For those of you in the market for a new luxury touring coach, Mercedes has released details today of the newest addition to their coach family - the Travego RHD high-deck touring coach.

Although it would be possible for me to highlight some of the bus' new features, the comprehensive press release does a far better job than I can hope to, which is why I'll abstain from my usual banter and direct you straight to the official press release where you can view all the luxury coach's specifics for yourself.

I've also added a photo montage immediately below showcasing the new Travego RHD in action, to better demonstrate the coach's impressive new features. As always, click any photo to enlarge.

Enjoy.

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego RHD high-deck touring coach: The new Mercedes-Benz Travego sets new standards in the luxury touring coach segment, not only in terms of safety and comfort for passengers and driver but also in terms of its looks, its equipment and its new, economical and environmentally compatible Euro 4 engines. The top photo shows the new Travego 15 RHD. The exemplary, ergonomic design of the instrument panel has been further improved upon in the new Travego featuring e.g. a new, high-contrast and easy-to-read colour display on the instrument cluster. The standard-specification 'Flair' design and equipment line includes a wood-trimmed leather steering wheel (bottom photo); a further plus is the easier-to-use joystick shift lever and the enhanced Servoshift system, which enables the driver to change gear even more smoothly and precisely than before.

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego RHD high-deck touring coach: The new Mercedes-Benz Travego sets new standards in the luxury touring coach segment, not only in terms of safety and comfort for passengers and driver but also in terms of its looks, its equipment and its new, economical and environmentally compatible Euro 4 engines. The top photo shows the new Travego 15 RHD. Both design and equipment lines available for the predecessor model – 'Flair' (standard, bottom photo) and 'Fashion' (optional) – have been retained. The generous dimensions have also been maintained, with an exterior width of 2.55 m, generous standing height of 2.10 m and, as a result, an airy and spacious feeling. Differences passengers will notice on board the new Travego include the modified service units beneath the air ducts. Another new feature is the lighting concept for the Travego passenger compartment.

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego RHD high-deck touring coach: The new Mercedes-Benz Travego sets new standards in the luxury touring coach segment, not only in terms of safety and comfort for passengers and driver but also in terms of its looks, its equipment and its new, economical and environmentally compatible Euro 4 engines. The top photo shows the new Travego 15 RHD. Both design and equipment lines available for the predecessor model – 'Flair' (standard, bottom photo) and 'Fashion' (optional) – have been retained. The generous dimensions have also been maintained, with an exterior width of 2.55 m, generous standing height of 2.10 m and, as a result, an airy and spacious feeling. Differences passengers will notice on board the new Travego include the modified service units beneath the air ducts. Another new feature is the lighting concept for the Travego passenger compartment.

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego RHD high-deck touring coach: The new Mercedes-Benz Travego sets new standards in the luxury touring coach segment, not only in terms of safety and comfort for passengers and driver but also in terms of its looks, its equipment and its new, economical and environmentally compatible Euro 4 engines. The top photo shows the new Travego 17 RHD. Both design and equipment lines available for the predecessor model – 'Flair' (standard) and 'Fashion' (optional, bottom photo) – have been retained. The generous dimensions have also been maintained, with an exterior width of 2.55 m, generous standing height of 2.10 m and, as a result, an airy and spacious feeling. Differences passengers will notice on board the new Travego include the modified service units beneath the air ducts. Another new feature is the lighting concept for the Travego passenger compartment.

Proximity Control (ART) in the new Mercedes-Benz Travego RHD high-deck touring coaches: Available as an option for the new Travego for the first time, the Proximity Control system (ART) automatically maintains a pre-programmed safe following distance from vehicles in front. For example, if the coach starts to approach a slower-moving vehicle ahead or if a slower-moving vehicle cuts across in front of the coach, the retarder and service brakes are activated automatically to slow the coach down and re-establish the preset safe following distance. When there is no longer an 'obstruction', the coach is automatically accelerated back up to the speed previously set using the cruise control function. Although the proximity control system is primarily designed to assist drivers in motorway traffic, it is also helpful on other extra-urban roads and, since it is effective from a speed of 15 km/h, in towns.

