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Four years of project work, 48 partners, 7 demonstration projects and a total budget of around 26 million – these are just some of the statistics generated by the European Bus System of the Future, or EBSF for short, which is the biggest road-related transportation project to be funded by the European Commission to date. On 15 October 2012, the International Association of Public Transport (in French: Union Internationale des Transports Publics, UITP) - as the body designated to lead and coordinate the EBSF project - presented the results of the individual EBSF projects, or so-called "Use Cases", to the press in Brussels. As a comprehensive, widely networked research project for the design and development of an innovative, high-quality European bus system of the future, four years ago the EBSF project took on the goal of demonstrating the capabilities of a new generation of urban bus networks and creating the basis for an integrated systems approach (vehicle, infrastructure, technology, operation) with takes future passenger requirements into account. Project members in seven European countries have painstakingly assessed and compiled the data from the demonstration projects. EvoBus GmbH participated in two projects.
Project: passenger information systems
One of the demonstrator vehicles created as part of the EBSF project was based on a Mercedes-Benz Citaro articulated bus. The vehicle incorporated ideas from a sub-project concerned with passenger information and communication systems. The Citaro G was used for nine months between 2011 and 2012 by the Bremerhaven Public Transport company on route 502.
Using a host of visual features both inside and out - such as a door entry and exit system controlled by LED lights using traffic light colours, a seat identification system or externally aligned monitors, and also information systems in the interior - the responsible project managers hoped to gain an insight into whether and how passenger flows could be managed more specifically and rapidly. It was also hoped that the newly designed area opposite doors 2 and 3 would shed light on the flow of passengers. Here fixed seating or spaces devoted purely to pushchairs or wheelchairs were dispensed with, and in their place an open space with folding seats and leaning areas was created. Another goal of the trials, which were conducted in real regular service conditions, was to ascertain the best information channels and best content to use to address passengers, tourists or tour groups. A comprehensive host of additional equipment (WLAN, GPS amplifier, 240 V sockets) was designed to enhance the appeal of regular service buses, and also to provide information on whether such features could generate new target groups or even strengthen the appeal of regular service buses for existing users.
Insights from the passenger information systems project
Nine months of regular service operation have provided a very clear picture of the practical application of such systems. While follow-up work still has to be carried out on some ideas, others have proved suitable for immediate implementation. The design of space using leaning areas and folding seats was in fact so well received that the Bremerhaven Transport Authority has already applied the idea by retrofitting the design to many of its vehicles. Newly acquired vehicles will basically help to continue to implement the idea. Another success was achieved in the area of passenger information systems. Two-thirds of the fleet have already been fitted with 20-inch monitors. The mixture of infotainment, news reports and transport connection information proved so popular among passengers that the transport operator sees this as a significant measure for increasing the appeal of the bus service. Although passengers did not consider a lot of the additional equipment such as WLAN, 240 V sockets and the seat identification system to be absolutely essential, such measures were nevertheless viewed positively within the context of modernity. The same applied to the innovative exterior design and the door entry illumination system: the latter was viewed by users more as a decorative or design element, and no particular change in entry or exit behaviour was noted during the test phase.
European driver's cockpit project
As part of the project for an ergonomically optimised European bus driver's cockpit, the EBSF project explored driver issues. The project examined in detail what parameters would have to be established in order to create a standardised European driver's cockpit, similar to what has been achieved with the VDV 234 guidelines in Germany.
Apart from the ergonomic aspects, factors such as the driver's personal needs, safety considerations and compliance with European regulations were looked at. The test series was carried out at the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems in Dresden, based on a variety of statistical data (in terms of sex, age, height) and using test subjects (active drivers) from Rome, Dresden and Gothenburg. The test series comprised interviews, analytical data collection (e.g. measuring the selected seat and cockpit settings), test drives and observations made in the 3D simulator, as well as a follow-up survey of the test drivers. The newly designed driver's cockpit (mock-up) enabled the test drivers to try out a wide variety of adjustment options. This helped to ensure that the individual needs of the drivers were taken into account: whether it was a case of adjusting the instrument panel, the steering wheel or the driver's seat suspension system. It also guaranteed that all possible physiological factors - large, small, male or female - would meet with the same levels of driving and working comfort in the cockpit. As part of the test drives, the drivers "drove" along virtual regular service routes through Dresden and Rome in a specially developed driver's cockpit in a 3D simulator.
