MAN Truck & Bus at busworld: Solutions for the mobility of tomorrow (Press kit)

MAN Lion's Coach: Not just economically appealing

The roll-over standard ECE R66.02 provided the incentive to update the MAN Lion's Coach. The result is a bus that sets standards in economy and reliability. The new MAN Lion's Coach will be officially launched at Busworld 2017 in Kortrijk.

• MAN Lion's Coach with a more rigid skeleton, new driveline and new MAN design language
• A higher level of economy thanks to the optimised moving-off and gear-shift strategy together with several assistance systems and improvements in maintenance, as well as a 20% improvement in aerodynamics
• Main headlights and rear lights now for the first time available as all LED

It's obvious at first glance that this is a real MAN. Modern yet timeless, the new MAN Lion's Coach marks the launch of a new, distinctive MAN design language at the front, rear and sides. The designers focused on clearly separating the functional areas of the driver's cockpit and passenger compartment, the luggage compartment and the drive unit. In addition to appearance, this segmenting also provides benefits in terms of ease of maintenance and therefore economy as damaged parts can be exchanged quickly and without incurring large costs. New materials and manufacturing processes make the bus lighter and more robust, and also further increase ease of use, for example, when opening and closing the luggage compartment lid or bonnet.

The new MAN Lion's Coach will be publicly launched at this year's Busworld in Kortrijk. From market introduction, the touring coach will be available in three lengths: 12,101 mm, 13,361 mm and 13,901 mm on two or three axles. At the end of 2017, a fourth length will be added in the form of a 13 m dual-axle vehicle (13,091 mm). Its six additional seats compared to the 12 m version make this vehicle a particularly attractive option from an economical point of view. Its maximum overall permitted weight of up to 19.5 tonnes also contributes to its flexibility in terms of possible uses. The optional wheelchair lift plays an important role in achieving ideal axle load distribution as, in this version, it sits over the front axle, thus relieving the rear axle while also not restricting the luggage compartment. The standard version measures 3870 mm in height. Excluding the toilet, the new MAN Lion's Coach models, which have been awarded 3 stars on the German coach seating system, have space for a maximum of 53, 57, 59 or 63 passengers. The luggage compartments have a volume of between 11.7 and 14.3 m³ depending on the model.

The new headlights are an immediate eye-catcher. And, for the first time - like the standard LED rear lights - they can be installed as all LED. LED dipped and main beam lights are around 50% bright than halogens Also, LED light is more diffuse, and, at the same time, has a much greater range as well as a significantly longer service life. A particularly distinctive feature of the new headlight is the strip-form brand-specific daytime running light, which also functions as an indicator.

Optimum balance between efficiency and comfort

A glance under the bonnet indicates that the new MAN Lion's Coach is as economical as ever. With its optimised Euro 6 driveline, it also enjoys benefits including an extended axle ratioi=2.73 and an increased power output (increased by 20 hp and 200 Nm). The new secondary retarder provides optimum braking effect in conjunction with the high axle ratios. It achieves higher maximum torque of 4000 Nm instead of 3200 Nm as well as a power level of 500 kW, representing an increase of 80 kW. This provides greater reserves even during heavy breaking, thus increasing safety.

As part of the MAN BrakeMatic electronic brake system, the new MAN Lion's Coach and the other MAN and NEOPLAN touring and intercity buses will also feature the more powerful EVBec engine brake. Electronic regulation of the exhaust gas back pressure enables increased braking effect over the entire operating speed range, thus achieving a high degree of brake output even at low speeds.

The MAN TipMatic gearbox, installed as standard in models of 460 hp (337 kW) and higher, employs a new moving-off and gear-shift strategy, optimally matched to the D26 engines. In addition, several new features are included: the new SmartShifting gearbox function plays a key role when it comes to finding the optimum balance between efficiency and comfort when shifting gears. It combines a new, fast shifting procedure in all gears with upshift assistance and shifting adapted to the actual driving situation. For demanding performance on challenging terrain or with heavy loads, the new D26 provides optimised moving-off capabilities. The torque, which has been increased by 200 Nm, also contributes to excellent moving-off behaviour. Overall, the engine, which has had a power increase of 20 hp, provides superior driving performance across a wide engine speed range.

Idle Speed Driving enables comfortable driving at idling speed without touching the accelerator. With this new feature, the bus/coach "glides" effortlessly through slow-moving traffic with the clutch engaged. While manual upshifting is possible from the first through to the sixth gear, downshifting is performed automatically when the idling torque is insufficient for a higher gear or when the driver brakes.

