Busworld Awards: the new MAN Lion’s City wins “Safety Label Bus”

• Consistent overall concept of MAN Lion’s City convinces jury
• “Busworld Awards” competition traditionally takes place in the run-up to the Busworld trade fair
• MAN Lion’s City G sets new standards thanks to redeveloped E18 gas engine, MAN EfficientHybrid and innovative passive and active safety systems
• Also awarded a prize at Busworld: MAN Lion’s Coach crowned “Coach of the Year 2020”

It is certain that the Busworld trade fair could not have started any better for MAN Truck & Bus with MAN Lion’s City 12 G managing to win the “Safety Label Bus” at the “Busworld Awards” competition, which takes place in the run-up to the trade fair. This triggered huge joy at the official opening ceremony of Busworld where the winners were announced. “We are very proud to be able to take the trophy home holding off some strong competition,” says Rudi Kuchta, Head of Product & Sales Bus as well as Speaker Business Unit Bus at MAN Truck & Bus. In all, 21 buses/coaches from various manufacturers all over the world were judged by the jury, consisting of international experts as well as experts from transport companies and bus companies. The jury chose its winners from 10 categories. In the “Safety” city bus category, the MAN Lion’s City G made all the running, which sets new standards thanks to its redeveloped E18 gas engine, MAN EfficientHybrid and sophisticated safety concept.

“In particular, what was convincing was the innovative, consistent overall concept of our city bus as well as the many thought-through details, which make the MAN Lion’s City as safe as possible,” according to Jan Aichinger, Head of Product Marketing Bus. In addition to numerous passive features, the active assistants are also impressive. For instance, the city bus features an active turning assistance system with pedestrian detection. “Front and side cameras automatically monitor the traffic, especially in blind spots, thus making a highly effective contribution to accident prevention,” explains Jan Aichinger. The driver is warned visually and acoustically of dangerous situations and collisions in the front area and when turning.

Safety as standard

The electric locking system of the driver’s door also ensures safety when the parking brake is not engaged. In addition, the warning buzzer warns the driver to activate the brake. The MAN Lion’s City is also equipped with a fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment as well as a sensor-controlled engine compartment flap with vehicle start-up interlock. This prevents the vehicle from driving off with an open engine compartment flap. The tank flap is also sensor-controlled. If the flap is open, the “engine OFF function” is automatically triggered. As standard, the MAN city bus features headlights using LED technology, which illuminate the roadway even better. Increased driver safety is ensured by the option of elevating the driver’s seat by 10 cm. “Attacks on bus drivers are reduced by the elevated seating position. Another advantage is that the driver has a far better overview of the vehicle and the traffic situation,” explains Jan Aichinger.

Above and beyond requirements

In addition to innovative assistance systems, the torsion-resistant skeleton with fire protection is a byword for maximum safety. In this way, the city bus already fulfils the more stringent fire protection standard ECE-R 118.02. in Class 1, thus exceeding legal requirements. The regulations for increased overrolling resistance are also met according to the Rollover Regulation ECE-R 66.02. “The core element of the regulation is the definition of a survival space in the event of a rollover. For this purpose, the structure must be able to absorb significantly more energy in order to retain the survival space for passengers.” In order to meet the requirements, components made of high-strength steels have been integrated into MAN vehicle frames. In addition, the MAN Lion’s City is in line with the pendulum impact test, according to the European Regulation ECE-R 29, which until now was only mandatory for trucks. “Through numerous adjustments to the shell the driver is even better protected in the event of a collision,” says Jan Aichinger.

Last but not least: E18 gas engine and MAN EfficientHybrid

With a length of 12 metres, the winning MAN Lion’s City G bus with gas drive features an entirely redeveloped E18 engine series. Compared to the previous model, the gas engine offers a higher level of torque at a lower displacement, making it more powerful and yet more compact at the same time. In addition, the hybrid module, MAN EfficientHybrid, significantly contributes to a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. The standard stop-start function ensures super-silent and emission-free stopping phases in city traffic.

MAN Lion’s Coach crowned “Coach of the Year 2020”

The award of the “Safety Label Bus” prize was the perfect start to this year’s Busworld for MAN. “There was another reason for joy at our first appearance at the new trade fair location in Brussels: the new MAN Lion’s Coach was crowned ‘Coach of the Year 2020’,” says Rudi Kuchta. The prize was also handed over as part of Busworld 2019’s opening ceremony and awards show in Brussels. “The awards truly acknowledge the years of commitment and professional work of our teams working tirelessly to keep improving our buses.”