Insights from the European driver's cockpit project
Despite the different requirements imposed by a variety of European cities, it was still possible to explore real needs in a synthetic environment. In conjunction with the driving simulator, the static driver's cockpit (mock-up) enabled realistic minimum and nominal dimensions to be defined and typical sequences of movements and ergonomic standards to be determined.
During the subjective assessment of the driver's cockpit mock-up which was implemented, it became clear that in general drivers place a great deal of value on stowage spaces and stowage options. Marked differences specific to certain countries were determined when assessing features relevant to safety (e.g. access protection). The individual adjustment options for the instrument panel, steering wheel and seat were consistently classified as positive. Also assessed as extremely positive by the test drivers was the executed design of both the driver's cockpit and the simulation.
The participants in the project provided some important input into which of the visionary cockpit features could be transferred to a standardised European driver's cockpit, and which specific local features it would be worth including.
Conclusion of the EBSF project
Some 48 project partners made up of vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, operators, official bodies, researchers and consultancies have shaped the EBSF project over a four-year period. Together they were looking for trailblazing, combinable vehicle, infrastructure and operational designs, as well as possibilities for technical harmonisation and standardisation. In addition to the commitment from EvoBus, other manufacturers also provided their visions of the future of local public transport, and ultimately brought them to life by building demonstrator vehicles. Plenty of good ideas – and the EBSF project management is certain about this – will soon be adopted by suppliers and manufacturers, and also incorporated into their development and production processes. Other approaches to solutions, on the other hand, while proving impressive in theory, actually failed when implemented in practice. In some cases such ideas failed due to small technical details, but also due to regulatory circumstances. Yet in fact such "problems" also gave rise to new areas of activity. The EBSF project has shown how effectively and innovatively manufacturers, suppliers and operators can work together when they think and act in a networked way. In view of this, the future of public local transport is likely to be based on a joint decision..jpg)
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Münster in Westphalia, which, since 2004, can boast the title of the world's most liveable city, officially inaugurated its first hybrid bus line on 27 August 2012. With the ceremonial handover of two Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid vehicles to the Münster municipal transport service, represented by its manager of Münster’s public transport company Eckhard Schläfke, by Mr Ulrich Piotrowski, responsible for the market launch of hybrid and electric buses at Mercedes-Benz, the Westphalian city once again made good on its pledge to contribute to climate protection through the introduction of new bus technology. Münster is the largest city in Germany without a railbound municipal transport system. Since the closure of its tram system in 1954 and of trolley bus operations in 1968, the city's public transport system has operated exclusively using environmentally friendly buses. Use on high-demand routes
The new hybrid buses are to be used primarily on high-demand and high-frequency routes, including a route running directly through the city centre across one of Münster's main tourist attractions, the Prinzipalmarkt. This is where the advantages of sustainable hybrid technology will be most apparent. Electrically driven and without a diesel engine, the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid vehicles will glide almost noiselessly through the city's historic centre . The varied topography of Münster, the historic old city and the high utilisation of the transport routes all offer ideal conditions to reap the benefits of advanced hybrid technology.
Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid
The Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid is the only hybrid bus to date that can cover sections of routes entirely on electric power without the help of its diesel engine and run virtually silently between stops. After halting at a stop, the hybrid bus moves on to the following stops in just the same smooth, silent way, without the usual hum from the engine. The drive power is provided by four electric wheel hub motors that draw their power from one of the world's largest lithium-ion batteries ever used in a mobile application. This power is regenerated from braking and, if required, can also be produced by a generator driven by a diesel engine that is relatively small for the vehicle class. Experts call this type of system a series hybrid drive.
High-Tec in a proven vehicle concept
This technologically sophisticated diesel-electric hybrid concept has been implemented in the proven articulated variant of the world's most successful city bus series, the Mercedes-Benz Citaro. From the outside, the hybrid Citaro looks just like a conventional diesel bus, apart from the slightly higher roof structure needed to accommodate the battery unit. The difference, however, becomes apparent once the bus starts moving. The driving characteristics of the Citaro are governed by four electric motors that accelerate the 18 metre bus extremely quickly and in almost total silence. Since there are no gears, passengers do not experience the jerking you have in vehicles with manual gearboxes. The wheel hub motors deliver a combined drive output of 320 kW, which is supplied as required by the battery or the generator running off the diesel engine. These electric motors are also used during braking, when they act as generators, converting brake energy into electric power for the battery. If the battery needs additional electricity, the diesel engine starts up automatically to generate more current. The combustion engine in the hybrid is only half the size of the engine in a standard diesel bus, weighing just 450 kg compared to 1000 kg, and with a displacement of 4.8 litres compared to 12. At 160 kW, the engine's output is roughly a third less.