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego RHD high-deck touring coach: The new Mercedes-Benz Travego sets new standards in the luxury touring coach segment, not only in terms of safety and comfort for passengers and driver but also in terms of its looks, its equipment and its new, economical and environmentally compatible Euro 4 engines. The photo shows the new Travego 17 RHD (left side). Both design and equipment lines available for the predecessor model – 'Flair' (standard, right side) and 'Fashion' (optional) – have been retained. The generous dimensions have also been maintained, with an exterior width of 2.55 m, generous standing height of 2.10 m and, as a result, an airy and spacious feeling. Differences passengers will notice on board the new Travego include the modified service units beneath the air ducts. Another new feature is the lighting concept for the Travego passenger compartment.

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego RHD high-deck touring coach: The new Mercedes-Benz Travego (top photo) sets new standards in the luxury touring coach segment, not only in terms of safety and comfort for passengers and driver but also in terms of its looks, its equipment and its new, economical and environmentally compatible Euro 4 engines. The reversing aid (bottom photo, left) indicates the distance from an obstacle is indicated by means of LEDs integrated into the exterior mirror on the driver’s side, and the two auxiliary mirrors integrated in the housing at an angle above the two main mirrors also help to improve visibility. The front end has been extended by 140 mm to give the driver more space and provide an extended driver’s seat adjustment range (bottom photo, right).

Bus and Coach Safety Training: For the past 13 years, the “Safety Training” courses for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus and coach drivers and instructors have been an integral part of the Omniplus driver training programme. Between March 1993, when the driver Safety Training courses were first introduced, and the end of 2005, more than 10,000 bus and coach drivers had taken part. The practical training includes various handling exercises to improve driver awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, braking and avoidance exercises on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of speeds and braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds and on corners. If the course is held at a safety demonstration centre, it will also include driving practice on slippery downhill gradients. Another important factor in safe coach driving, which is also part of the training, is detailed information about the function and safe operation of bus and coach safety features such as the brake system, ABS, ASR, BA, ESP, ART and SPA.

Bus and Coach Safety Training: For the past 13 years, the “Safety Training” courses for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus and coach drivers and instructors have been an integral part of the Omniplus driver training programme. Between March 1993, when the driver Safety Training courses were first introduced, and the end of 2005, more than 10,000 bus and coach drivers had taken part. The practical training includes various handling exercises to improve driver awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, braking and avoidance exercises on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of speeds and braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds and on corners. If the course is held at a safety demonstration centre, it will also include driving practice on slippery downhill gradients. Another important factor in safe coach driving, which is also part of the training, is detailed information about the function and safe operation of bus and coach safety features such as the brake system, ABS, ASR, BA, ESP, ART and SPA.

Bus and Coach Safety Training: For the past 13 years, the “Safety Training” courses for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus and coach drivers and instructors have been an integral part of the Omniplus driver training programme. Between March 1993, when the driver Safety Training courses were first introduced, and the end of 2005, more than 10,000 bus and coach drivers had taken part. The practical training includes various handling exercises to improve driver awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, braking and avoidance exercises on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of speeds and braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds and on corners. If the course is held at a safety demonstration centre, it will also include driving practice on slippery downhill gradients. Another important factor in safe coach driving, which is also part of the training, is detailed information about the function and safe operation of bus and coach safety features such as the brake system, ABS, ASR, BA, ESP, ART and SPA.

Bus and Coach Safety Training: For the past 13 years, the “Safety Training” courses for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus and coach drivers and instructors have been an integral part of the Omniplus driver training programme. Between March 1993, when the driver Safety Training courses were first introduced, and the end of 2005, more than 10,000 bus and coach drivers had taken part. The practical training includes various handling exercises to improve driver awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, braking and avoidance exercises on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of speeds and braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds and on corners. If the course is held at a safety demonstration centre, it will also include driving practice on slippery downhill gradients. Another important factor in safe coach driving, which is also part of the training, is detailed information about the function and safe operation of bus and coach safety features such as the brake system, ABS, ASR, BA, ESP, ART and SPA.


