Stuttgart, 3 September 2008:
The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz Travego touring coach takes off with a world premiere: the multiple prize-winning Active Brake Assist is being offered for the first time in a bus. The active safety system, which serves as an emergency braking aid, provides escalating warnings and then automatically initiates full brake application if the driver does not respond in the event of acute danger of a rear-end collision with a preceding vehicle.

Besides contributing to improved safety, the Active Brake Assist available in the new Mercedes-Benz Travego also saves on operating costs: buses which are equipped with Active Brake Assist receive a five percent discount on liability and full-liability cover from Mercedes-Benz bus insurance with Mercedes-Benz Bank AG. Buses which are outfitted with Lane Assistant and DISTRONIC also receive a five percent discount. A ten percent discount is granted if all three systems are in place. The system has successfully proven its efficiency in the Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy truck with more than 350 million kilometres logged by our customers.

The Travego touring coach also comes with the new Mercedes PowerShift eight-speed transmission which significantly lowers fuel consumption and helps save on costs. It also reduces CO2 emissions and protects the environment. In terms of passive safety the new bus generation offers a further innovation: the Front Collision Guard (FCG) is a unique passive safety system which protects the driver and tour guide in the event of front impact.

The new generation of the Travego will be presented to the public at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicles from 25 September to 2 October in Hall 14/15.