A lithium-ion battery is used in the Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid for energy storage. The battery system delivers a maximum of 240 kW and is relatively light, weighing under 350 kg. Compared to conventional battery systems, the ion technology battery has an impressive higher energy density, combined with a high storage capacity and a low own weight.
Bus environmental protection concept
Bus transportation in the city forms an important part of Münster's environmental protection concept. Although travelling by bus by itself contributes greatly to climate protection, the vehicles themselves are designed to satisfy the strictest environmental requirements. The current fleet of articulated buses already easily meet the strict Euro V emission standard. With the addition of the two Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid vehicles, the city's transport authority is keeping its promise to engage intensively with new technologies in the hybrid and electric vehicle fields.
Each year, over 35 million passengers use the city's public transport services. The public transport system operates 24 bus routes with a vehicle fleet of 174 buses.New vehicle purchases such as the current hybrid fleet are, in line with the general policy of the Münster public services authorities, built on the principle of sustainability. Through the creation of an appealing public transport system, the municipal transport service is making a viable contribution to the environmental, economic and socially sustainable development of the city. Its high service frequency and modern bus fleet that meets the strictest environmental standards are some of the reasons why Münster's public transport system regularly features near the top of the league table in Germany-wide Emnid surveys.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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Mercedes-Benz is well known for building extremely safe cars. The motto of “safety first” is one of the brand’s core values, and applies just as much to genuine accessories from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. Ultimate responsibility for safety, however, lies with the driver, and only drivers who stow sports and leisure equipment and other loads in the proper way can look forward to a safe and enjoyable trip.Improperly secured loads can have fatal consequences: for example, a bicycle flung from the roof of a car can become a life-threatening projectile for other road users. A drinks crate that is not securely fastened in the boot of an estate car poses a risk for all the occupants. The kinetic energy released after a frontal impact at 50 km/h would, for example, propel the drinks crate through the car with a force equivalent to that of the weight of a smart fortwo. It is therefore understandable that the German road traffic code (StVO) stipulates that vehicle loads must be properly secured in order to protect both the vehicle occupants and other road users. Those who fail to comply risk a fine, criminal charges and the loss of their insurance cover, and, not least, injury or death.
Always pack heavy items first
Drivers should follow these recommendations to exclude potential sources of hazard. First of all, heavy items should always be put in first and placed up against the rear seat backrest so that they cannot slide about. Care should be taken to ensure that there is no free space between the back of the rear seats and the load, since otherwise heavy, unsecured objects could deform the seats in a collision. The rear seat backrests in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with a variable interior are designed to give top priority to occupant protection. Their solid connection to the vehicle body offers the best possible protection against wayward loads that are propelled forward in a collision. Nevertheless, any items that might slide forward should always be fastened with straps to the rings on the luggage compartment floor. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate models, for example, are fitted with six strong load-securing rings: four of these are located on the floor, while the other two are positioned underneath the rear seats. The optional EASY-PACK fastening kit and the Cargo Management System from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offer additional ways to ensure the safe and secure transport of items both large and small.
Estate cars, compacts and sports tourers should not be loaded any higher than the upper edge of the backrest. The only exception to this rule is if the vehicle is equipped with a stable, crash-tested meshed wire divider. This component, which is also available from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, extends all the way to the ceiling, providing full protection against flying suitcases and crates. For the same reason, drivers should always remember to close the luggage compartment covers before starting their journey. Many Mercedes-Benz models feature an electric motor which does this automatically.
Small items should also be securely packed
No road maps, umbrellas or other items should be left on the rear shelf during a journey. Sunglasses and mobile phones should not be left on the dashboard, but instead placed in the side compartments in the doors, or else in special holders. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH can provide a whole range of solutions here, ranging from luggage nets to customised holders.
Pets must also be secured in the car to ensure that they do not interfere with the driver. Dogs should be kept in the rear and secured with a special seatbelt for dogs, while cats can be safely transported in a special transport cage that should also be secured with a seatbelt.
