with practical instructions aimed at drivers and operators. It includes simple rules for the prevention of fires onboard, for dealing with emergencies, for vehicle maintenance in winter months, for safe driving in road tunnels. It also features a checklist for safe ‘eco-driving’ techniques that promote a driving style that is economical and respectful of the environment.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR EMERGENCY
Park the vehicle in a safe area.
Apply the parking Open doors in order Stop the engine, to let passengers AC and isolate the brake. get out fast. electric system.
Identify the source of the fire.
Inform the Use the fire extinguisher. Put on warning appropriate Do not open the engine vest and place emergency services. compartment. warning signs.
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Make sure everyone is at a safe distance.
BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
Mercedes-Benz Citaro deliveries
From EEV to EURO VI
Budapest receives the first 56 of 159 Mercedes Citaro buses commissioned last November. Another three Euro VI Citaro have been delivered to Trier, Germany
bout sixty buses of the Mercedes-Benz A Citaro range have been delivered in May to Budapest (Hungary) and to Trier (Germany). Most of the Citaros are intended for the Hungarian capital where Daimler Buses started its delivery plan for the 159 buses commissioned in November 2012 by the Budapest City Authority. The first 56 vehicles are already arrived while the remaining will be in service by July 2013. Daimler Buses was able to ensure the production of the entire lot in a relatively short time thanks to the use of two production lo-
cations: the Mannheim facility and the factory in Neu-Ulm. The order consists of over 80 articulated vehicles and 79 solo vehicles of the new Citaro generation. Both versions come equipped with environment-friendly EEV engines with Mercedes-Benz BlueTec diesel technology. The vehicles are equipped with a wheelchair ramp and on-board cameras. Three Mercedes Citaro in the Euro VI version have been put into service by the public utility company of Trier, a city of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The Citaro Euro VI makes use of the Mercedes-Benz SCR technology of AdBlue injection in combination with the oxidation catalyst with exhaust gas recirculation and a closed particulate filter. To date Daimler Buses delivered about 350 buses equipped with Euro VI exhaust treatment technology. By the end of 2013 there will be over 1,700 Euro VI buses of the Mercedes-Benz and Setra ranges on the road.
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
Citea SLFA articulated and Citea Cargo by VDL
Deliveries for Solaris Bus&Coach
The VDL Citea model of 18.75 metres will be available at the end of 2013. Also, a Citea Cargo delivered to Swedish operator Björks Buss is the 1,500th vehicle of the Citea range
The first Solaris Urbino 18.75 in the German market started service in the city of Hagen. An Urbino 12 Hybrid with Škoda electric drive system delivered in the Czech Republic
The Not only Expansion Articulated
utch manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach inD troduced a new model to the Citea range: the articulated Citea SLFA. The vehicle will be available in late 2013 in the three or four doors configurations with Euro VI engine. It comes in two different versions: the SLFA180 of 18 metres and the SLFA-187 of 18.75 metres. The driveline as well as the front module and the driver’s cockpit are identical to those of the standard Citea SLF. The Citea buses were introduced on the market in 2007 and underwent a facelift in 2010 following the launch of the new VDL Bus & Coach logo. Dedicated to city
and regional transport, the Citea are characterised by their lightweight construction and low net weight resulting in excellent fuel economy and minimal pollutant emissions. The Citea range recently hit the 1,500 mark with a Citea SLE Cargo delivered to Björks Buss AB, a company of Sambus Swedish Transport Group consisting of 25 private bus companies. In addition to being the Citea n. 1,500, it is also the first of its kind sold by VDL Bus & Coach. The Citea Cargo is a low entry bus offering a range of possible uses. Equipped with a luggage compartment of around 2 cubic meters, it is offered in the SLE-120 12-metre and XLE-145 14.5-metre variants. Nine Citea SLE-120 Cargo have been delivered to Björks Buss. They are equipped with extra-wide single-leaf exit door, generous access to the luggage compartment, comfortable seats, double glazing, extra insulation and additional heating capacity for the harsh Swedish winters.
