First new Solaris Urbino 12 enters service in Bavaria

Bavaria welcomed the first redesigned Solaris Urbino 12 bus to enter service within the regional bus network of the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) since its launch in June.

The new Solaris Urbino 12, delivered to Bavarian transport operator Josef Ettenhuber GmbH, boasts a light robust construction and is built by skin-on-skin assembly ensuring efficient production. The bus has been designed to provide energy efficiency, greater space in the passenger cabin with a pedestal-free floor area, wider and higher doors which will improve passenger flow, larger windows and LED lighting.

Additionally, axle loads are better distributed by shifting some of the weight from the drive axle to the front of the bus, including a centralised assembly of all compressed air tanks at the front. The changes deliver a higher passenger carrying capacity, better drive dynamics and improved servicing. Improved insulation will lower operating costs and raise comfort levels.

The engine tower of the new Urbino 12 has been prepared to fit smaller as well as lighter engines of different sizes. In the Urbino 12 for Ettenhuber, the efficient and green Cummins ISB6.7, which meets the restrictive Euro 6 limits, is matched to the automatic gear box ZF EcoLife. The new design is 1200kg lighter compared with previous Urbino 12 operated by Ettenhuber.

Andreas Strecker, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach and Josef Ettenhuber Jr, owner of Josef Ettenhuber GmbH

Josef Ettenhuber Jr, the owner of Josef Ettenhuber GmbH, commented on the service launch: “The fact that we have already ordered a further two 12-metre Solaris buses is clear evidence of how convinced we are of our new product’s quality. We will receive the vehicles at the end of next year. These buses will help us improve not only our fleet’s performance, but also will distinguish our company’s vehicles by their eye-catching and attractive appearance.”

Andreas Strecker, CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach added: “We are very glad to hear such a positive evaluation from Josef Ettenhuber Jr, one of Solaris’s most loyal customers. We are sure that the new Urbino will prove itself on European streets and by its modern design will make public transport even more attractive for passengers.”

Deliveries of the new Solaris Urbino 12 will continue in Germany, Norway, Poland, Austria and Italy. The largest contract came from BOGESTRA, a public transport operator in the Ruhr area who ordered fourteen new Urbino 18 buses. The manufacturer also acquired orders from German operator üstra for the new Solaris with electric drive.