Only light luggage should be placed on the roof
Light loads can be placed on the roof, but care must be taken to ensure that the maximum roof load capacity is not exceeded. When in doubt, it makes sense to weigh the load beforehand. Bicycles or snowboards must always be firmly secured to their carrier system. The best components to use here are fixed roof rails or the Mercedes-Benz Alustyle system with fixed point attachment. Drivers should make sure that the load is sitting tightly and that the weight is distributed as evenly as possible. They should also pay close attention to the instructions in the user manual when installing the system. Anyone who is still unsure should contact a specialist at their nearest Mercedes-Benz sales partner. Cargo items and carriers should never extend past the roof, and all bicycle accessories, such as child seats, water bottles or panniers, should be removed from the bike and stowed in the vehicle. In the interests of safety, Mercedes-Benz experts recommend never exceeding the German speed limit of 130 km/h on motorways at any time during the journey.
Cargo stored in the roof boxes must be secured with the fastening equipment provided, since otherwise sharp braking could cause loose items such as skis and snowboards to be propelled forward with sufficient force to break through the box. Here too, it should be ensured that the weight is distributed as evenly as possible. Cargo mounted on the roof will significantly alter a vehicle’s centre of gravity and thus its handling. It is therefore wise to drive at a slighly slower speed if you have a roof box attached.
Regularly check all fastening equipment
Whether you are transporting items on the roof, at the rear or in the interior of the vehicle, all fastening equipment must be regularly checked to ensure it holds articles tightly and securely. Special regulations apply to rear transport. For example, the load may not protrude more than 40 centimetres beyond the side edge of the taillights, or otherwise it must be equipped with an additional red light. All bolt connections and tension straps must be regularly checked for tightness and fit. Drivers should also bear in mind that rear visibility is restricted by loads mounted at the rear, which means they should make greater use of their exterior mirrors. A vehicle’s handling is also affected by a loaded cargo rack at the rear, particularly on bends, in side winds and when braking.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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Before a product is approved by Mercedes-Benz and can carry the Mercedes-Benz Genuine Accessory seal of approval, it must first pass a series of extremely demanding internal tests. The strict quality and safety standards of the premium manufacturer go well beyond all legal requirements. The rigorous schedule includes crash tests, shake tests, emergency braking at different speeds and sudden changes of lane. There are also strenuous endurance runs, simulating the life of a car in time compression, and also salt spray tests and climate chamber testing. The programme is rounded off with aerodynamic and acoustic measurements. The test requirements are well in excess of what a Mercedes-Benz customer would experience under normal driving conditions. No compromises with safety-related assemblies
The gruelling quality tests can last up to four months before a new product is approved as a “Genuine Mercedes-Benz Accessory”. Testing of safety-related assemblies, such as carrier systems or roof boxes, is especially demanding.
As a rule, the development, design and testing of accessories is generally aligned towards the model or component it will be used with. Roof racks, for example, are always tested with the type of Mercedes-Benz model on which they are to be mounted. This is done to ensure that the boxes conform precisely to specific aspects such as roof geometry, vehicle dimensions or the intended use of the particular model series. The procedure also helps ensure that the accessory does not damage the vehicle in any way.
Extreme stress loads on the vibration table
Some of the most spectacular tests are those carried out on the vehicle body test rig, also known as the vibration table. Here, the roof and the carrier are shaken back and forth and up and down with such a level of violence that most casual observers are left feeling dizzy. Despite the exceptionally high forces that are brought to bear on the carrier, a bicycle or anything attached to it must not fall down, become loose, or damage any other part of the vehicle. An accessory may feature the Mercedes-Benz star only after it has passed this stringent test and withstood the extreme loads it has been subjected to.
Tests tougher than the “City-Crash”
The internal crash tests at Mercedes-Benz are conducted at higher speeds and acceleration rates than those required by the DIN 75-302 (German Institute for Standardisation) or ISO 11154 (International Standard Organisation) standards, or also the “City-Crash”. Although not required by law, the latter test is recommended by the German consumer watchdog organisation Stiftung Warentest, and by the German Automobile Association (ADAC). The test is meant to simulate a typical rear-end collision at a moderate speed in an urban setting.
A roof rack’s life examined in time compression
Laboratory examinations are supplemented with extensive driving tests on Mercedes-Benz test tracks and in situations based on real-life traffic. One such test is the special driving endurance test over a distance of 25,000 kilometres with a 50-percent roof rack overload. The route here includes fast stretches of motorway, together with winding secondary and rural roads. There are also several hundred kilometres of testing over rough road surfaces.
