acts Promise kept. Demonstrably lower fuel consumption with the Euro VI-certified ComfortClass 500.
Every drop counts! The objective seemed impossible: a simultaneous reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions while meeting Euro VI emission standards. In the Record Run Buses 2012, the new Setra generation of Euro VI-certified touring coaches the ComfortClass 500 demonstrated that the two seemingly conflicting goals can be achieved at the same time. The bottom line: the fuel savings of five to six percent promised by Setra was fulfilled. Another key insight gained from the Record Run Buses 2012: Euro VI also pays off economically for coach operators.
NOx Euro I Euro II Euro III Euro IV Euro V Euro VI -98% HC -95% CO -89% Particulates -97% 1990 1993 1996 2001 2006 2009 2014 Emission regulations gradually reduce environmental pollution through fine dust and nitrogen oxide, and should ultimately result in improved air quality in Europe. Problems are best solved before they arise. Martin Zeilinger, head of product engineering, drive technology and product quality Daimler Buses Failure is simply not an option. In addition to the greatest possible environmental compatibility, economic factors also play a vital role when developing a new generation of engines. We recognised this problem early on and singlemindedly began working on efficient solutions. We succeeded and have now brought them to life. Problem No. 1: the price of diesel is skyrocketing. In 2010, the average price for a litre of diesel was 1.15 euros. By 2012, it had increased to 1.50 euros*. This represents a cost increase of over 30% and further price increases are expected. Meanwhile, fuel costs represent over 20% of operating costs. 1.75 1.50 1.25 Super petrol Diesel fuel average yearly values, January to July 2012 Source: Federal Statistical Office Wiesbaden/Germany, company data Problem No. 2: clean air has its price too. The new Euro VI emission standards, compared to Euro V, call for a further drastic reduction in emissions beginning in January 2014. A reduction of particulate emissions of 66% and an 80% lowering of values for nitrogen oxide need to be achieved and this, over the course of at least 700,000 km. A further problem arises due to the fact that reduced emissions normally imply increased fuel consumption and therefore also costs. *As of October 2012, Germany 1.00 0.75 0.50 0.25 0 1972 2012 Over recent years, the price of diesel has increased substantially more than the price of petrol.
What s behind the ComfortClass 500 s outstanding aerodynamics Rounded front Smooth flanks Tapered rear with separation edge Optimised exterior mirrors Flat-blade wipers When necessary, we put up little resistance. Rainer Fischer (r.), head of testing, acoustics and measuring technology at EvoBus Aerodynamic design reduces fuel consumption. Cutting-edge design in combination with lower fuel consumption were the targets set for the new ComfortClass 500 s aerodynamic design. Reducing air resistance by 20% as well as a significant weight reduction are what enabled lower fuel consumption versus the predecessor Euro V-certified models. Together with the new tapered rear along with other details, the ComfortClass 500 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.33 so far unique in the industry. Air resistance is also reduced through the use of another unique trick: at speeds of above 95 km/h, the coach is actually lowered by 20 mm. By optimising aerodynamics, an outstanding drag coefficient of c w=0.33 was achieved.
The ComfortClass 500 s new, intelligent lightweight concept with high-strength steel ensures more stability at a lower weight. We reduce weight, but without compromising on safety. Bernd Gutmann, Daimler test driver Less kilos. Lower consumption. All of this leads to a considerably lighter frame in spite of higher rigidity. The development engineers also looked very closely at the frame connections where they found some additional weight resulting from unintentional oversizing. Eliminating this also saved several 100 kilograms. The new air conditioning system reduced weight by a further 40 kilograms and the innovative plastic roof with thinner insulation, yet another 20 kilos. All told, a significant amount of weight was taken off the new ComfortClass 500, and it now consumes considerably less in spite of Euro VI certification. Taking off weight without risking safety. The ComfortClass 500 sets unprecedented standards and not only for aerodynamics. The new ComfortClass 500 also takes a huge step forward underneath its designer sheet metal exterior. The developers tackled the whole issue of weight with a new frame. High-strength steel was used for the current ring frame. Profile cross-sections as well as junction plates were also optimised by the engineers. The current centre-aisle profile not only comprises custom metal blanks, but also sheet metal of various strengths and material quality pure automotive engineering. Moreover, collision protection is now completely integrated. GFK Thermoplast Steel plate Aluminium The ComfortClass 500 s exterior saves valuable kilos through a skilful mix of materials.