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ive Solaris Urbino in size of 18.75 metres F started service at the end of May on the network of Hagen, a town in the German fe-
deral state of North Rhine-Westphalia. They are the first Solaris Urbino 18.75 sold in Germany. The contract was signed in January 2013 with municipal operator Hagener Straßenbahn AG and comprises also the delivery of five Solaris Urbino 12, which will begin operation alongside nine others acquired in 2011. The Urbino 18.75 is the longest bus produced by the Polish manufacturer and was first presented at the IAA in Hanover in autumn 2012. The vehicle gives the possibility of installing an extra row of four seats, thus enhancing its passenger capacity. Solaris Bus&Coach also delivered an Urbino 12 Hybrid to Plzeň, a Bohemian city in the Czech Republic. The vehicle is the result of a collaboration between Solaris and Skoda Electric, a glo-
bal leader in the production of electric drive systems and traction motors. Equipped with Škoda electric drive system, the Urbino Hybrid provides far lower fuel consumption and emissions than conventional buses. “The bus can go as far as 10 km without the need of battery re-charging or the use of a diesel generator. This design is suitable especially for intensive traffic in cities with a high frequency of starting and braking at relatively slow speeds” says Karel Majer, director of the Trolleybuses division at Škoda Electric.
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
Setra ComfortClass 500
COMPONENTS ON LINE
Nice and COMFY
On www.bustocoach.com website is on line the directory dedicated to accessories, components and services in Europe You can search for suppliers by product category (air conditioning, ticketing, on board electronic, spare parts, seats, etc.) and access to the product sheets
A fully equipped three-axle S 517 HD for German bus operator Block Busreisen and a 4-star S 516 HD for Schäfer-Reisen
pair of Setra vehicles of the new A ComfortClass 500 series joined the fleets of two German bus operators. The S 517 HD three-axle version was delivered to Block Busreisen, a bus operator from Lower Saxony in Germany. It is the first Setra ComfortClass 500 three-axle model delivered to the German market. The vehicle is equipped with 52 comfortable chair-like seats with a minimum clearance of 83 cm to ensure plenty of legroom for passengers. All seats are fitted with armrests, passenger tables and
footrests. Interior equipment includes also a kitchen and a DVBT tuner for the audio and video system. The three-axle S 517 HD is powered by a Euro VI emission standards engine and has numerous safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system with emergency braking assistance system (ABA2) fitted with a new radar sensor that automatically brakes the vehicle, even when stationary vehicles are detected. Transport company Schäfer-Reisen acquired a Setra S 516 HD. It is the first ComfortClass 500 series vehicle delivered to the German state of Hesse. It’s a coach fitted with 4-star equipment including a kitchen with a water heater and hot-dog warmer, a multipurpose area located behind the second entrance and a DVB tuner. It fits a maximum of 48 passengers seated on comfortable reclining seats with leather headrest.