Additional tests are conducted for handling, emergency braking manoeuvres at various speeds and for driving dynamics, such as the ISO evasion test. The programme is rounded off by high-speed drives and extended trips on rough road test circuits.
Optimised aerodynamics means lower fuel consumption
A key aspect of accessory development involves optimising aerodynamic and acoustic properties. The roof racks and boxes are put through an extensive testing programme in a wind tunnel, where they are placed at different angles to the wind and driven at various speeds, up to the maximum speed of the Mercedes-Benz model in question. A predefined internal benchmark serves as the target value that a new product must achieve. Customers benefit from the resulting improvements in aerodynamics in the form of significantly lower fuel consumption than would be possible with a comparable non-genuine accessory.
Acoustic properties are then tested and optimised on the road; the goal here is to eliminate any unpleasant noises such as whirring and whistling. In many cases, these can be identified only when the accessory is driven with the vehicle it is to be used with, which is also why each rack is approved only for specific model series.
Corrosion tests that go far beyond the norm
Great efforts are also made to ensure the long-term quality that is the hallmark of every Mercedes-Benz product. For example, the corrosion tests conducted on individual components in saltwater sprayers last more than twice as long as the time stipulated in the DIN 75-302 standard. In addition, the products are put through extended corrosion tests while mounted on the vehicle, and are also exposed to extreme temperatures in a climate chamber. All of these tests are meant to ensure that the racks will not develop hairline cracks in freezing temperatures or deform in extreme heat.
Design: perfect alignment with the vehicle silhouette
Mercedes-Benz applies the strictest criteria to design, which is why genuine accessories are developed in close cooperation with design engineers for the vehicle models at the Sindelfingen Design Center. The roof boxes and roof rack systems thus blend in harmoniously with the design lines of the Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, combining maximum functionality with supreme elegance..jpg)
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The rear bicycle rack, which has been specially designed for Mercedes-Benz models, represents the preferred solution for bicycles with a trailer coupling. As well as the high level of loading convenience, this transport variant boasts excellent aerodynamics in comparison with roof transport, which is reflected in lower fuel consumption figures. The rear carrier system has been thoroughly revised for the summer season. Two alternatives are available, and both have been designed to handle exceptionally heavy bicycles, such as electric bikes: the rear carrier for transporting two bicycles weighs approx. 16.9 kilograms and can be loaded with weights of 33.1 kg or 58.1 kg on vehicles with drawbar loads of 50 kg and 75 kg, respectively, whereby no single bicycle may weigh more than 30 kg.
The rear carrier for transporting three bicycles weighs approx. 20.2 kg. A weight of 29.8 kg can be loaded with a drawbar load of 50 kg, and 54.8 kg for a drawbar load of 75 kg. Here too, a limit of 30 kg per rail applies.
A common feature of both carriers is that they are easy to mount on the vehicle and also simplify the process of mounting bicycles. When the bicycle rack is not in use, it can be folded down to save space and kept securely in the stowage bag that comes as an optional extra.
It is fixed to the vehicle with a single-point attachment on the ball coupling of the trailer coupling. The carrier is placed on top of the ball coupling and secured using a lever handle. An indicator shows when the lock is securely engaged.
The bicycle rack can be pulled out on rails mounted in ball bearings to ensure that the vehicle’s luggage compartment can still be accessed with the bicycles mounted. This also makes mounting the bicycles easier, since the pull-out rail moves in a curve, thus lowering the loading height.
It is extremely easy to adjust the bicycle rack to suit the bicycles: you simply press a spring-loaded notch and the rails can be adjusted to the particular cycle, with the wheel shoe locking in automatically. The tension straps also clearly indicate when they are tight enough. The bicycle rack can be locked only when the tensioning strap is properly latched.
The brackets accommodate frames with round frame tubes up to 80 millimetres in diameter, or oval frame tubes up to the format 80 x 45 millimetres, making them perfectly suited to the Mercedes-Benz fitness bike.
The package [1] includes a licence plate bracket and rear lights, which can be supplied with electricity via a cable with a 13-pin DIN connector plug.