We can t reduce the price of diesel, but we can lower consumption. The new engine generation an overview: Future-proof thanks to highly sophisticated innovation 168 protective rights (patents and applications) Fulfils Euro VI norms now Up to 30% longer service intervals of up to 120,000 km High reliability through extensive testing over 60 million km (for buses and trucks) High torque even at very low speeds Extended life expectancy by 20% Peter Schumacher, Euro VI project manager at EvoBus Lower particulate and nitrogen oxide = higher fuel consumption. Who says! The challenge facing environmentally friendly technology is to reduce emissions of particulates and nitrogen oxide, without increasing fuel consumption. We were pleased to take up the challenge and we succeeded. The entirely new BlueEfficiency power engine generation. This innovative generation stands out with an interplay of state-of-the-art engine technology and intelligent exhaust gas after-treatment. Not only has the Euro VI norm been fulfilled, but at the same time, smooth running, performance and engine dynamics have been increased. And, we also succeeded at further reducing fuel consumption.
Record Run Buses represents the ultimate practical test for Euro VI. The ComfortClass 400 already boasted outstanding consumption data. Over years, the ComfortClass 400 had proven its exceptional cost-effectiveness in practice. The trade press had raved about its sensationally low consumption and attested to its position being way ahead in the league of cost-effective buses. *OmnibusRevue 12/2011 Andreas Türk, Record Run Buses project manager The ultimate truth is found on the road. Our experts did everything they could to ensure that the ComfortClass 500 would be a real fuel saver. So what would make more sense than to prove the outstanding qualities of the new BlueEfficiency power engines in a demanding practical trial? This is how the idea behind the Record Run Buses 2012 was born. A duel on equal ground. In our test, a Euro VI-certified ComfortClass S 515 HD with the new Mercedes-Benz OM 470 engine and a rated power output of 315 kw (428 hp) rolled up to the starting line. It was joined by the S 415 GT-HD with the previous Euro V OM 457 LA engine and an identical power output of 315 kw (428 hp). To guarantee absolute equality of opportunity, this duel also featured identical gear and final drive ratios as well as tyres. Both buses were fully loaded to a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes.
5 days. 14,000 km. 8 drivers. Day and night. Non-stop. The facts on the Record Run Buses 2012 at a glance: Timeframe: October 22 to 26, 2012 Vehicles: S 515 HD (Mercedes-Benz OM 470 engine with 315 kw Euro VI) S 415 GT-HD (Mercedes-Benz OM 457 engine with 315 kw Euro V) Start and finish point: Wiesbaden Distance covered per day/vehicle: around 1,800 km Route per day: 881 km, Leipzig-Erfurt-Schweinfurt-Bayreuth-Dresden-Bautzen and back Night route: 922 km, Leipzig-Potsdam-Hamburg and back Total distance covered per vehicle: around 7,000 km Drivers: two each per vehicle, in two shifts
Technology and refuelling stops monitored. All refuelling stops were made at the same filling stations in Wiesbaden or Leipzig and even at the same pumps. Even the position of the vehicles at each pump was defined. The coaches were also equipped with instruments for measuring fuel consumption. Any movement of the coaches in the Record Run Buses 2012 could be monitored with the help of the FleetBoard telematics system. 24-hour operation in two shifts. The coaches were driven by skilled test drivers as well as by trainers from OMNIplus Ecotraining. A crew of two drivers manned both coaches. The coaches were operated in two shifts around the clock, interrupted only by two refuelling and technical checks per day. To equalise driver influence, the teams switched vehicles after each shift. The same competitive conditions for all participants Absolutely identical conditions. In addition to engine output, transmission and final drive ratio, the loads as well as the tyre brand and tread depth were also identical within each respective model series. All coaches had been broken in at the start of the Record Run Buses 2012 with around 10,000 km on the odometer.
As realistic as a long-distance touring coach assignment could ever be. Theo Ruder, Record Run Buses driver On the South loop, the coaches drove on motorways and highways from Leipzig through Erfurt, Dresden and Bautzen and back to Leipzig. Furthermore, a North loop from Leipzig to Hamburg and back, all on motorways, was on the drivers schedule. Comparative trials under real-life conditions. The Record Run Buses 2012 wasn t held on a test track, but under real-life conditions: on extremely busy motorways, winding country roads, uphill and downhill and at times under adverse weather conditions. Close to 90 percent of the distance was driven on motorways, the remaining ten percent on main and country roads. The vehicles travelled at the legal speed of 100 km/h or 80 km/h whenever the traffic situation permitted. To ensure realistic consumption data, both buses were loaded with sand bags to the permissible total weight of 18 tonnes. All in all: a test drive under very real conditions.