Bus and Coach Safety Training: For the past 13 years, the “Safety Training” courses for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus and coach drivers and instructors have been an integral part of the Omniplus driver training programme. Between March 1993, when the driver Safety Training courses were first introduced, and the end of 2005, more than 10,000 bus and coach drivers had taken part. The practical training includes various handling exercises to improve driver awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, braking and avoidance exercises on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of speeds and braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds and on corners. If the course is held at a safety demonstration centre, it will also include driving practice on slippery downhill gradients. Another important factor in safe coach driving, which is also part of the training, is detailed information about the function and safe operation of bus and coach safety features such as the brake system, ABS, ASR, BA, ESP, ART and SPA.

Bus and Coach Safety Training: For the past 13 years, the “Safety Training” courses for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus and coach drivers and instructors have been an integral part of the Omniplus driver training programme. Between March 1993, when the driver Safety Training courses were first introduced, and the end of 2005, more than 10,000 bus and coach drivers had taken part. The practical training includes various handling exercises to improve driver awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, braking and avoidance exercises on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of speeds and braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds and on corners. If the course is held at a safety demonstration centre, it will also include driving practice on slippery downhill gradients. Another important factor in safe coach driving, which is also part of the training, is detailed information about the function and safe operation of bus and coach safety features such as the brake system, ABS, ASR, BA, ESP, ART and SPA.


Bus and Coach Safety Training: For the past 13 years, the “Safety Training” courses for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus and coach drivers and instructors have been an integral part of the Omniplus driver training programme. Between March 1993, when the driver Safety Training courses were first introduced, and the end of 2005, more than 10,000 bus and coach drivers had taken part. The practical training includes various handling exercises to improve driver awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, braking and avoidance exercises on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of speeds and braking and steering manoeuvres at different speeds and on corners. If the course is held at a safety demonstration centre, it will also include driving practice on slippery downhill gradients. Another important factor in safe coach driving, which is also part of the training, is detailed information about the function and safe operation of bus and coach safety features such as the brake system, ABS, ASR, BA, ESP, ART and SPA.

• Exemplary safety and comfort features
  
  
• Proximity control (ART), Continuous Braking Limiter (DBL) and Lane Assistant (SPA) assistance systems
  
  
• Enhanced, more dynamic design vocabulary
  
  
• More room for driver and tour guide, wider entrance
  
  
• Substantial weight reductions
  
  
• Many aspects of the passenger compartment enhanced substantially
  
  
• Clean and economical: the new Euro 4 engines
  
  
• Base engine boosted to 315 kW (428 hp)
  

Stuttgart, Jul 05, 2006
The Mercedes-Benz Bus and Coach unit ushered in a new era in 1999 by launching the Mercedes-Benz Travego touring coach, which offered an unprecedented blend of sophisticated technology, high levels of comfort, attractive looks and leading-edge safety. Now, at the height of its career, the successful first-generation Mercedes-Benz Travego is making way for a new Travego which raises the benchmark once again, taking the exceptional preceding model as a basis yet exceeding it in every major respect. The new Mercedes-Benz Travego sets new standards in the luxury touring coach segment, not only in terms of safety and comfort for passengers and driver but also in terms of its looks, its equipment and its new, economical and environmentally compatible Euro 4 engines.

Three high-deck touring coaches in the line-up for Western Europe

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego line-up features three high-deck touring coaches: the Travego (max. 15 rows of seats, 12.14 metres in length and two axles), the Travego M (max. 16 rows of seats, 12.96 metres in length and three axles) and the Travego L (max. 17 rows of seats, 13.99 metres in length and three axles). All three versions have an overall height of 3.71 metres.

Enhanced, more dynamic form and design

While the new Mercedes-Benz Travego has a visual affinity with the preceding model, its lines show a clear evolution and refinement. The new model is elegant and at the same time masculine and progressive in appearance. For example the "face" of the coach below the familiar deep and inviting windscreen is now more sculpted, while the new front panel with air intake presents a three-dimensional appearance, has a curved upper edge and is visually more distinctive. All this, together the Mercedes star proudly displayed on a sculpted plinth, makes the front-end design reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. The new and larger variable-focus reflector headlamps with clear polycarbonate lenses display a prominent kink, while the indicators are now integrated in the all-glass housing. The new-look bumper and the stylistic integration of the fog lamps emphasise the dynamism at the heart of the new touring coach.

