• Spillmann designs the Citaro hybrid as a twin city partnership bus
• A concept to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the twin city partnerships
• First Spillmann Citaro with a 360-degree camera system

Stuttgart / Mannheim – The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro hybrid owned by Bietigheim-based bus company Spillmann is so much more than just another themed fleet vehicle. Although this vehicle is once again a lovingly designed, exceptionally well-equipped, one-of-a-kind, Spillmann is involving all of Bietigheim-Bissingen’s twin cities in the design concept to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the twin city partnerships, unlike other, more independently developed design concepts. The new Citaro hybrid is simultaneously an ambassador for Japan, the USA, England, France and Hungary.

A design concept spanning different countries

Like the other themed vehicles in the Spillmann fleet, the Citaro hybrid has once again been painted in brilliant silver with contrasting blue stripes and been equipped with the Metro design package. However, for the first time, a stylized globe has been integrated on the sides, depicting the locations of the twin cities. The twin cities are listed as well. Bülent Menekse, Managing Director at Omnibus Spillmann GmbH: “In local public transport, we are not just carrying passengers, but conveying messages as well. The bus is a mobile public space with which we can raise the awareness of our twin cities among passengers.”

The interior is characterized by the individually printed side walls. The illustrations on it show the people and lifestyles of the partner countries. The floor covering is designed in a wood look and harmonizes with the calm seating color. A large number of USB charging stations on the grab bars and seat rows as well as LED-based ceiling floodlights are further comfort features for passengers.

Modern drive concept for greater economy

Like almost all Citaro vehicles in the Spillmann fleet, the bus has a compact and powerful hybrid module. The strain on the modern diesel engine is reduced when moving off thanks to the additional drive power of an efficient 14 kW electric motor. The electrical energy required for this is generated by the engine itself during coasting or braking. Depending on deployment and topography, this reduces fuel consumption by up to 8.5 percent.

In addition, the new Mercedes-Benz city bus is equipped with the Side Guard Assist assistance system, a radar-based turning assistant that helps the bus driver make critical right turns and, for the first time, also comprises a 360-degree camera system. Four cameras provide an all-round view of the entire vehicle environment. This means that it is possible to detect passers-by, cyclists and obstacles in areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible for the driver to see. This increases road safety by helping the driver detect collision hazards and avoid accidents. The camera system is automatically switched on when moving off at speeds of up to 35 km/h, and as soon as the turn indicator is activated at higher speeds.