We ensure fairness and transparency. Armin Schuster (right), telematics expert at Daimler, and Bernd Pisecky (above), DEKRA expert Scrupulous measurement through DekRA. The test vehicles and their operations were monitored by DEKRA, an independent specialist automotive organisation. Prior to the official start, on October 17, 2012, a DEKRA employee inspected all the vehicles. With seals and labels, he closed off any opportunity to tamper with unauthorised fuel or to minimise the load. In addition to fuel and AdBlue refuelling, the DEKRA tester also supervised the comparative consumption test, recording all steps taken by camera. A complete picture at all times with FleetBoard telematics technology. DEKRA wasn t alone in having full control during the comparative trial. Telematics expert Armin Schuster from Daimler had everything in full view even from a distance. From the headquarters in Leipzig, by computer, he monitored where the buses were located and which drivers were on shift. Notifications received from the vehicles integrated diagnostic systems, any operating difficulties as well as driving quality could be observed live. The headquarters were also the central point of contact for any questions the participants may have had.
I m not only sitting in the front row here, I m also driving first-class. Relaxed driving also contributes to saving fuel. Fast, convenient access to controls, optimised seating, ergonomically enhanced, suspended pedals and an improved overview featured in the ComfortClass 500 go a long way towards supporting the driver in doing his job. The centrepiece of the newly designed cockpit is the high-resolution, centrally positioned colour display with its four round dial instruments displaying vehicle speed, engine speed as well as current fuel and AdBlue levels. Together with the new engines, Setra also introduced the new eight-gear GO 250-8 PowerShift transmission. This fully automatic aggregate, with its progressive transmission stepping and quick and uniform gear changes, is of benefit to both the driver and vehicle consumption. Gerold Hartmann, Record Run Buses driver
The ComfortClass 400. A sophisticated coach concept. Quality you can count on. Comfort, safety and cost-effectiveness are the three pillars upon which the success of the ComfortClass 400 rests until today. Over the years, we have continuously finetuned and improved the ComfortClass 400 in key structural-technical areas and this has lead to exceptionally high driver and passenger acceptance. Quality you can still always count on. With all the developments the ComfortClass 400 has undergone over time, it s comforting however to know that some things never change: first and foremost excellent value retention, low operating and maintenance costs, high availability, Setra s quality and, of course, low consumption compared to competitive models.
ComfortClass 400 with Euro V ComfortClass 500 with Euro VI 22.9 l 21.0 l l/100 km l/100 km -8.2% The absolute measurement values over each 7,000 km are impressive. Both coaches distinguish themselves through an economic performance that clearly pays off for coach operators. The ComfortClass 500 a real consumption champion. consumes 8.2% less diesel fuel than the predecessor ComfortClass 400 series. In addition to diesel consumption, the need for AdBlue with the new ComfortClass 500 is also drastically reduced. In the Euro V-certified model, consumption was just under 23 l/100 km, the new Euro VI-certified model requires only 21 l/100 km. Litres/ 100 km 25 92% Motorway 8% Overland Litres/ 100 km 25 50% Motorway 50% Overland Doing more for the environment and still saving. After 7,000 kilometres, it s a fact: Setra s new Euro VI-certified ComfortClass 500 brings together the cleanest possible emissions with the lowest possible consumption well before the January 1, 2014 deadline. The standard-series Euro VI-certified cleaner coach undercuts the currently still valid emission standards by up to 80%. At the same time, the completely reengineered Euro VI-certified vehicle generation 24 23 22 21 20 0-8.2% CC 400 CC 500 24 23 22 21 20 0-7.1% CC 400 CC 500 In our comparative trial, the saving was the result of 92% motorway and 8% country road deployment. As the country road segment increases to 50%, the saving remains at an impressive 7.1%.
You can also count on us in the future. The EU has already set the course. So now is the time to decide on tomorrow s technology today, ideally combining environmental protection with costeffectiveness. Till Oberwörder, head of marketing, sales and aftersales Daimler Buses Saving with every kilometre you drive. Consuming 8.2% less diesel and 48.4% less AdBlue are irresistible arguments in favour of the ComfortClass 500. If you also take into account longer maintenance intervals and the less frequent downtime, the results are even more positive. So don t be misled by what some may consider to be higher investment costs early on. The bottom line for you is definitely a plus. And, you can most probably look forward to a government incentive in the foreseeable future. Platzhalter After four years, a touring coach with annual mileage of 100,000 km saves the operator close to 11,500 euros*. In long-distance applications, with annual mileage of 250,000 km, over 7,000 euros can be saved. *at a diesel price of 1.50 euros and average consumption of 21 l/100 km
The ComfortClass 500. Driving and saving. The new ComfortClass 500 was not only successful at compensating for the expected increase in consumption due to the Euro VI standards, it also managed to minimise technically measurable emissions values using less diesel than its predecessor. Robustness, durability and long maintenance intervals significantly reduce lifecycle costs and this is also reflected in new, very attractive service contracts. So now more than ever, it s well worth it for every bus operator to invest early in protecting the environment and conserving precious resources. Talk to your Setra partner!