Powerful character line

The side view of the new Travego has also been given new emphasis. Now even more prominent than before, the three-dimensional character line created by the B-pillar grows powerfully out of the vehicle body. At its lower end, it sweeps dynamically around into the front entrance door, where a wedge-shaped element forms a visual link between the front and side of the vehicle. At its upper end, the B-pillar sweeps back elegantly above the first two side windows without impairing the pas-sengers’ view in the slightest, before seamlessly merging into the trim panel of the fluently integrated roof-mounted air conditioning system. Its panelling wraps round the roof edge and blends smoothly into the side wall.

To give passengers in the new Travego’s rearmost row of seats a better view, the rear edges of the rear side windows are now steeper and sturdier-looking, rather than rounded as previously. The new LED side marker lights are designed to last the life of the vehicle, with no bulbs to replace. These enhancements make the new Mercedes-Benz Travego appear more powerful but also more elegant, as well as ensuring stylistic unity. They also ensure an evolutionary continuation of the design language of the previous model.

New-look rear section with distinctive tail lights

The rear end of the Travego too has been enhanced in several key areas. Particularly noticeable are the rounded, three-dimensional tail lights which wrap round into the sides of the vehicle. Each unit has three integrated, light-coloured covers for the indicators and the reversing lights. Here too, the appearance is reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car, due to the use of typical Mercedes-Benz design themes. Passive lighting segments link the tail lights with the now flat engine compartment flap whose upper section features a newly designed ventilation grille. As well as looking good, the grille is effective at preventing dirt or rainwater from entering the engine compartment. Moving further upwards, new recesses in the rear wall echo the shape of the ventilation grille, and break up the appearance of the surface.

In the rear window, the enlarged Mercedes star is now more prominent and protrudes upwards into the glass area. The engine compartment flap, rear wall and corners of the bumper are more powerfully curved at the sides. Overall the second-generation Travego has a harmonious appearance, exudes typical Mercedes-Benz dynamism and is easily recognisable.

Like its predecessor, the new Travego high-deck touring coach has a body incorporating tried-and-tested reinforcements stretching across the roof and down the sides, thus creating the basis for maximum strength and safety. Design modifications have been made on the left-hand side where the Travego (15 RHD) and Travego M (16 RHD) models now have two instead of three luggage compartment flaps to make the driver’s life easier. The Travego L (17 RHD) now has three instead of four flaps. Behind the luggage compartment flaps, which are equipped with a lifting mechanism, the Travego and Travego M models offer 8.4 m³ of luggage space between the axles, whilst the Travego L model provides 11.0 m³, assuming that an on-board toilet is fitted in each case.

Extended front end benefits drivers, tour guide and passengers

Although the wheelbase length remains unchanged, the front end of the new Travego has been extended by 140 mm to provide extra space for the driver and the tour guide as well as a wider entrance for the passengers. At the same time, the developers were able to increase the angle of approach so as to ensure improved handling and manoeuvrability.

Reduced weight despite increased length

Even though the overall length has been increased slightly to 12.14 m (Travego), 12.96 m (Travego M) and 13.99 m (Travego L), and despite the measures implemented to ensure compliance with the Euro 4 emissions standard, the new Travego weighs substantially less than its predecessor. Even on highly specified vehicles, this greater weight margin allows a Travego (15 RHD) with six-cylinder in-line engine and on-board toilet to be registered as a three-star version with seating for 49 passengers, not including the driver and tour guide. The three-star version of the Travego M offers seating for 53 passengers.

The weight reduction is due to a whole raft of measures. The new luggage compartment floor alone weighs 40 kg less thanks to its Metawell/aluminium sandwich construction. Further weight-saving measures, to name but a few, include the optimised roof frame, the omission of the driver’s door, an optimised air conditioning system and the use of flat-screen displays instead of tube-type monitors for the video system. As well as a high passenger capacity in the maximum-seating versions of the Travego (49 persons), Travego M (53 persons) and Travego L (57 persons), in each case not including the driver and tour guide, the reduced kerb weight permits a higher payload capacity, along with lower fuel consumption relative to payload. In terms of economic efficiency, the Mercedes-Benz Travego has therefore gained on two fronts.