In addition, a wide range of assistance systems is available, such as the topography-based MAN EfficientCruise cruise control with the EfficientRoll coasting function, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Guard System (LGS) and MAN Attention Guard. A new generation of shock absorbers and an optimised vehicle configuration deliver enhanced driving comfort, improved handling and higher safety reserves. The assistance systems not only provide additional comfort and safety while travelling, they also make a significant contribution to efficiency, as do the aerodynamics, which are 20% better than the previous model. For example, the EfficientRoll coasting function provides an increase in efficiency on even gentle slopes, by automatically moving the gear to the neutral “N” position and allowing the bus to move with as little friction loss in the driveline as possible. The previous EfficientCruise generation produced a fuel saving of up to 6 percent and the new features are linked to a further increase in fuel efficiency.

A smart exterior with plenty underneath: new features inside as well

The new MAN Lion's Coach has undergone several improvements to increase its attractiveness on the inside, as well. For example, an integrated LED strip light now illuminates the floor area in warm white, while the new colour and trim concept uses light and fresh tones. On the luggage racks, the newly designed closures with their self-contained look are a real eye-catcher. These racks have been extended a fair distance towards the windscreen, creating a spacious feeling for both passengers and the driver. A further convincing feature comes in the form of the integrated service sets, which offer a variety of functions. For example, these allow you to continuously adjust the air flow and direction, or switch on and off the LED light and the loudspeaker function. USB ports have also been installed in all passenger seats, offering unlimited use of mobile phones and tablets while travelling.

The driver's cab has been overhauled in terms of ergonomics and practicality and has been given a modern appearance. This overhaul also included repositioning the switches and redesigning the storage area to the left of the driver. The improved storage concept provides more space and, in its new form, is better suited to storing frequently used tools, such as A4 folders/files, large drink bottles or mobile phones. The optimised heated driver's window with virtually invisible heating wires also adds more comfort and safety for the driver. As an additional option, this window is also available in laminated safety glass, with the heating wires measuring just 0.02 mm in diameter. What's more, thanks to the UV filter in the film positioned between the panes, only 1% of UV rays are able to enter into the bus.

The ECE R66.02 standard, which applies to all class II and III buses that are newly approved as of 9 November 2017, lays down the need for a survival space in the event of a roll-over. For this, the structure must be able to absorb substantially more energy to maintain the survival space for passengers. In order to comply with the legal requirements, here at MAN, we integrate high-strength steel components into the vehicle skeleton and use patented tube-in-tube technology for the roll bar in the B-pillar area and in the rear of the vehicle. Both of these measures ensure the necessary body strength and play a major part in ensuring that the energy resulting from a vehicle crash can be absorbed to the optimum extent. This means the new MAN Lion's Coach can absorb 50% more energy in the event of a crash.

In order to ensure that the additional weight needed for this does not impair the high load capacity, the developers have even overcompensated in other areas. One example of this is the different material that is used in the front and rear panels to save weight, while the redesigned bonnet alone saves 15 kg on the scales.

This wide variety of individual measures contributes to making the new MAN Lion's Coach so efficient and reliable - to say nothing of its timelessly dynamic design.

NEOPLAN Tourliner: Four lengths to meet any requirements

A true all-rounder, the new NEOPLAN Tourliner has what it takes to break into the premium segment. The 13-metre, dual-axle model will complete the portfolio at Busworld 2017. In addition, the LED main headlights are now part of the series.

• All light functions within the headlights will now, for the first time, be performed by LEDs as standard
• A 13-metre model with two axles will be available from late 2017
• Level floor enables flexible adaptation of the interior for different applications
• Highest level of safety and comfort thanks to numerous assistance systems
• iF Design Award winner

It only takes one look to see that the new NEOPLAN Tourliner is part of the NEOPLAN family. The front dome that extends stylishly into the roof, the "comet-tail" design of the climate control unit vent covers, distinctive headlights (with the black background and "Angel Eyes" ring-shaped LED daytime running light - a feature of all NEOPLAN buses since the end of 2016) and the sharp-cut design that has already received multiple accolades all paint an unmistakable picture: this is a true NEOPLAN. This vehicle really is ideal for anyone looking to add a standard segment coach to their existing fleet, whilst retaining a uniform appearance. A new feature here is that, from 2018 onwards, all light functions within the headlights will be performed by LEDs as standard.

