Fuso: New Canter Eco Hybrid also pays off economically

Daimler’s Japanese subsidiary, Fuso, will present its own green highlight at the IAA in Hanover, as the brand’s hybrid drive system has been significantly refined in a vehicle based on the new light-duty Canter truck.

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New City-Van Mercedes-Benz Citan

As the first hybrid truck in its class, the new Canter Eco Hybrid will also go into production for the European market at the Fuso plant in Tramagal, Portugal, this fall. Thanks to this alternative drive technology, the 7.5-ton model consumes 23 percent less fuel than the Canter model with a diesel drive. With the Canter Eco Hybird, Fuso has successfully ensured that the hybrid system will be economical for its customers. This is a big step forward in the development of alternative drive systems.

Even more power with the Mercedes-Benz Citan city van

This also applies to Mercedes-Benz Vans, which set a record for earnings and return on sales last year. EbIT rose to €835 million in 2011 (+85% compared to 2010), while return on sales increased to 9.1% (2010: 5.8%). ). Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, plans to utilize all existing growth potential in the traditional markets in the coming years and to step up activities in markets with strong growth like China and Russia. He says that Vans will further expand its technology edge by offering attractive products as well. "2012 will also be a good year for Vans. In the second half of the year, we will generate even more momentum through the launch of our Citan city van,” Mornhinweg explains. “Our plan is to break the 400,000 sales mark by 2015, which would correspond to growth of more than 50 percent compared to 2011.”

Sprinter: Even more dynamic and economical

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will come to the IAA with a seven-speed automatic transmission that is unique in the van segment: The 7G-Tronic transmission combines comfort with economy and driving dynamics. BlueEFFICIENCY technology in the Sprinter also sets a new milestone in terms of economy and clean driving. This – combined with a new long final drive ratio – results in outstandingly low fuel consumption, starting at seven liters per 100 km. The Sprinter also expands its lead in terms of safety with additional features for the ESP safety system.

Vito E-CELL crewbus: Electric drive for passenger transport

The Vito E-CELL crewbus emits no exhaust gases. It’s the first seven-seater with a pure electric drive, and it marks the next stage in the evolution of the successful Vito E-CELL. This production model, which is offered in 16 European countries, has zero emissions and is ideal for transporting passengers in areas that place a high priority on reducing pollution.

2013: Six percent return on sales for the bus business

Daimler Buses, with its Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands, kept pace with the market in 2011. Global bus sales rose by two percent compared to 2010, to 311,000 units. Daimler Buses sold about 40,000 units. This increase was primarily the result of strong demand for chassis, as the more lucrative sales of complete buses declined significantly. Even as the business remains difficult, there are positive signs. Daimler Buses is delivering 200 city buses to Istanbul, and a major order for 90 buses has been received from Rio de Janeiro. Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, says, “Our share of the global market is 12 percent, which makes us the world’s number one manufacturer of buses over eight tons GVW. Despite the difficult market environment, we are determined to maintain our leading position. For this reason, we have launched our GLOBE 2013 growth and efficiency initiative. Our goal is to achieve a six percent return on sales across all business cycles beginning in 2013.”

World premiere: New Setra ComfortClass 500 boasts record drag coefficient values

The clean OM 470 Euro VI engine with a sophisticated exhaust gas aftertreatment system is being used in the model for the first time, yet the ComfortClass 500 still consumes less fuel than its predecessor. This is mainly due to the optimized lightweight design and aerodynamic improvements on the completely new Setra luxury coach. Its drag coefficient value of 0.33 is in fact the best in the industry.

Citaro: First Euro VI-compliant regular service bus

Outstanding fuel economy and low emissions were also among the specifications for the development of the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro urban bus. The world’s best-selling regular service bus boasts a new Euro VI engine (OM 936 or OM 470). Numerous improvements make up for the vehicle’s increased weight and lower its fuel consumption to an unprecedented level. Practical tests revealed an average of five percent lower fuel consumption. A particularly interesting detail is a new fuel-saving recuperation system that stores electricity generated without fuel during the thrust phase and then uses it in the braking phase to supply energy to auxiliary systems such as fans and lights.“

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