Exemplary safety equipment including Continuous Braking Limiter (DBL)

Whilst the Mercedes-Benz Travego has always provided an exemplary level of safety, the new Travego marks another major step forwards. The extensive standard equipment package now includes the Continuous Braking Limiter (DBL) – a control system which makes life considerably easier for the driver by preventing the vehicle from accelerating over the speed limit when driving downhill. At first the coach is braked automatically by the retarder, then – after a signal has warned the driver to take action – by the service brakes, thus preventing the vehicle from exceeding statutory speed limits on long motorway descents, for example. Furthermore, the cooling power of the engine has been increased to ensure better dissipation of the heat energy generated by braking and, therefore, extremely stable retarder operation during long periods of braking.

Numerous safety systems including ESP as standard

The exemplary standard-fitted safety equipment of the Mercedes-Benz Travego also features the familiar fade-resistant braking system incorporating disc brakes all round, the Electronic Braking System (EBS), Brake Assist (BA), acceleration skid control (ASR), the retarder and, perhaps most importantly of all, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The standard-fitted Voith retarder can be operated via a six-stage steering column stalk (standard). However, to reduce service brake wear, the "retarder integration" function also allows the retarder to be activated via the foot brake pedal. Within the bounds of physical possibility, ESP helps to keep the vehicle safely on track in critical driving situations by applying precisely controlled braking pressure at the individual wheels and reducing the engine power.

Large H7 halogen headlamps with a high light output are also standard. Powerful Litronic gas discharge headlamps, similar to the xenon headlamps used on cars, are available as an option. Other standard features include fog lamps, a highly efficient system of mirrors providing excellent all-round visibility, the high-strength skeleton with reinforcements stretching across the roof and down the sides and passenger seats with impact surfaces on the backrests. All this is as much an integral part of the new Mercedes-Benz Travego as the comfort and safety-oriented chassis and suspension.

New, optionally available assistance systems: Proximity Control and Lane Assistant

Available as an option for the new Travego for the first time, the Proximity Control system (ART) automatically maintains a pre-programmed safe following distance from vehicles in front. For example, if the coach starts to approach a slower-moving vehicle ahead or if a slower-moving vehicle cuts across in front of the coach, the retarder and service brakes are activated automatically to slow the coach down and re-establish the preset safe following distance. The deceleration is limited to 20 % of the maximum available braking power. When there is no longer an "obstruction", the coach is automatically accelerated back up to the speed previously set using the cruise control function. Although the proximity control system is primarily de-signed to assist drivers in motorway traffic, it is also helpful on other extra-urban roads and, since it is effective from a speed of 15 km/h, in towns.

A further option, the Lane Assistant system (SPA), is now available for all new Travego models. A camera system monitors the lane markings and detects when there is a danger of the vehicle leaving its lane. If this happens, the relevant side of the driver’s seat starts to vibrate in order to warn the driver.

Further enhanced driver’s workplace

The developers have also enhanced several aspects of the Travego interior. For instance, the front end has been extended by 140 mm to give the driver more space and provide an extended driver’s seat adjustment range. Furthermore, there is now space for a large bag behind the driver’s seat. On the left-hand side, the practical, multi-compartment driver’s locker has been redesigned. And the parking brake lever has been moved to a new, easier-to-reach position. A further plus is the easier-to-use joystick shift lever and the enhanced Servoshift system, which enables the driver to change gear even more smoothly and precisely than before.

The already exemplary, ergonomic design of the instrument panel in the preceding model has been further improved upon in the new Travego. Now a soft coating which is pleasant to the touch covers the surface of the instrument panel whilst the previous monochrome display in the instrument cluster has been replaced by a new, high-contrast and easy-to-read colour display on the instrument cluster. The standard-specification "Flair" design and equipment line includes a wood-trimmed leather steering wheel whilst the optional "Fashion" design and equipment line features a leather steering wheel with a fine multi-point surface texture.

Both the tour guide’s area and the entrance benefit from an extra 70 mm thanks to the longer front end of the new Travego. Passengers now board the bus via extremely wide, flat steps. Meanwhile, as well as fore/aft adjustment, the new-look tour guide’s seat also features a manually adjustable backrest.