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You can access through the site, selecting the COMPONENTS directory or going directly to the link www.bustocoach.com/en/content/components-europe
BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
In Tunes with
the TIMES
Engines that meet Euro VI emissions standard, new safety features and an even more eye-catching look for the updated MB Sprinter range afety, fuel economy, eco-friendly and S striking appearance. These are the features enhancing the new Sprinter models of the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles range in production since 1995 in the van, chassis cab and minibus variants and currently in its third edition after the 2006 restyling. In terms of safety, the Sprinter is now equipped with five new driver assistance systems. Crosswind Assist, a system that prevents the vehicle from drifting out of lane in case of strong gusts of winds from the side, comes as standard equipment. Collision Prevention Assist for safety distance and Blind Spot Assist are available as optionals. Other new
features are Highbeam Assist and the Lane Keeping Assist control systems. The new generation Sprinter is the first van in the world to make use of Euro VI engines, further reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (THC) and particulate mass thanks to BlueTec and SCR technologies that inject AdBlue into the exhaust gas. Fuel consumption is reduced to record value for the Sprinter segment to a minimum of 6.3 litres 1/100 km NEDC combined, thanks to several factors such as the highly efficient of diesel engines, the optimised powertrain, the longer axle ratio, the ancillary components and the BlueEfficiency Plus package. Last but not least the lowering of the chassis reduces the aerodynamic drag thus also affecting consumption. The range of engines remains unchanged and it consists of a choice
between four and six-cylinder units with outputs ranging from 70 kW (95 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp). The Sprinter is also available with gasoline/natural gas engine and natural gas alone with the Euro VI compliant supercharged four-cylinder engine featuring direct injection. These versions deliver 115 kW (156 hp) from a total displacement of 1.8 litres. Power is transmitted by the EcoGear 6-speed manual transmission or the 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic transmission with lock-up clutch, a unique feature to be found in a van. For the European market it comes with the Assyst maintenance calculation system as standard equipment providing longer maintenance intervals (up to 60,000 km). The new Sprinter does not disappoint also in terms appearance. From the outside it can be noted for the more angular headlights,
the even more vertical radiator grille (in line with Mercedes-Benz’ current design), the higher new hood and the SUVs-style bumpers. Another hallmark of the new series are the double-segmented taillights. The interiors have also been further enhanced by the new upholstery and seat coverings. The steering wheel is thicker providing for an easier and more comfortable grip. It also features a new knob of the gearshift lever and a new-generation radio system that, in addition to state-of-the-art infotainment and Bluetooth telephone features (including a telephone keypad and phonebook), it also incorporates the Becker Map Pilot navigation system. The new Sprinter will be on sale in July and deliveries will begin in September.
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
Volvo’s plug-in hybrid bus
Tomorrow’s BUS
The Volvo 7900 Hybrid makes use of plug-in technology to recharge batteries at the bus terminus during regular service. It promises fuel savings up to 80% Volvo 7900 hybrid with plugTHE in charging system hit the streets of Gothenburg, Sweden, as part of
a field test last May. It is expected that this technology will reduce fuel consumption and consequently carbon dioxide emissions by 75 to 80 percent compared to current diesel buses. Overall, it is estimated that total energy consumption will be reduced by almost 60%. Moreover, according to Volvo Buses, it is expected that carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by up to 90% by the use of bio-
diesel instead of fossil diesel oil to power the internal combustion engine. The purpose of the field test is to study and verify the anticipated reductions in energy consumption and emissions, and to gather information from drivers, passengers and residents of the areas surrounding the bus route regarding their experience on the properties of the bus. Västtrafik, public transport company of Gothenburg, has very high eco-friendly objectives: 95% of their traffic to be carried out by non-fossil fuels as well as increased energy
efficiency by 2005. For Volvo Buses the use of plug-in technology is the next step in a long line of excellent results obtained in international markets with the 7900 Hybrid model (over 1,000 hybrid buses sold). The plug-in technology enables the recharging of lithium-ion batteries from electricity grids via a collector installed on the roof. This way it is possible to drive up to 70% of the distance using electricity only (full-electric running range is about 7 km) with zero emissions. The batteries are charged at the bus terminus and the operation requires between six and ten minutes. Volvo Buses participates in the plug-in hybrid project in Gothenburg, together with
Göteborg Energi, Business Region Göteborg, Trafikkontoret and Västtrafik. The project is partly sponsored by Life +, the EU’s financing program for environmental projects. Another demonstration project is scheduled to take place in 2014 and will involve the use of eight plug-in hybrids in Stockholm. Finally, it should be noted that if an operator needs to deploy the bus on a service line without charging stations, the plug-in hybrid can function exactly as current hybrid buses, constantly running on the energy supplied by the 5-litre diesel engine, an integral part of the system. Commercial manufacturing of plug-in hybrid buses is expected to start in a couple of years, at the end of the current trial.
