There will be gas and electric city buses on display from MAN as well as refinements across its coach product range
MAN Truck & Bus is exhibiting a wide range of products at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hanover. For the first time it’s exhibiting a city bus incorporating a newly-developed gas engine, as well as a prototype of the fully-electric Lion City E. The latter visually contrasts with its conventional brother thanks to its slightly modified design.
In particular, the absence of an engine-housing allows additional seats at the rear while the fully electric drivetrain delivers 160kW up to 270kW. There are 29 seats that can be accessed through three electrically- operated doors.
MAN is presenting a newly-developed gas engine, which is also an option with the MAN Efficient Hybrid. The MAN E1856 LOH delivers 320hp (235kW) and uses a four-speed automatic gearbox.
The articulated bus on show demonstrates the passenger flow-optimising effect of situation-based illuminated partitions and translucent concertina walls. Optimised for standing room capacity, the four-door vehicle has 39 seats.
The MAN Lion Coach L on display will be a long-haul version complete with lift and two wheelchair places. The position of the C-pillar has been moved to provide a better view for those sitting in the first row of seats. The coach also now has an electro-hydraulically steered trailing axle increasing manoeuvrability and a new 12-gear transmission, the MAN TipMatic Coach. The D2676 LOH engine delivers 470hp (346 kW) and 2,400Nm maximum torque. The new version will be available from July 2019.
Also on show will be a 78-seat Neoplan Skyliner with a redesigned D26 engine now delivering 510hp (375kW) and a maximum torque of 2,600Nm. It also has the latest generation of TipMatic Coach automated gear shift.
To prevent blind spot-related accidents, the Skyliner and Cityliner on show will have a new mirror system. Cameras on both sides of the vehicle deliver real-time images on two displays built into the driver’s field of view. At a glance he or she can see what’s happening without the need for rear, wide-angle and ramp mirrors. The camera technology used supports a high-resolution display of the surrounding area irrespective of daylight, so that the driver has an improved view at night and in changing light conditions. Limiting factors such as misting up, dirt accumulation or sun glare are minimised.
The Cityliner also incorporates a ‘bird view’ system, which provides views of the vehicle’s surroundings via six cameras. The image is output to a separate monitor on the driver’s console. The Cityliner L has a modified interior that accommodates up to 35 passengers. In addition to a VIP lounge, it has a kitchen with a convection oven, induction charging for mobile telephones and ambient lighting.
The Tourliner C that will be on show marks the entry point into the Neoplan range. As the third vehicle in the movingART art project, the two-axle vehicle carries a prominent Berlin adhesive tape livery. Incorporating four-star seating, 48 passengers can be seated on the coach, which has what MAN describes as a performance-enhanced 470hp (346kW) engine with 2,400Nm maximum torque as well as the new MAN TipMatic Coach gearbox.
With the introduction of the MAN TGE, MAN Truck & Bus positioned itself at the last IAA as a full-range provider in freight transport. Now there is a TGE-based minibus and an intercity variant, the MAN TGE Intercity with 15 passenger seats, is being exhibited. It has an electric sliding door with an electric retractable step, and a standard roof-mounted air-conditioning system.
In addition, USB charging sockets on the side walls and additional speakers are designed to further enhance passenger convenience. The minibus, which might be used for shuttle, excursion and hotel feeder work, measures 7.391m and has numerous assistance systems such as the Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a lateral wind assistant and active lane guard system. Under the bonnet is a two-litre engine that delivers 177hp (130kW), coupled to manual transmission.