Video system with DVD player and flat-screen monitors

The roof area above the driver and tour guide area has been completely redesigned and restyled to give it an open, inviting look, with enlarged and lockable compartments on the left and right. This new design necessitated the use of flat-screen monitors instead of the previously installed tube-type units for the video system in the new Travego. Optionally, the front monitor is available in electrically retractable version to give the passengers an even better view. Standard equipment also includes a DVD player. The sunblind on the windscreen is now divided down the middle to ensure optimum visibility and more flexible sun protection. The driver can move the sunblind to the ideal position for driving without impairing the view of the passengers on the right-hand side of the bus to any great extent. As an option, both sunblinds can be operated electrically at the push of a button. A heated windscreen is also available as an option.

New lighting concept and new service units in the passenger compartment

Upon boarding the coach, passengers are immediately met by the "Mercedes-Benz" brand lettering which, like the "Travego" lettering, is to be found inside on the left and right above the driver’s and tour guide’s seats. Since one of the main aims is to make passengers on board the Travego feel at home, generous dimensions have been maintained, with an exterior width of 2.55 m, generous standing height of 2.10 m and, as a result, an airy and spacious feeling. Differences passengers will notice on board the new Travego include the modified service units beneath the air ducts, whose redesign results in a more integrated appearance. The control but-tons, now including illuminated inductive switches for the reading lights and service call function, are now logically integrated right next to the reading lights. Each of the adjustable air outlets is controlled by a thumbwheel.

Another new feature is the lighting concept for the Travego passenger compartment, now centred around ceiling-mounted fluorescent tubes running alongside the luggage racks. The tubes have two light settings and are of particular benefit to coach operators as they have an extremely long service life. The discreet ambient lighting, also new, includes offset lighting for anti-glare illumination of the centre aisle below seat level. Furthermore, passengers occupying the rearmost seat row in the new Travego enjoy a better view as the side windows no longer feature a rounded rear edge but, instead, extend back as far as the corner pillar.

Footrests now part of the standard equipment package

Apart from a new fabric collection, the tried-and-tested Travego seating remains unchanged. However, the comfortable "Travel-Star Xtra (TSX)" seats, fitted as standard, now also include footrests as well as new upholstery seam patterns. To individualise the Mercedes-Benz Travego, coach operators can choose from 20 colours for the velour lining on the central ceiling strip and side walls alone. They also have a choice of five floor coverings and numerous leather and fabric seat covers. Both design and equipment lines available for the predecessor model – "Flair" (standard) and "Fashion" (optional) – have been retained. In the new Travego models, the "Flair" design and equipment line now includes darker wood trim inserts in the grab handles, the side panels of the seats and the instrument panel than on the previous models.

Maximum air conditioning output increased to 39 kW

In particularly hot regions, passengers on board the Travego will feel the benefit of a more powerful roof-mounted air conditioning system. The most powerful of the systems available now has a maximum cooling capacity of 39 kW. Further new developments include an air conditioning system with a cooling output of 35 kW. Both new systems have eight evaporator fans to ensure a high airflow rate. Customers therefore now have the choice of an air conditioning system with a cooling capacity of 32 kW, 35 kW or 39 kW, depending on where the coach is to be put into service. Features the new model shares with its predecessor include the tried-and-tested hot water convector heater, with the option of axial fans for increased output.

The general upgrading of the Travego also extends to the robust luggage compartment floor covering and the luggage compartment flaps which are now lined on the inside. Next to the centre door is a spacious multipurpose area which can be accessed from the centre entrance area by pulling back a retractable cover and serves either as an additional stowage compartment or as the basis for the optionally available driver’s rest area. Central locking for the doors and flaps is part of the standard specification, with electropneumatic remote control for the luggage compartment flaps. Optionally, an extended central locking system which also closes and locks the roof hatches and the driver’s window is available.

Clean and economical thanks to future-compatible engine technology

The Travego engines are economical and eco-friendly. For the launch of the new model, the Mercedes-Benz Bus and Coach unit has opted for extremely low-emission and economical Euro 4 engines featuring the new BlueTec diesel technology based on SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). BlueTec has been providing sterling service in the Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy-duty truck range since the beginning of 2005. More than 20,000 such vehicles have already been sold – the vast majority of them with Euro 5 engines.