The additional rear lights can ensure reliable signals if their counterparts in the vehicle are obscured by the load. The rear bicycle rack is ready for immediate use, since it does not need to be entered in the vehicle papers, thanks to its EU operating permit. [2][1] The equipment may vary on the US and Canadian markets.[2] Please note the special regulations that apply in Italy and Portugal.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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Genuine roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz are characterised by their practical functionality, elegant design and generous transport volumes. The robust and easy-to-mount roof boxes are available in three sizes, with capacities of 330, 400[1]and 450 litres. A common feature of the boxes is that they can be opened from both sides. A further bonus is that the three-point locking system on the transport containers provides effective theft protection. The Alustyle roof carrier systems, which have been precisely tailored to the body sizes and shapes of most Mercedes-Benz passenger car models, form the attachment base for the luggage boxes.The miracle space-maker: the roof box 450
The Mercedes-Benz roof box 450 is the miracle space-maker among the portable roof boxes in the genuine accessories range from Mercedes-Benz Accessories, and was thoroughly revised in the autumn of 2011. With dimensions of 220 x 80 x 40 cm, its load volume of 450 litres is equivalent to that of a C-Class boot. This means the box can provide enough space for the winter sports gear of a family of four, for example, and the equipment stays fully protected from dirt and splash water.
The grooved plates, with which the box is secured in the T-slot of the roof carrier, have also been optimised. Just a few turns are all that is needed to tighten them, and the wing nuts have been integrated into the box itself so that they can no longer go astray. Mercedes-Benz Accessories made this change in response to frequent requests from customers.
The shape was also revised, and the “dropping line” geometry reflects the design idiom of current Mercedes-Benz models. As well as the classic colour choice of matte silver, in which the surface of the box is slightly grained, the box is also available in metallic black. The roof box 450 has a load capacity of 75 kilograms and offers users plenty of space to plan their holidays and leisure time flexibly and according to individual needs. It weighs just 19 kilograms. A new feature is the six metal rings to secure the three tension straps, which protect the load inside.
The specially developed accessories, which have been exactly tailored to the interior dimensions of the roof box, offer even more options and greater travel enjoyment. For example, there is the practical, six-piece luggage set. Consisting of four roomy bags and two separate ski bags, it provides optimum protection and convenient transport for four pairs of skis and other travel and sports accessories. An especially user-friendly feature: in bad weather, the bags can be packed indoors, in the comfort of your home or holiday accommodation. The design of the luggage set features typical Mercedes-Benz quality, with the bags made from hard-wearing, water-resistant material.
Thanks to the handy shoulder straps included in the set, the bags can also be used outside the roof box. Another practical feature is the ski rack insert for the roof box, offering a secure hold for up to five pairs of skis.
The multifunction box: roof box 400
Featuring the same stylish design and practical advantages as the roof box 450, but with dimensions specially tailored to more compact vehicles, the roof box 400 will be launched on the market in September. It has a capacity of 400 litres, and is 70 cm wide and 40 cm high, but just 190 cm in length: this allows the rear door of the new A-Class to be opened even when the roof box 400 is mounted. Special handles, 80 cm in length and made from an anodised aluminium profile, make it easier to close and prevent the lid jamming when closing. Needless to say, the multifunction box can also be mounted on all other vehicles. The box has an unladen weight of approx. 16 kg and can accommodate a payload of 75 kg.
There is a luggage set for the roof box 400 as well, consisting of three bags together with a ski bag for two pairs of skis, which can be up to 170 cm long. The ski bag is also available separately.
The sports box: roof box 330
The sports box, with a volume of approx. 330 litres, provides additional luggage space in the format of a compact class boot. It is available in the colours titanium metallic and matte silver. A luggage set consisting of four bags and a ski rack insert for up to three pairs of skis is also available for this box as an optional extra. With a payload of up to 50 kilograms, this transport box is also suitable for transporting heavy loads. An advantage of the sports box is that, as well as the box, depending on the vehicle, there is still room on the roof for a further ski or snowboard rack, or a bicycle rack. The roof box 330 weighs 14 kg, and its dimensions are 220 x 60 x 41 cm.
Simple fitting and practical details
If you need to, you can fit the roof box on your own, without requiring additional tools. This is possible thanks to a convenient sliding fastening system, and also thanks to the low weight of the boxes themselves. High-quality pneumatic springs also make it easy to open and close the roof box, which is splash-water protected and made of high-quality plastic. Using the standard tension straps, valuable cargo can be securely fixed in place.