Following the introduction of the two- and three-axle models last year, Busworld 2017 in Kortrijk will see the launch of the extra-long dual-axle model which will complete our model range. The 13,103-mm bus offers comfortable seating for up to 59 passengers. Its luggage capacity of up to 14.3 m³ makes this bus ideally suited for economical long-distance travel as well as excursions and multi-day tours. Its maximum overall permitted weight of up to 19.5 tonnes also contributes to the flexibility of this 13 m dual-axle bus in terms of possible uses. The optional wheelchair lift plays a role in achieving ideal axle load distribution as, in this version, it sits over the front axle, thus relieving the rear axle while also not restricting the luggage compartment.

High-end facilities for passengers and drivers

The colour-coordinated interior greets passengers with an abundance of light and a spacious feel, further emphasised by its floating luggage racks. The new colour concept is a bold exploration of contrasting grey and beige tones that create a luxurious atmosphere. New developments in the field of lighting design mean that LED lights are used to illuminate the interior. They can also be found in the new overhead service sets, which now offer increased comfort levels thanks to indirect, draught-free ventilation with individually adjustable ventilation nozzles. The ventilation system as a whole has been given a complete overhaul in order to improve the climate inside the coach. Twin USB outlets can be installed on all of the seats.

From 2018, the Tourliner will also feature further upgrades in the interior. The most important upgrades, providing increased presence for the Tourliner, are the floors, which have the appearance of a ship deck, the chrome handrails and the backlit clasps on the luggage racks, which subtly emphasise the brand name within the coach using LED lighting, to name just a few.

The level floor gives operators plenty of space to configure this true all-rounder in order to best suit their specific intended purpose. Furthermore, the centre aisle has been raised, meaning that passengers can get to their seats and the luggage racks more easily. A lifting platform for accessible use is also available in both the left- and right-hand drive models, with the option to create space for up to two wheelchairs.

The NEOPLAN Tourliner provides the bus driver with a seat that has been optimised with ergonomics in mind. Among the improvements to this area is the overhaul of the lateral operating panel, which now features improved trays that have been adapted to accommodate frequently used items such as an A4 folder or a large drink bottle. The controls have also been rearranged to improve user ergonomics. The latest generation of the Multi Media Coach (MMC) infotainment system is ready and waiting to liven up the journey. It is available in either the MMC Basic version (5-inch display) or MMC Advanced version (7-inch display). The system boasts a number of new features, including voice input and the option to connect up to two smartphones at once. Every aspect of the driver’s workplace exudes high quality and top-end workmanship. The optimised heated driver's window with virtually invisible heating wires also adds more comfort and safety for the driver. Starting with the 2018 model, laminated safety glass will be used for this window as standard, with the heating wires measuring just 0.02 mm in diameter. What's more, thanks to the UV filter in the film positioned between the panes, only 1% of UV rays are able to enter into the bus.

Efficiency thanks to excellent aerodynamics

The NEOPLAN Tourliner is sure to impress both in terms of its appearance and efficiency. The new exterior design has once again increased its aerodynamics by more than 20% in comparison to the previous model. This is achieved in part by the new exterior mirrors, which feature improved wind resistance and provide a better view. The new NEOPLAN Tourliner has also been made more dynamic at the front and back thanks to indents and a spoiler

In addition, the D2676 LOH engine now comes with increased performance and torque, featuring an optimised driveline that allows for fuel savings of up to 10%. This is due to various features, including the high axle ratio of i = 2.73 and the optimised shifting strategy. The new generation of MAN EfficientCruise has also been added to the line-up now, meaning that the MAN EfficientRoll free-wheel feature is available for coaches for the very first time. This 'coasting' mode provides a gain in efficiency even on slight downward gradients by automatically shifting the gearbox to the neutral ‘N’ position and allowing the bus to move with as little friction loss in the driveline as possible.

Improved safety and service

The safety features of the NEOPLAN Tourliner have also been upgraded. For instance, the MAN AttentionGuard alertness assistant is now available for the very first time. The aim of this assistance system is to recognise when a driver's focus is decreasing and to issue a warning if necessary. It analyses a range of data in order to do this, including information from the lane guard assistance system (LGS). If the MAN AttentionGuard notices a drop in attention, it delivers a visual, acoustic and haptic warning to the driver but does not actively intervene in the driving process. Just like all other NEOPLAN coaches, the NEOPLAN Tourliner also features a wide array of assistance systems, including the emergency brake assistant (EBA), the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the tyre pressure monitor (TPM). The new service interval calculator improves vehicle availability by monitoring and predicting service dates and component wear.