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - June 2013
VDL BUS & COACH - MIDEURO VIP T E .000 S â‚Ź 135 T Routers
rice Net p
DIMENSIONS
Lenght mm 8,044 Width mm 1,993 Height mm 2,800 Wheelbase mm 5,025 Front Overhang mm 1,004 Rear Overhang mm 2,015 Turning Circle mm 17,800 Luggage m3 1.8 Fuel Tank liters 75 Empty Weight kg 4,000 Test Weight kg 5,260 Perm. GWV kg 5,300
ly in Ita
Eigh meters of LUXURY
Milan, Piacenza, Voghera, Passo Penice, Piacenza, Milan Performance Index
0
km
km/h
km/liter
308
73
7.89
8.5
10
for intercity and tourist services Igestntended and measuring over 8 meters it is the lonof the MidEuro series produced by VDL Bus Venlo (former Kusters) on the basis of the Mercedes Sprinter. The MidEuro version that BusToCoach took for a test drive is the MLD 80/190 with VIP layout, offering the top-of-the-line equipment in terms of comfort for transfer transport and shuttle services. Its outstanding features are the glazed middle section of the roof, an extra side door, the 16 seats layout with tables in between and all kinds of other accessories. These are the features that justify the 135 thousand Euros price-tag compared to the almost 100 thousand for the standard equipment model.
Seats n. 16+1+1 Internal Height mm 1,950 Floor Height mm 605 Aisle Width mm 355 Entrances Width mm 620 Raks Volume m3 0.34
Cockpit Width mm 800 Cockpit Depth mm 1,480 Cockpit Height mm 1,680 Adjustment Seat mm 120
THE TEST ROUTE
PASSENGER AREA
DRIVER AREA
COMFORT
Type Seats Vogel Primus Driver seat MB Swingsitz A.C. 7+7 kW Heater convectors Roof glazed Glazing colored, double Audio/video radio CD/DVD Mp3
VIP Features
VIP MidEuro verTHE sion is fitted with a 16+1+1 seats configuration. The layout consists of 2+1 rows with seats facing one another across two tables (one on each side, with 220V and VGA wall sockets). The seats are the Vogel Primus
with leather inserts and folding armrest. They are reclining, extendable, fully equipped and heated. Covered in velvet and faux leather, the interior is made even brighter by coloured tinted windows in the central part of the roof.
Air conditioning is supplied by a 7 kW system blowing toward the centre and through individual vents located under the overhead compartment (also equipped with speakers and LED lights). Heating is provided by a 10 kW Eber-
spächer system connected to coils in the floor on both sides. There are also a 40-litre refrigerator next to the door and two 19” LCD monitors connected to the media player on the dashboard, inclusive of navigation system.
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Ballasted at 5,260 kg (maximum curb weight is 5,300 kg), the VIP MidEuro traveled 308 kilometres from Milan to Passo del Penice and back via Piacenza (197 kilometres on the highway), consuming an average of one litre of diesel fuel every 7.89 km. Average traveling speed was 73 km/h. Overall performance results are considerably good giving it a performance index of 8.5 on a scale of one to ten (the product of speed and consumption). Certainly in favour of the MidEuro performance there are the characteristics of the 3-litre OM 642 engine, with 190 horsepower (140 kW) and a maximum torque of 440 Nm that allowed the vehicle to tackle even the tortuous climb up the Passo del Penice (1,149 metres above sea level) without any effort. The five-speed Mercedes automatic transmission was responsible for keeping consumption under control and for adequately modulate gear shifts. That is in addition to reduce the driver’s workload. Running mode is even better than the one of the Sprinter 519 basis, thanks to the additional 700 millimetres in the distance between the
120
Nm
100
440
80
350
60
260
40
1,000 1,600
2,200 2,800 3,400 3,800
Rpm/min
Geometry Position Front Power 190 cv (140 kW)/3,800 rpm Torque Nm 440 to 1,400-2,400 rpm Injection Common rail Compression Ratio 18:1 Oil Tank liters 7.5 Pollution Class EEV Exhaust Gas Treatment Egr+Fap Life test vehicle km 4,700 TYRES Continental 195/75 R 16C 110/108R, Twin rear tires.
