GERMANY Milestone Tourismo M revealed at EvoBus press conference, with symbolic handing over of the keys .
Mercedes-Benz reached another milestone last week when the 5000th Tourismo coach left the Mannheim plant to begin operating for the Hauser Reisen concern – a coaching business based in Rottweil and run by the Keller Family. Tourismo entered production in 2006 as a new generation successor to the highly popular O303 which sold around 17,500 units from when it was introduced in 1994.
The milestone vehicle, a Tourismo M, was the centre of attention on Thursday (February 2, 2012) when EvoBus held a press conference to mark the event and officially hand over the symbolic keys to the new owners. Roman Biondi, brand spokesman for Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches at EvoBus GmbH, said: “This vehicle makes it clear why the Tourismo design is so successful. It gains top marks with its attractive price performance ratio without looking like an anonymous mass-produced vehicle. Thanks to the wide range of equipment options available, it remains genuinely individual and full of character.”
For Hauser, the Tourismo fully reflects the typical Mercedes-Benz brand values. “We can fit out the Tourismo to suit our individual requirements and operating needs. Whether it’s as an all-round coach for excursions and short trips or as a luxuriously equipped five-star coach for demanding long-distance travel, our Tourismo is always professionally and smartly turned out. Drivers, tour guides and passengers are all of the same opinion,” said Hans Keller.
Hauser specified this Tourismo M to suit the range of tours it offers. It features 42 Travel Star Xtra seats with Luxline upholstery and installed with five-star seat spacing. At the rear is an integrated, high-grade galley with overhead and floor-level cupboards, two 120 litre refrigerators, a fan oven for ready meals, pretzels and rolls, a microwave, hot water boiler, sink, an instant hot water geyser, a hotplate and an espresso and large coffee machine. Velour carpeting covers the entire floor area including below the passenger seats.
On-board entertainment is provided by a radio and video system, including CD/DVD player, plus a selectable navigation display and iPod interface. This allows passengers to receive up-to-date news on two 19-inch TFT screens. A powerful 39 kW roof-mounted air-conditioning system plus additional driver’s cab air conditioning allows for maximum on-board comfort. The toilet is optionally available as ether a water-flushed or chemically flushed version allowing Hauser to operate in minus temperatures when the summer season is over.
Hauser also specified the428bhp OM 457 LA series 12-litre sixcy linder in-line turbo diesel engine which produces a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm. The engine meets the EEV exhaust emissions standard without a particulate filter. Transmission is via an automated Mercedes GO 240-8 Powershift gearbox and HO6 hypoid drive axle.