The reinforced skeleton structure represents an improvement in the passive safety of the vehicle and already complies with the roll-over standard ECE R66.02, which will be coming into force in November 2017. This standard requires the skeleton to absorb an extra 50% of the energy generated by a rollover, which MAN has achieved through its patented 'tube-in-tube' technology and by using high-strength steels. The new NEOPLAN Tourliner also features two extremely strong roll bars in the region of the B-pillar and at the back of the vehicle.

Maintenance and repair work is made easier by features such as the improved hatches on the luggage compartments, engine compartment and front panel, which are now more lightweight and have been optimised in terms of their kinematics. For instance, the front panel is made of several parts, so that individual parts can be replaced if they are damaged in an accident, eliminating the need to replace the entire front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the corners of the front panel and the attached headlights can be folded forwards. This enables the driver to change the bulbs quickly and easily. The shortened wheel cutout trim panels, with their segmented design, provide further benefits. Firstly, they add approximately 18 cm more room for accessing the luggage compartment. Secondly, in the three-axle models, the rear axle wheel cutout trim panels are now divided into two separate segments. If damage occurs, they can be replaced more easily, more quickly and at a lower cost.

All these features make the prospect of breaking into the premium segment all the more attractive for NEOPLAN - in any model length.

Comprehensive consultancy for transport solutions

MAN Truck & Bus is expanding its range of services to include comprehensive consultancy for fleet and transport solutions with alternative drives right through to zero-emission solutions.

• Establishment of a team of consultants specialising in alternative drives for buses and trucks
• Individual advice to transport companies and fleet operators
• Support with vehicle design, operation and infrastructure, as well as servicing and maintenance

As they navigate the path from 'low emission' to 'no emission', transport companies and fleet operators face a range of challenges that go beyond the vehicle itself. To provide them with the best possible support in this regard, MAN Truck & Bus has called upon a team of consultants specialising in individual transport solutions that offer maximum cost efficiency. Drawing upon a wealth of experience, not only can the qualified consultants provide advice regarding the vehicle itself, they are also able to cover issues relating to infrastructure and energy demand, as well as maintenance concepts and fleet design.

“Each customer can select whichever components of our range of services they need, as we provide personalised advice and consultancy. For example, we can use our simulation tools to assist them with route planning or with depot design and layout,” explained Stefan Sahlmann, who is heading up the consultancy team at MAN Truck & Bus. Thanks to their expertise, the consultants are able to issue advice regarding the complete use of the vehicles – both trucks and buses – ranging from operation and infrastructure to servicing and maintenance. This includes traffic planning with vehicle scheduling and route planning, management of batteries and charging, analyses and optimisation of energy requirements, together with maintenance plans and depot design and training. Alongside the experienced consultants, the analysis and evaluation tools that are available also play an important role.

“Our aim is to enable companies to make a well-planned entry into the field of operating alternative drives that have been designed to optimise the TCO,” explained Stefan Sahlmann. Thanks to experience gained while working on other projects, including within the scope of innovation partnerships, MAN is able to share its specialist knowledge with its customers and to accompany fleet operators into the future. “As we give thought to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across the entire life cycle, we are, for example, already in a position to issue advice regarding the changing of batteries,” stated the Head of Product Marketing for Low Floor Buses & Head of Transport Solutions. At present, the most significant challenges posed by this revolve around the planning and installation of the required infrastructure; the planning of ranges, taking into account the amount of power consumed by the vehicle’s heating and air-conditioning systems; transport capacity and loading times.

eMobility update at MAN

MAN Truck & Bus takes the next steps towards series-ready e-buses. This includes finding strong partners and focussing on charging technology.

• Presentation of the demo fleet for 2018, start of series production of a fully electric battery-powered bus planned for 2019
• Fourth innovation partnership agreement with Voyages Emile Weber concluded
• Focus on depot charging with a range of up to 200 km and beyond, under realistic conditions

As part of its eMobility Roadmap, in 2018, MAN is planning to unveil a pre-series bus version of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to the public and to test a demo fleet for its suitability to everyday use as part of a field trial, in collaboration with various European operators. Series production of a 100-percent electrically driven city bus is set to commence in late 2019. In preparation for this, MAN has entered into several innovation partnerships over the last few months with Hamburger Hochbahn, Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein (VHH), Stadtwerke München and Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft as well as Stadtwerke Wolfsburg and Wolfsburger Verkehrs-GmbH. Its most recent collaboration saw MAN conclude a collaboration agreement with the company Voyages Emile Weber from Luxembourg and Losch Luxembourg, a Volkswagen Group importer and Luxembourg's largest dealer group.

