On 23.03.2012 the first Travego Edition 1 was delivered to the customer during the Swedish International Travel & Tourism Trade Fair in Gothenburg. Gunnar Jörs, a salesman at Mercedes-Benz Buses EvoBus Sverige AB, handed the vehicle over to Lennart Brunosson, General Manager of Lidbergs Buss AB. The Travego Edition 1 with a Euro VI drive system celebrated its world premiere at the Busworld show in Kortrijk in October 2011. Travego Edition 1 is the first touring coach to meet the Euro VI emission standard The Travego Edition 1 is the first touring coach to meet the future Euro VI emission standard, which comes into force from 2014. The vehicle features the new range of BlueEfficiency Power engines, a new transmission with new gearshift, a further upgraded, ergonomically optimised cockpit and new safety features. Customers with an eye to the future who opt for the Mercedes-Benz flagship can thus become trailblazers in terms of environmental friendliness. High-torque Mercedes-Benz engine from the new BlueEfficiency Power engine generation The Travego Edition 1 is powered by a vertically installed in-line six-cylinder engine from the new OM 471 series. From a displacement of 12.8 l it develops 350 kW (476 hp) at 1800 rpm. The high maximum torque is 2300 Nm at 1100 rpm. The engine features a unique common-rail injection system with pressure booster (X-PULSE). This delivers extremely precise fuel injection with cylinder-selective control, high injection pressures of up to 2100 bar and freely modulated injection – the prerequisites for low fuel consumption, low exhaust emissions and smooth engine operation. Additional advantages result from the highly effective three-stage exhaust brake and the asymmetric turbocharger. Despite exhaust gas recirculation, this ensures rapid response to accelerator movements for an agile driving performance. The torque characteristics of the new engine permit unusually low, fuel-saving engine speeds. Conflict between emissions and fuel consumption resolved The particularly stringent requirements of the future Euro VI emission standard for nitrogen oxide emissions (NOX) generally stand in contradiction to the demands for further reduced particulate emissions and low fuel consumption. Mercedes‑Benz resolves these conflicting objectives with its unique new X-Pulse injection technology, in conjunction with a complex emission control system. This involves BlueTec engine technology with SCR and AdBlue injection, which has already proved its worth in more than 100,000 units, combined with exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter. All in all, Euro VI in the Travego Edition I leads to a further dramatic reduction in pollutant emissions - without the increase in fuel consumption that was initially feared. At the same time AdBlue consumption is reduced by around 40 percent. Ergonomically optimised driver's cockpit redesigned down to the last detail The steering-column lever used to operate the gearshift is one of the most conspicuous modifications to the cockpit. This lever replaces the previous joystick on the dashboard. It is used to control all functions and yet, because of the intuitive nature of its operation, remains extremely user-friendly. But the developers have also realised many more new ideas to optimise the ergonomics for the driver, for example a redesigned display concept. The use of pictograms, along with structured menu navigation via the new multifunction steering wheel, makes it appreciably simpler to access the various functions and displays. The ignition and the engine start/stop system are controlled by a two-stage pushbutton switch. The switches in the cockpit have been rearranged according to function, and their number noticeably reduced by assigning them multiple purposes. In the Travego Edition 1 the place of the previous joystick shift lever is taken by an open stowage tray. New safety system Attention Assist warns of drowsiness The Travego Edition I is the first coach for which Attention Assist is available as a special equipment item. This is a system that registers parameters such as steering angle, speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, travelling time, control signals and driver changes. By correlating the data, Attention Assist draws inferences about the driver's alertness. If the data indicate a lack of concentration and drowsiness, a coffee cup symbol appears in the display to indicate that it is time to take a break. Lidbergs Buss AB The Swedish bus operator Lidbergs Buss AB is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. In addition to coach tours with its own travel agency, the company operates regular service and school buses. With the addition of the new Travego Edition 1, the company's Daimler-only fleet will total eight Mercedes-Benz coaches and one Setra coach. Lidbergs Buss AB is represented throughout Sweden, and also operates tours to other European countries such as Denmark and Germany.
