Demands for improvements in safety, comfort, economic efficiency and environmental acceptability are driving innovation in the bus and coach market. The two ways of improving environmental and energy efficiency and optimising drive technologies are considered. The first is to lower the consumption and reduce emissions of existing fuels. The second is based on the development of alternative energy sources e.g. hydrogen fuel. DaimlerChrysler Bus and Coach aims to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards by making vehicle exhaust gases cleaner between 2006 and 2010. Diesel engines fitted with the continuous regenerating trap catalytic converter of the future selective catalytic reduction system will reduce emissions. In 1997, DaimlerChrysler Bus and Coach unveiled the first fuel cell bus, the Nebus. Mercedes-Benz Citaro low-floor buses are available with natural gas engines. DaimlerChrysler Bus and Coach has announced that coaches will be fitted with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme). Head to tail crashes can be reduced by using ART autonomous intelligent cruise control. Passenger comfort will be improved by better heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Abstract