At the 59th UITP Congress (International Association of Public Transport – World Congress of Public Transport Authorities) in Dubai, Mercedes-Benz presented the Citaro: The undisputed number one, the world’s best-selling city and rural-service bus, which has gone from strength to strength, achieving record sales figures. Four forums at the Mercedes-Benz Stand focused on activities in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) sector, alternative drive systems and car2go. The car2go project demonstrates the Group’s commitment to networked mobility. As part of the Expo Forum at the UITP, Mercedes-Benz experts presented the "Implementation of a bus-based public transport system in the context of rapid economic and population growth" as well as a "Manual for the design and evaluation of BRT stops".

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro is the backbone of the bus range deployed in public local transport. Developed on an ongoing basis, more than 30,000 vehicles have been built since series production began in 1998. Even the developers of the Citaro could not have imagined such longevity when they launched the Citaro at the 1997 UITP Congress in Stuttgart. Regularly setting new trends in public service operation, the Citaro has become a standard-bearer for innovation and modern bus design. This has helped transport companies to maximise economy and reliability. Its formula for success is simple: To reflect customer requirements. The broad product range of the world’s best-selling manufacturer of low-floor public service buses comprises 28 model variants. Such unique model diversity is possible thanks to a modular system that creates tailored customer solutions.

The series ranges from the compact Citaro K (10.5 m length) to the four-axle articulated bus CapaCity (19.54 m). It also includes Citaro-based alternative drive systems with EEV, gas, hybrid and FuelCELL hybrid. The unique Citaro range covers the complete transport requirements of public transport bus companies operating city and rural services.
The Citaro has even gained an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest ambulance: In autumn 2009, an official jury verified a treatment and transport capacity of 123 persons for a Citaro-based rescue vehicle. Based in Dubai, the record-breaking articulated bus measures 20.03 m in length (including rescue kits). Around 350 Citaro vehicles – 300 single vehicles and 50 articulated – are already operating in Dubai. Featuring special-purpose insulation, windows and air blowers in the entry areas, they are fully equipped to handle the extreme heat of this Middle Eastern Emirate.

A new introduction to the city bus segment was also unveiled at the Mercedes-Benz exhibition stand: The three-door Citaro K. The latest addition to the city bus portfolio, this 10.5 m three-door variant can accommodate 87 passengers. A key advantage of this model is its faster passenger turnaround (the Citaro K was previously only available with two doors).
In addition to the "short" Citaro K, Mercedes-Benz presented the "shorter" smart fortwo at its exhibition stand. It is part of car2go, Daimler’s innovative mobility concept. A key player in the development of sustainable mobility, car2go is a fully flexible customer-friendly system developed for inner-city traffic. Whenever a car is required, it can be hired on the spot at its current location or booked via mobile phone, smartphone or online. The vehicle can be used for as long as required and returned to any public parking space within the car2go operating zone. Usage is charged per minute. Prices cover taxes, insurance, distance travelled and fuel consumption. The car2go business model is currently available in Ulm, Hamburg and Austin (Texas).

The demand for innovative mobility concepts is growing rapidly. According to a UITP forecast, the effects of global megatrends such as a burgeoning population, increasing urbanisation and climate change will lead to a doubling of public local transport by 2025. In major cities including Tokyo, Mumbai, Peking and Mexico City, daily transport chaos has long since become reality. This means limited mobility – and a limited quality of life. Urban and transport planners are working hard on solutions. The results embrace innovative concepts, including organised and shared car usage. In developing car2go, the car-sharing project car2gether, the smart ebike and the escooter, Daimler is focusing on sustainable mobility to complement public local transport. The success of these projects depends on the right infrastructure and effective organisation of all forms of transport.