Apart from the new Citan and future Viano arriving in 2014, the Sprinter is also due to undergo a facelift procedure destined to keep the vehicle attractive up to 2017, when a new generation is set to enter the stage. The front fascia is the part set to change the most after the restyling process, as it gets new headlights optionally available with LED daytime running lights and a beefier radiator grille with the big Star placed in the middle. For the rest of the body, just subtle or no visual improvements are expected. The engine lineup will likely stay the same, but further tweaks in the efficiency department are bound to happen, that will help reduce the CO2 emission and improve fuel economy. At the moment, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is getting the taste of Scandinavian snow and ice, as the winter development is fully underway. Check out further spy shots after the jump!
Mercedes-Benz will renew its fleet of commercial vehicles for 2013. The new addition to the lineup will the compact-sized Citan van, based on the underpinnings of the Renault Kangoo. The Germans have already previewed this forthcoming model at a special event conducted by Volker Mornhinweg, former AMG boss and current head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division. When it's introduced by fall this year at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, the Citan will sport an entire range of efficiently-running gasoline and diesel engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology as well as several safety features. The vehicle is currently subject to road development; first spy shots come from Arjeplog, a popular region in Scandinavia where all major automakers send their future models for the winter programme. As seen in the images, a camouflaged Renault Kangoo mule is being used for the initial testing phase of the Citan. Check out further photos after the break!
In two months time, the new CLS Shooting Brake (X 218) will celebrate the world premiere at New York, during this year's edition of the famous automotive show (6th - 15th April). Development for this model is in the final stages and, given the winter season, it is currently undergoing the usual extreme weather testing in Northern Scandinavia. Last series of scoops comes from, you guessed, Sweden, where spy photographers managed to capture not one, but three CLS SB test vehicles altogether out on snow.
Every Mercedes-Benz has to experience a good dose of cold weather development, and the 2013 GL-Class makes no exception. The large-sized SUV from Stuttgart has been recently spotted while running on snow-covered roads in Northern Scandinavia. Judging by the amount of camouflage, the future GL will soon celebrate its world premiere, most probably at the New York Auto Show in April, right in time for summer.
When it's unveiled, the 5-meter vehicle fitted with the 4MATIC permanent 4x4 system will be equipped with the company's latest technical achievements in safety and in-car communication. In standard specification, the high-end variant will be the GL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY rated at 435 hp and capable of 700 Nm. The anticipated GL 63 AMG will follow shortly after, towards the end of 2012, and will pack no less than 544 hp out of the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. If one opts for the Performance Package, peak output rises up to 571 hp, which is more than enough to transform the "ordinary" GL-Class into an aggresive monster.
During spring this year, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the new A-Class which marks a complete shift from the past model. Underpinned by the new Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture (MFA) platform and boasting frugal powerplants and an unbeatable safety and technology package, the compact-sized car is set to attract new and younger customers towards the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. Latest spy shots come from Northern Scandinavia, where Mercedes-Benz tests all the future models under winter conditions.
The dynamic, yet classy silhouette proposed by the Concept A-Class show prototype will somehow make it unaffected onto the series model. Youthful and strong lines are the ones that characterize the spirit of the entire vehicle: the bold headlights with LED Intelligent Light System (as an option) and the angled grille with the big star sitting in the middle are like business cards for the new A-Class.
Inside, there's hardly any difference compared to the B-Class, at least from what we can see at the moment. The cladding on the dashboard prevents inappropriate views from getting a glimpse of the essential details. Although the chief of interior design at Mercedes-Benz suggested the W 176 would no longer feature the three-pointed star on the steering wheel, the image captured in the cabin of the prototype seems to contradict him: the 3-spoke steering wheel is borrowed from its MPV brother, as well as other components. Given the roof line and the general hatchback shape, don't expect too much leg and head room for the rear seats, but we guess two occupants sitting on them could travel quite comfortably. Measuring less than 4.5 meters in length means the luggage space in the trunk is rather restrictive, but the new A-Class is more of a lifestyle-oriented car than a practical one.