The purpose of these innovation partnerships is cooperation for the establishment of alternative drivetrains in inner-city traffic. Each partner can contribute its own specific experience to this process. For instance, Hamburger Hochbahn and VHH have already been able to gain a great deal of experience in the operation of electric buses. Issues surrounding the depot design and the electricity supply for an electric public transport system, among other things, are being discussed with the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft and Stadtwerke München. Among other things, the innovation partners will also be involved in the deployment of the demo fleet, which will see e-Buses delivered to several cities from 2018 onwards. Up until this point, other European cities will be joining the process.

Thanks to many years of experience with fully electrified drivelines and components in the MAN Lion's City Hybrid, MAN Truck & Bus is also in an excellent position to provide transport companies with a practical and efficient solution in the electric bus segment. As part of this, MAN relies on the established depot charging technology (via CCS interface). The Europe-wide survey of almost 200 customers together with feedback from several cities led MAN to conclude that for subsequent everyday operation, flexible and uninterrupted use without interim charging is more important than unrestricted range. In order to fulfil the respective requirements in terms of daily range and transport capacity, MAN uses a modular concept, in which the number of storage modules can be selected and combined. The majority of customers responded to say that they would like a range of up to 200 km per day under realistic operating conditions. MAN's eBuses will meet these requirements.

However, it is important to note, when designing the storage modules, that the use of an air-conditioning system or the heating mode and therefore the ambient temperature have a considerable influence on the operating range.

Travelling safely through inner-city traffic

To coincide with the introduction of more stringent requirements for survival space in the event of a rollover, MAN Truck & Bus is also fulfilling the requirements of ECE R66.02 with its transit buses.

• With effect from October 2017, all MAN Lion’s City buses will fulfil the requirements of ECE R66.02
• MAN is also voluntarily complying with the requirement for increased superstructure strength with its Class I city buses
• In addition, ABS is included as standard, and ESP, automatic lights and wipers and tyre pressure monitoring are all available as options

The increased stringency of the requirements of the UN ECE R66.02 concerning superstructure strength does not just affect coaches, it also applies to Class II transit buses, i.e. intercity buses. From now on, all city buses at MAN Truck & Bus will be equipped with increased rollover resistance, including Class I city buses. “We want to be able to offer the highest degree of safety for the passengers travelling on our transit buses, regardless of the vehicle class,” stated Rudi Kuchta, Head of Bus Sales at MAN Truck & Bus.

A key element of the regulation, which will apply to all newly-registered Class II and III buses with effect from 09 November 2017, is the definition of a survival space in the event of a rollover. In the event of such an incident, the structure must be able to absorb a substantially increased amount of energy in order to maintain the survival space for passengers. In order to satisfy the legal requirements, MAN is incorporating components manufactured from high-strength steel into the vehicle skeleton. These produce the necessary superstructure strength and play a major part in ensuring that the energy resulting from a vehicle crash can be optimally absorbed. This has minor impact on the interior fittings.

MAN also attaches a great deal of importance to safety while driving. For that reason, ABS is also included as standard for transit buses, and the following are available as options: ESP in solo vehicles, automatic lights and wipers and tyre pressure monitoring (TPM).

MAN ProfiDrive: Equipped to deal with all eventualities

What do you do when an accident occurs? How do you help someone who has suffered a heart attack? And how exactly do you extinguish an engine fire? All of this is explained, demonstrated and practised during the emergency training provided by the MAN ProfiDrive training provider.

• Emergency training to practice the correct behaviour to adopt in an emergency situation
• Correct use of fire extinguishers
• Evacuation with a smoke simulator

It is well known that the bus is the safest means of transport, however drivers must regularly consider how they should behave and help out in the event of an emergency. The ability to keep a cool head coupled with a structured approach can have a decisive impact on the outcome of a critical situation. That is why MAN ProfiDrive also provides emergency training for bus drivers. During this intensive training course, the trainers provide an overview of the most important first aid measures, the correct behaviour to adopt at the scene of an accident and the management of passengers. The new knowledge will be put into practice by means of role plays, the first aid manikin and a practical exercise. This will involve the use of fire extinguishers, for example, by the participants themselves, with guidance from the ProfiDrive trainer. The smoke simulator will also create a lasting impression: The doors of a coach are closed and it is filled with smoke (non-toxic, of course), before participants practice evacuating the vehicle in an orderly manner. Within seconds, your vision is obscured, which makes it very easy to lose your bearings. “This exercise gives participants an idea of just how difficult a situation of this nature actually is to manage. And that is when panic sets in,” explained Rolf Lechner, Head of Training at MAN ProfiDrive.