By the Star
SUSPENSIONS Mechanical suspensions with independent tyres on the front axle with cross parabolic crossbows springs (longitudinal on the back), hydraulic shock absorbers with double effect and stabilizer bar. BRAKES Full disc brakes. Electronically controlled hydraulic system with ABS, ASR, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Bas ( Brake assist), load Adaptive Control, RMI, EUC e Retarder. SAFETY ESP, Powder fire extinguisher of 6 kg.
34
3,800 3,000
GEARBOX 56
87
a
122
147
5a
4a
3a
2
1a
140
2,987 83/92 6 V 72°
rpm/min
kW
Mercedes OM 642 DE 30 LA Displacement cc Bore/Stroke
ENGINE MOTORE
2,000 1,000 0
15
30
45
60
75
Km/h
90
105
120
135
150
TRANSMISSION The tested vehicle has the electro hydraulic automated Mercedes NAG W5A 380 with five speeds. Transmission Ratio 4.182 Acceleration 0-100 km/h sec. 27.1
mechanics of the THE MidEuro is the same as the Sprinter 519 CDI including the equipment. Therefore upstream there is the powerful 3-litre OM 642 DE engine of 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 440 Nm of torque. First introduced on the Sprinter in 2009, the six cylinders engine has a V architecture, aluminium block and heads, four valves per cylinder, direct injection common rail and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Pollutant emissions are reduced to EEV standards through the exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) and the use of a particulate filter at the exhaust. The engine operates through the automated five-speed electronically controlled W5A 380 Mercedes hydraulic transmission, easing the driver’s workload. The ground configuration is the typical 16-inch twin wheels on
the rear and mechanical suspensions with parabolic springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. It mounts independent wheels on the front. Secure braking is provided by the power-assisted system (BAS)
with latest-generation ESP and by ABS and ASR alongside Load Adaptive Control, electronic brake-force distribution (EBV), Roll Movement Intervention and steering under control (EUC). There is also the Telma retarder.
The electrical system also includes and additional 12-volt battery (located under the driver’s seat) to power auxiliary equipment and a 14V/220A generator to power the electrical outlets at the tables.
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axles, which eliminates any hint of pitching. The rest of the work is performed by the sturdy mechanical suspensions (independent wheel on the front), which can optionally be replaced by pneumatic rear axle suspensions to further enhance passengers’ comfort. The vehicle is also equipped with a Telma electromagnetic retarder adding up to the braking system already featuring ESP and all other possible electronic control systems. The external appearance retains the characteristics of the Sprinter 519 with the bodywork featuring a raised-roof that is also thermally insulated. The coloured panoramic side windows are double glazed and are glued-mounted while on the right side a full height glass single-sliding door with electric control has been added. Two standard folding doors at the front are used by the guide and the driver to access the cabin. In addition to this standard doors layout, it is also possible to choose from four other solutions ranging from single-leaf electric door forward of the B-pillar to the electric double-leaf door behind the door reserved for the guide. On the rear end, there is an upwards opening panel giving access to the lowered luggage compartment (almost 2 cubic metres capacity), featuring interior lighting and a retractable canvas to protect the bumper. For external visibility the driver can rely on bi-xenon headlights with active and static illumination of turns as well as heated and electrically adjustable rear view mirrors. As for all models based on commercial vehicles with a front engine, the manoeuvrability of the 8-metre MidEuro is great, due to its width of less than two meters, but also due to a steering system that allows it to turn around dimensions of 17.8 metres in diameter taking up a range of 4.05 meters only. Everything else is passengers’ comfort.
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