The low-end BlueEFFICIENCY units in the Mercedes-Benz engine bank will put the new A-Class into motion. For the beginning, there will be a number of four different versions as in the case of the new B-Class - the A 180 and A 200 with 122 hp and 156 hp; the A 180 CDi and A 200 CDI with 109 hp and 136 hp, respectively. Combined with the new 6-speed manual gearbox or the enhanced 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the powerplants score impressive values for CO2 emissions and combined fuel consumption: between 114 and 137 g/km and between 4.4 and 5.9 l/100 km. Rumors say Mercedes-Benz will also release more powerful A-Class versions in the first year after the official premiere: the A 250 and A 250 CDI displaying 204 hp and the high-end A 25 AMG sporting a 4x4 platform and no less than 320 hp.
We've previously showed you several spy shots featuring the updated G-Class for 2012. Along with the standard model, the AMG variant is also programmed to undergo a makeover. The revamped offroader lineup is tipped to make the official premiere either at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show or later in March, at the Geneva Auto Salon.
The revision process includes minor changes to certain exterior styling elements. The design of the radiator grille will become slightly prominent and beefy and new LED daytime running lamps will be added to the front fascia. The bumper will receive a revised styling to keep it attractive as well as aggressive and dynamic for the high-end sport models. The side and back end could should retain their present aspect, but we expect the tail lights to receive LED technology, at least. The major novelties are destined to happen inside, where the dashboard features a new, 3-spoke steering wheel, a new instrument cluster, an updated center console and the latest communication and assistance systems premiered by Mercedes-Benz on its latest models.
Reports suggest that the G 55 AMG will be renamed to G 63 AMG and receive company's newest twin-turbo, boasting a displacement of 5.5 litres and a total output of 525 hp (557 hp if one opts for the performance pack). Time will tell whether the first rumor is true or false, but the engine shift is more than certain to happen as the rugged 4x4 is the last Mercedes-Benz to house the old 5.5-litre KOMPRESSOR V8 under its massive bonnet. Furthermore, AMG is also set to reveal an exclusive, limited series G 65 AMG, manufactured in less than 500 units, that is expected to deliver hardcore driving sensations thanks to the 6.0-litre V12 powerplant with up to 630 hp and the extensive chassis tweaks carried out by the engineers from Affalterbach.
Landmark figure in Scandinavia for the Setra Bus and Coach Unit. The Ulm-based Daimler brand delivered its 1500th new vehicle to Sweden. Managing directors Lena Persson and Lennart Robertsson received the milestone vehicle, a Setra ComfortClass S 416 GT-HD, at the Customer Centre in Neu-Ulm from Michael Frey, Head of Market Management Setra Export Markets.
With the new vehicle the company "Karl Everts", which was taken over by the entrepreneurs Persson and Robertsson four years ago, currently has five Setra coaches in service. Lena Persson: "What we have come to appreciate above all about Setra is the high quality along with the comprehensive aftersales service." The coaches owned by the company based in Trollhättan, Sweden, which has been a partner of Setra since 1976, are on the road throughout the whole of Europe.
With its ComfortClass touring coaches, Setra has set the standard throughout Europe in the field of combined touring and occasional-service operations. Two trade magazines awarded the "Green Coach Award" a few weeks ago to the12-metre version, the S 415 GT-HD, as the most economical touring coach at the "Busworld" show in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Setra is now providing the S 415 GT-HD, the 13-metre-long two-axle version S 416 GT-HD and the 15-metre-long three-axle model S 419 GT-HD with a rear entrance. This configuration provides the touring coach with extra room for a generous luggage compartment, a continuous passenger compartment and for a spacious rear galley.