MAN ProfiDrive provides safety training to drivers. However, the additional training provided also focuses on subjects such as efficiency, laws and directives and general knowledge regarding new vehicle technologies. The range of subjects offered also covers theoretical learning and practical training based on the German Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG), which aims to make day-to-day driving even safer and more economical.

Chassis worldwide: a solid foundation

With its line of chassis, MAN Truck & Bus covers the full range of products for coaches and intercity and city buses.

• MAN Truck & Bus provides an extensive portfolio of bus chassis, from Euro 3 to Euro 6
• All coach and intercity bus chassis are available with the latest assistance systems
• Major orders confirm the attractiveness of the product range

With its extensive bus chassis product portfolio, MAN has the solution for every situation. The range covers the low-floor, low-entry, high-floor and front-motor segments for body lengths of between 10.2 m and 27 m, European stages Euro 3 to Euro 6, as well as CNG engines for use in city and intercity buses. For countries where high-sulphur fuels are used, MAN offers coach chassis with SCR technology to meet Euro 4 and EEV standards. For countries where import duties are charged on chassis, these are also available as parts kits (chassis in the box – CIB). The chassis are manufactured primarily in Salzgitter (Germany), Poland and India (CLA).

Standardisation challenge

All coach and inter-city chassis are available with the latest safety and comfort systems: active cruise control (ACC), emergency electric brake assist (EBA) and the lane guard system (LGS) for lane monitoring. The rain/light sensor will be offered as an option on all city bus and coach chassis from the beginning of 2017.

MAN works together with over 80 manufacturers. This collaboration is constantly being consolidated in order to ensure customers a consistently high level of vehicle quality. One of our shared successes is the new 12-meter double-decker city bus for the Hong Kong and Singapore markets, jointly developed with Gemilang Coachworks in Malaysia and put to the most demanding tests in Munich. Over 247 of these double deckers have already been sold to Hong Kong and Singapore.

In addition, MAN has introduced its first low-entry buses to Manila. Fröhlich Tours is servicing a new direct route in Manila with 65 low-entry vehicles based on the MAN A84 and MAN RC2 chassis.

Other major contracts come from locations such as Tunisia with an order of a total of 400 A24 and RR8, as well as from Morocco where a large number of 4x2 coach chassis has been ordered.

Engines: more torque, less wear

MAN Truck & Bus optimises its drivetrain for even greater efficiency.

• With its new engines and an optimised drive train, MAN already meets the Euro 6c emissions standard
• The D26 replaces the D20 in MAN and NEOPLAN coaches
• Countless optimisation measures ensure clearly improved fuel consumption

MAN Truck & Bus viewed the changing emissions regulations as an opportunity to overhaul its engine portfolio. With an optimised drivetrain, the improved engines offer more torque and greater performance with less wear. For the first time, the D26 can now also be operated with hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO).

D26: higher exhaust gas temperature for optimum treatment

In the future, the 420 h.p. D2676 LOH Euro 6c will replace the 400 h.p. D2066 LOH in MAN and NEOPLAN coaches as well as in the chassis. New to the coach is an improved thermal management system to ensure that the exhaust temperature remains at a high level even in partial-load operation – for example, in normal terrain and/or during minimal vehicle utilisation – allowing emissions treatment systems to perform optimally. This also reduces the engine’s warm-up period. This not only diminishes wear, but also protects the environment.

Still another innovation of the D2676 LOH is a regulated coolant pump. Unlike the previous inflexible, unregulated and constantly rotating coolant pumps, MAN's fully engine speed-regulated water pumps provide requirement-based coolant pump performance. The performance is regulated continuously between 20 and 95 percent. Where demand for coolant is low (e.g. in long-haul transport), 80% of the mechanical power required from the coolant pump can be reduced, resulting in a clear fuel savings potential.

The engine’s innovations include improved exhaust gas recirculation, new steel pistons and an oil level sensor. This ensures that an engine’s low oil level will not pass unnoticed even if manual examination of the oil level is not possible – for example, if a ski carrier at the rear is blocking access to the engine compartment.