The new BlueTec diesel technology is based on the injection of an aqueous urea solution („AdBlue”) into the exhaust stream. Nitrogen oxides are converted into harmless atmospheric nitrogen and water vapour in a downstream catalytic converter. The new technology enables nitrogen oxide emissions to be reduced by up to 30 % in the case of a Euro 4 engine and, in the future, by as much as 60 % if a Euro 5 powerplant is fitted. A positive side effect, thanks to the optimised combustion, is up to 80 % reduced particulate emissions compared to a Euro 3 engine – a strong argument given the current debate about fine particles in exhaust emissions.

Euro 4 with BlueTec reduces fuel consumption

BlueTec has decisive advantages over other emission control systems, among them lower fuel consumption, a system designed to last the life of the powertrain and an increase in maintenance intervals from 60,000 km to 90,000 km. On fuel economy, savings over current Euro 3 vehicles of up to 6 percent (approx.) are achieved. Ad-Blue consumption, which obviously also has to be taken into account, works out in the case of coaches at between 3 and 5 percent of diesel consumption.

Using BlueTec on the new Travego could not be easier. Beneath a flap, right next to the diesel filler neck, is a second, separate filler neck for AdBlue. The risk of confusion when refuelling is prevented by the different dimensions of the filler necks and by an automatic safeguard device. Depending on the coach model, the separate AdBlue tank holds 61 litres (Travego) or 47.5 litres (Travego M and Travego L) – enough for thousands of miles of driving. The oil industry is currently putting in place a comprehensive AdBlue supply network in Europe. Of course, companies can also choose to fill up with AdBlue at their own filling stations or workshops. AdBlue manufacturers can supply the fluid in various pack sizes for this purpose.

In times of persistently high fuel prices, the importance of the economical performance of the engines with BlueTec diesel technology installed in the Travego cannot be underestimated. Thanks to very low diesel consumption and the large fuel tank capacity of 490 litres (Travego) or 475 litres (Travego M and Travego L), the Travego can cover vast distances without the need for tiresome and time-consuming fuel stops. To reduce weight, the tank housings are made from plastic.

New base engine with 315 kW (428 hp) and substantially higher torque

To prepare for the imminent introduction of the Euro 4 emissions standard, the engine line-up for the new Mercedes-Benz Travego has been revised and enhanced significantly. As before, the range includes the OM 457 LA six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of twelve litres and the V8 powerplant from the OM 502 LA series. However, the previous entry-level engine, the 260 kW (354 hp) version of the OM 457 LA, has been replaced by the next most powerful version, which offers a significant increase in performance.

The new base engine for the Travego develops 315 kW (428 hp). Even more important than the increase in rated output is the substantial boost in torque. Instead of 1900 Nm, the six-cylinder powerplant now delivers an impressive peak torque of 2100 Nm. Thanks to this new, powerful base engine, the performance of the Mercedes-Benz Travego more than lives up to the expectations created by its highly dynamic appearance, under all conditions.

The top-of-the-range OM 502 LA V8 engine – with an unchanged displacement of 15.9 litres and output of 350 kW (476 hp) – also has a maximum torque of 2100 Nm. This engine is available as an option for the three-axle Travego M and Travego L.

Smoother and more precise gear changes with Servoshift

All of the engines have their air intake on the left above the drive axle, in a zone located well away from where the dirt is swirled up by the rear wheels. This means that the air cleaners have a long service life. In all models, the standard transmission is the Mercedes-Benz GO 210 six-speed manual transmission which, as before, is operated by a joystick mounted on the instrument panel. Thanks to the enhanced Servoshift system, this transmission now ensures even smoother and more precise gear changes than before. Optionally, the Travego can be specified with the ZF AS-Tronic automated manual transmission with 12 forward speeds. Like the outgoing model, the new Travego is fitted with the tried-and-tested Mercedes-Benz HO6 drive axle.

Less complex electronics

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego features an enhanced electronic system that is again based on the successful programmable control system. Even though the number of control modules has been cut from six to five, in order to reduce the complexity of the system, functionality has been extended.

