Minibus fleet for Deutsche Bahn railway network

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

* 24 Sprinter Transfer 55 models delivered

* Sprinter Transfer for rural-service and shuttle routes

Stuttgart/Dortmund, Jan 15, 2009 � The final four of a total of 24 identical Sprinter Transfer 55 models were handed over at the Dortmund minibus plant on 5 December 2008. Dr Ulrich Hesselmann, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Minibus GmbH, handed over the rural-service minibuses to Ulrich J�ger, managing director of Deutsche Bahn Ostwestfalen-Lippe-Bus (OWL). The 24 Mercedes-Benz minibuses, painted in traffic red, will be used predominantly on school-bus routes in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony over the coming six years.


Measuring 7665 mm in length, the Sprinter Transfer 55 is the largest of a total of 5 rural-service models in the Mercedes-Benz minibus range (Sprinter Transfer 23, Sprinter Transfer 34, Sprinter Transfer 35, Sprinter Transfer 45, Sprinter Transfer 55). It is based on the longest Sprinter panel van model, measuring 7345 mm in length. Following its arrival at the Dortmund minibus plant, the vehicle is first lengthened by 30 cm and then fitted with a well-proportioned bus rear section including a generously-sized luggage compartment flap. Once the passenger compartment has been enlarged and fully extended at the Dortmund plant, it offers plenty of space for up to 22 passengers.

The new minibuses for OWL are among the safest vehicles in their class, one highlight being the standard-fit Electronic Stability Program (ESP) capable of detecting the vehicle load and centre of gravity ("Adaptive ESP"). Further standard equipment includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS).

All 24 vehicles feature the same equipment and are fitted with 22 high-strength passenger seats with 2-point seat belts. A rural-service luggage rack on one side provides plenty of space for hand luggage. Given the rigorous nature of school-bus operations, particular importance was attached to selecting hardwearing materials for the upholstery, the flooring and the sidewall panelling. To make boarding and alighting as easy as possible, the minibuses are equipped with an electrically operated step at the likewise electrically operated sliding door. Powerful hot-water convector heating and a high-performance roof-mounted air conditioning system ensure pleasant temperatures in the passenger compartment in winter and summer respectively.

Powerful forward thrust comes courtesy of the proven OM 646 DE 22 LA engine. This economical 4-cylinder diesel powerplant develops 110 kW (150 hp) and is compliant with the EU's Euro 4 emission standard. Like all Mercedes-Benz minibuses, the Sprinter Transfer 55 is fitted with a diesel particulate filter as standard. Power is sent to the driven wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

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