Drivetrain focused on efficiency and comfort

With regard to the MAN BrakeMatic electronic braking system, MAN and NEOPLAN coaches and intercity buses will soon feature the more powerful EVBec engine brake. Electronic regulation of the exhaust back pressure enables increased effectiveness of braking over the entire operating speed range, thus achieving a high degree of braking performance even at low speeds.

A new secondary retarder provides optimum braking in conjunction with a high axle ratio of i = 2.73. It achieves higher maximum torque of 4,000 Nm instead of 3,200 as well as a power level of 500 kW, an increase of 80 kW. This provides greater reserves even during heavy braking, thus increasing safety.

The standard MAN TipMatic gearbox employs a new moving-off and gear-shift strategy, optimally matched to the D26 engines. In addition, several new features are included: The new SmartShifting gearbox function plays a key role when it comes to finding the optimum balance between efficiency and comfort when shifting gears. It combines a new, fast shifting procedure in all gears with upshift assistance and shifting adapted to the actual driving situation. For demanding performance in challenging terrain or with heavy loads, the new D26 provides optimised moving-off capabilities. The torque, improved by 200 Nm, also contributes to excellent moving-off behaviour. Overall, the engine’s 20 h.p. of increased power provides superior driving performance across a wide engine speed range.

Idle Speed Driving enables comfortable driving at idling speed without touching the accelerator. With this new feature, the bus/coach “glides” effortlessly through slow-moving traffic with the clutch engaged. While manual upshifting is possible from the first through to the sixth gear, downshifting is performed automatically when the idling torque is insufficient for a higher gear or when the driver brakes.

Pro-actively economical

With the optimisation of the drivetrain, a new generation of the proactive MAN EfficientCruise cruise control is introduced into MAN and NEOPLAN coaches. For the first time, this includes the EfficientRoll free-wheel feature that provides a gain in efficiency even on slight inclines by automatically moving the gear to the neutral “N” position and allowing the bus to move with as little friction loss as possible in the drivetrain. The most recent EfficientCruise generation produced a fuel saving of up to 6 percent and the new features are linked to a further increase in fuel efficiency.

Support for everyday life

MAN and NEOPLAN coaches are equipped with a wide range of assistance and safety systems which are designed to support coach drivers in their work.

• MAN EfficientCruise with EfficientRoll
• MAN Comfort Drive Suspension (CDS)
• MAN AttentionGuard
• MAN Lane Guard System (LGS)
• MAN Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• MAN Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• MAN Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
• Automatic light and windscreen wiper system

MAN Truck & Bus provides a complete range of assistance systems to reduce driver stress and make coach journeys safer and more comfortable. These functions additionally help to protect the environment and also contribute to optimising the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Utilising topography with MAN EfficientCruise and EfficientRoll

For MAN and NEOPLAN coaches, MAN offers an anticipatory cruise control system called MAN EfficientCruise, the latest generation of which includes even more enhancements. The assistance system takes into consideration upcoming uphill and downhill sections along the current route and adjusts the drive position and vehicle speed wherever possible for a more cost-effective driving style. Optimisations incorporated into the new MAN EfficientCruise include a speed adjustment function which anticipates the route and actively intervenes in gear selection. For example, the system now prevents the MAN TipMatic from shifting into a lower gear when appropriate and selects the optimal gear ahead of inclines, thereby avoiding gearshifts on uphill gradients which cause extended interruptions in traction. An additional innovation is provided in the shape of the EfficientRoll freewheel feature, which delivers added efficiency even on slightly downhill gradients by automatically switching the gearbox to neutral position "N" and allowing the bus to roll with the lowest possible driveline friction loss. Fuel savings of up to 6% were already possible with the previous generation of MAN EfficientCruise, and these new functions will enable further increases in fuel efficiency.

MAN EfficientCruise is automatically activated whenever the engine is started. Out of the four available basic parameter settings, the default setting is ECO Level 3 which has a speed tolerance of plus 5 km/h and minus 6 km/h around the set speed. The driver can use the four levels to adjust the speed tolerance, and thereby the degree of fuel saving, to suit the traffic situation. The currently selected ECO Level is shown in the display along with the respective upwards or downwards maximum speed deviation.

The MAN EfficientCruise functions also prevent vehicles from exceeding set speed limits. On long downhill stretches, a maximum permitted speed of 100 km/h is permanently set, regardless of the desired or set speed. Excess speeds of up to 104 km/h are only permitted for a maximum of 30 seconds. If the continuous brake output from the retarder and the enhanced MAN EVBec engine brake is insufficient, then the driver is given a visual and audible warning that the speed is too high. The driver can then also use the service brake to slow the vehicle without cruise control being deactivated.

