At the 36th RDA Workshop Mercedes-Benz will be represented by the Travego M, a Tourino and two Sprinter Travel vehicles in Hall 10.2, Position C 50. The workshop, which first took place in 1975 in Grafenau, has been held in Cologne since 1985, as will be the case this year. Based on registration data, this year around 90 more exhibitors than last year are expected to participate. The workshop opens its gates up to trade professionals from 27 to 29 July.

It is the flagship in many bus companies, regardless of which version it comes in: there is a good reason why the Mercedes-Benz Travego defines the top class among touring coaches. The vehicle’s current generation is focused intently on three high-decker models. It is available in three lengths: the Travego with two axles and 12.2 metres; the Travego M with three axles and 13 metres; and the Travego L, also with three axles and 14 metres. In addition it offers various engine and transmission variants as well as many individual equipment options, paint finishes, seats, fabrics and colours. The range starts with the functional and comfortable three-star variant and extends all the way to the luxury VIP coach. Its adaptability is one of its greatest strengths. But all the variants of the Travego have one thing in common: they are at the top of their class for technology, safety, design and service.

The Mercedes-Benz Travego clearly and unmistakably sets the standards in its core segment of European high-decker touring coaches. That is why it was named the Coach of the Year 2010 by an international jury of experts. The top brand value of Mercedes-Benz is its high standard for safety equipment, which is also present in the Travego in a unique fashion. This includes the Active Brake Assist (ABA), proximity control (ART) and the revolutionary Front Collision Guard (FCG) as well as the Electronic Braking System (EBS), the retarder, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), Brake Assist (BA), continuous braking limiter (DBL), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and acceleration skid control (ASR). The exemplary safety level of the Mercedes-Benz Travego is further enhanced with a cornering light function and rain/light sensor.

Safety is further boosted with the vehicle’s built-in smoke detectors. In Mercedes-Benz touring vehicles the toilets and/or driver rest area are generally equipped with smoke detectors. If smoke were to be detected inside the vehicle the warning would not come from a loud acoustic signal directly emitted by the smoke detector but instead from a message in the central display together with an audible warning tone – at the driver’s workstation only.

All the safety systems currently available are integrated in the Travego "Safety Edition" special series, including fire alarm systems in the engine and luggage compartments and smoke detectors in the toilet. Also on board is an automated gearshift specially developed for buses for the first time, the eight-speed Mercedes Benz GO 240-8 PowerShift with hydrodynamic retarder. The transmission enhances safety and ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption.

The Mercedes-Benz Travego’s economical basic engine is the in-line six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 457 LA with 12.0 L of displacement, an output of 315 kW (428 hp) and a torque of 2100 Nm at 1100 rpm, as is befitting of a Travego. An additional output level is available with 335 kW (456 hp) and a torque of 2200 Nm at 1100 rpm. Both engine variants are as environmentally friendly as they are economical thanks to the tried-and-tested BlueTec® diesel technology which meets the Euro V emissions standard. They also come in an EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) variant as an option. Mercedes-Benz has been able to meet this very strict emissions standard without the addition of a particulate filter. For special output requirements the V8 OM 502 LA with 15.9 L of displacement and 350 kW (476 hp) plus 2100 Nm torque is still available for the three-axle model. A new addition for the 2010 model year is a version with a longer transmission ratio for its highest gear (i=0.723 instead of i=0.78). This reduces the engine speed at a motorway speed of 100 km/h by around 130 rpm which in turn reduces fuel consumption, the impact on the environment and the noise level to an even lower level. In all its variants the Travego is also equipped with the economical and quiet Mercedes-Benz HO6 hypoid rear axle. With its various ratios it allows for perfect tuning of the powertrain to the prevailing road conditions.

The chassis of the Mercedes-Benz Travego also sets the standard in regard to comfort and driving dynamics. Three-axle models benefit from a trailing axle with independent suspension which provides improved track guidance, smoother suspension characteristics, more installation space and a weight that is around 150 kg lighter. The Travego’s standard equipment also includes electronic level control (ENR).

Thanks to the generously sized and airy passenger compartment the Mercedes-Benz Travego is one of the most comfortable touring coaches of its kind for travellers.