The Mercedes-Benz Bus and Coach unit decided to use a conventional electronic control unit with fuses and relays for numerous comfort and convenience systems on board the new Travego, including the sunblinds, power windows, audio/video systems and the galley. The priorities were to allow easy repairs throughout Europe and neighbouring countries as well as to facilitate retrofits. By way of example, it is now possible to fit a trailer coupling including a socket without having to worry about downloading extra software, as was previously the case. All in all, the combination of the programmable control system and conventional electronic control proves to be an extremely practical solution.

Ho?dere plant is one of the world’s most sophisticated bus and coach plants

The new Mercedes-Benz Travego is produced in Turkey, at the DaimlerChrysler AG plant in Ho?dere near the metropolis of Istanbul. This is also where, alongside other Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches, the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo high-deck touring coach has been produced for the past ten years. More than 12,000 units have rolled off the production line here since 1995, a testimony to this touring coach’s popularity.

DaimlerChrysler has been producing buses and coaches in Turkey since 1968. It all began with the legendary Mercedes Benz O 302, which is still remembered fondly by many operators and drivers.

Since 1968, the company has produced some 45,000 buses and coaches in Turkey, many of which were also successfully exported to Western Europe. Examples include the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo touring coach and the Mercedes-Benz Conecto regular-service bus. By establishing a foothold in Turkey at a very early stage, DaimlerChrysler was able to accompany the country on its rise to becoming a full-scale player in the automotive industry. Turkey is a fast-developing economy with around 70 million inhabitants and now boasts an annual production volume of over one million passenger cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches. Around two thirds of these vehicles are exported, mostly to Europe.

Since January 2005, the Mercedes-Benz Bus and Coach unit has also been producing two special versions of the new Travego – the Travego 15 SHD and the Travego 17 SHD – to meet the specific needs and requirements of the Turkish market. These super-high-deck touring coaches are 12.0 metres and 13.85 metres in length respectively, have an overall height of 3.97 metres and are equipped with the familiar Euro 3 engines which were installed in the predecessor model, in line with the requirements of the Turkish market. Some 950 units of the SHD version of the new Travego have already been sold in Turkey to date. On a visual level, the main differences between the super-high-decker and the Travego RHD are the larger luggage compartment flaps, a higher front panel and a shorter front end.

Optimum corrosion protection thanks to new cathodic dip-priming facility

For production of the new Mercedes-Benz Travego, DaimlerChrysler comprehensively modernised and extended the Ho?dere plant, concluding with an official re-opening in June 2005. At the heart of the plant is the newly erected cathodic dip-priming installation which ensures the best possible corrosion protection. The new facility, which incorporates the company’s experience with the cathodic dip-priming installation at the Mannheim plant, ensures ideal long-term protection for the vehicle body. There is also a new body shop area.

A total of around € 75 million was invested in the modernisation and extension of the Ho?dere plant, which was initially erected in 1995. Thanks to identical processes and, not least, a highly qualified workforce, the production and quality standards here are every bit as high as at the other DaimlerChrysler plants. Every customer who buys a Travego can therefore be sure that they are getting an attractive, high-quality coach which will have an extremely long service life and will hold its value extremely well.

Added value at no extra cost

Thanks to the numerous product enhancements, the Mercedes-Benz Bus and Coach unit is planning to produce around 450 units of the new Mercedes-Benz Travego high-deck touring coach per year, despite stagnant markets in Western Europe. This production volume is on a par with that of the outgoing model. The orders are already rolling in. Nine new Travego coaches were recently supplied to a consortium of three German operators to carry the teams taking part in the World Cup. They did a great job over the recent days and weeks. Since May 2006, the German national team too has been travelling in a Travego M and the Dutch national football squad are now using a new Travego to travel to their away games. To date, some 120 Euro 4-compliant Travego high-deck touring coaches have been supplied to customers.

The new Travego RHD high-deck touring coach includes numerous equipment and concept enhancements that add value and increase customer benefit at no extra cost. The only change in the pricing is due to the implementation of measures to ensure compliance with the Euro 4 emissions standard.

Copyright © 2006, DaimlerChrysler AG