Improving handling with MAN Comfort Drive Suspension

The active, electronically adjustable MAN Comfort Drive Suspension (CDS) damping system contributes equally to safety and comfort. Thanks to situation-dependent, infinitely variable electronic control of the damper hardness, CDS is able to achieve both safe handling and maximum suspension comfort simultaneously. The system takes into consideration the load status of the bus as well as driving activities (pedal position, speed etc.), the presence of side winds and the road surface characteristics. MAN CDS thereby maximises vehicle stability and improves vehicle handling in critical driving situations. It also provides a considerable improvement in comfort in normal driving operations. Both the vehicle and the road are protected thanks to the resulting reduction in dynamic loads. MAN especially recommends this system for vehicles with a high centre of gravity and in general for applications where the road conditions are very challenging. The NEOPLAN Skyliner is therefore equipped with MAN CDS as standard.

Complete concentration with MAN AttentionGuard

MAN has recently developed the MAN AttentionGuard attention assistant especially for applications which include long motorway stages. The objective of this assistance system is to recognise when a driver's attention is waning, and to warn them if necessary. MAN thus envisages this system being used predominantly on long journeys where a substantial amount of the time is spent on motorways. This is because driving at a relatively constant speed and without any major curves in the road substantially increases the risk of the driver becoming inattentive.

The AttentionGuard gives the driver both a visual and audible warning when it detects a loss of alertness; however, it does not actively intervene in driving activity. The system requires the LGS (Lane Guard System) lane-departure warning system to be installed as MAN AttentionGuard uses data from the LGS camera, amongst others. A conspicuous change in steering behaviour compared to the beginning of the trip is an indication of inattentiveness, distraction or fatigue. If MAN AttentionGuard detects the driver's focus is waning, then the message 'Break recommended' appears in the central display. An acoustic signal is also sounded once for the driver via the speaker located in the cockpit. In this way, MAN AttentionGuard is actively contributing to safety. A warning in the form of a haptic signal via the driver’s seat is also possible.

Keeping on track with MAN Lane Guard System

MAN Lion’s Coach, MAN Lion’s Intercity and MAN Lion’s Regio as well as all NEOPLAN coaches have been available with the latest generation of the Lane Guard System (LGS) lane-departure warning system since the middle of 2015. LGS helps the driver to stay in lane on well-constructed roads. Compared with the previous system, the new generation of LGS features a new camera system with improved software, as well as extended functions. For example, one new function is that LGS is only now activated when both lane markings on the right and left side are detected. In addition the system deactivates itself in narrow lanes and takes the typical, slightly to the outside driving style of commercial vehicles into account. This all contributes to a marked reduction in unwanted warnings which has considerably increased driver acceptance of the system.

MAN Lane Guard System is automatically activated when the engine is started. A video camera behind the windscreen records the lane markings. If the bus leaves the lane without the driver activating the indicators, then an acoustic warning signal is emitted from the loudspeaker in the door on the corresponding side. As an option, a warning can be given by vibrating the corresponding side of the seat cushion. LGS therefore helps to prevent the vehicle from unintentionally leaving the lane due to inattentiveness, a typical cause of accidents on monotonous sections of road.

Keeping your distance with MAN Adaptive Cruise Control

The distance-regulating MAN Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) automatically ensures a constant safe distance from the vehicle in front. The radar sensor, which is behind the front panel, records distances of up to 150 metres in front of the vehicle and the relative speed of any vehicles ahead in the same lane. Based on this data, the lane direction, the vehicle’s own speed and the driver´s actions, the ACC control unit calculates the optimum approach strategy and controls the acceleration and/or deceleration by utilising the retarder or service brake.

The ACC system is activated via the multi-function steering wheel, the toggle switch can be utilised for specifying the target distance from the vehicle ahead. The desired speed, speed of the vehicle ahead, and the selected target distance will be indicated in the display. Depressing the accelerator pedal while ACC is activated overrides the system. Using the brake or retarder lever automatically deactivates it.

In the first instance, adaptive cruise control is designed to reduce driver stress in long convoy journeys as the legally required safe distance is reliably maintained for the driver. At the same time, it contributes to road safety by helping to prevent emergency braking situations and rear-impact crashes – even when weather conditions reduce visibility, thanks to the use radar technology. Optimu