In an accident situation, all the roof boxes offer a high level of safety. They undergo stringent German Technical Inspection Authority (TÜV) and “City Crash” testing, and must also meet the rigorous Mercedes-Benz standards that go well beyond the legal requirements. For example, the tilt/sliding sunroof must open and close smoothly even when the roof box is mounted. [1] Available from the sales launch of the new A-Class in September 2012Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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Individual attachment solutions for a wide range of models and body variants, aerodynamically optimised and crash-tested – these are the common features of the Alustyle roof carrier series developed by Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, available from all Mercedes-Benz partners.The cross-bars on the basic carriers are made of aluminium and are connected to the vehicle roof with steel elements. They are lockable and can be supplied as an optional extra in a sturdy bag made from high-quality nylon fabric, perfect for storage and transport. A special advantage: the tilt/sliding sunroof still functions normally with the roof carrier attached.The basic carriers form the base for attaching bicycle carriers, ski and snowboard racks and roof boxes from the Mercedes-Benz accessories range. These can be simply and securely attached using the T-slot in the cross-bar. Catalogues with the comprehensive model-specific range of accessories from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH are available to download here.
New Alustyle Quickfix basic carrier: can be attached securely without toolsThey can be mounted in next to no time, and no additional tools whatever are required – this is the innovative advantage of the new Alustyle Quickfix basic carrier generation, which Mercedes-Benz Accessories can now offer for the new B-Class, and will be offering in future for the new A-Class.
The innovative quick-grip mounting is failsafe, and can be easily managed by every customer. The lockable plastic caps are an effective theft deterrent, and at the same time ensure that the quick-release lever cannot become detached. Close cooperation between accessory developers, body experts and the designers of the new compact vehicles was needed to develop the Alustyle Quickfix, and so four readily accessible attachment points have been fully integrated into the roof design.Other important criteria in the design of the Alustyle Quickfix were the optimisation of aerodynamics and noise level, and also crash testing, which at Mercedes-Benz goes well beyond the legal requirements. All components in the carrier systems meet the highest standards in terms of operating stability and durability.
The basic carrier and the special racks and fixtures for bycicles, skis, snowboards and roof boxes, as well as other customised accessories, are now available at all Mercedes-Benz partners for the B-Class, and from September for the A-Class. A reliable spare parts supply service is also in place.
A successful balancing act: lightweight, yet extremely stable
The Mercedes-Benz basic carrier system illustrates that low weight and high stability are not incompatible properties – for example, the two aluminium tubes with the steel bases in the Alustyle Easy-Fix II carrier bar for the new M-Class weigh just 4.8 kilograms, but can withstand loads of up to 100 kilograms. This means they are ideal for transporting bulky roof boxes and complete sets of sports equipment. The Alustyle system also ensures that any roof load is securely protected. In terms of crash safety, for example, it not only meets legal requirements, but also the much stricter Mercedes-Benz standards. Testing includes crash tests, and a road durability test with up to 50 percent cargo overload and high acceleration stresses. As a result, the carrier and carrier lock can withstand even extreme, sudden manoeuvres without falling from the roof or loosening.
Design: elegant silhouette, including with roof carrier
When designing the carrier systems, considerable emphasis was placed on ensuring both stylish looks and optimum functionality. The roof carriers were designed in close cooperation with the Mercedes-Benz Design Center in Sindelfingen. As a result, their shapes are a perfect match for the elegant design of the Mercedes-Benz models they are designed for. There is a specially developed carrier set for almost each model.
Overview of the basic carriers available:
Basic carrier - Model series
New Alustyle - CLS, E-Class Saloon & Coupé, C-Class Saloon & Coupé, S-Class, R-Class
Alustyle Easy-Fix - C-Class Estate, E-Class Estate,
Alustyle Easy-Fix II - M-Class, GL-Class, GLK-Class (with roof rail)
Alustyle Quickfix - B-Class, future A-Class
Ideal for leisure activities: special carriers from the Alustyle range
The New Alustyle multifunctional carrier system will be a big attraction for everyone who enjoys recreational sports – to begin with, it forms the base for mounting the generously sized Mercedes-Benz roof boxes (see the next section). As well, the Mercedes-Benz Accessories range includes bicycle, ski and snowboard racks that have been specially customised for the basic carrier bars.
For cyclists: the New Alustyle bicycle rack
Depending on the vehicle in question, up to four cycle racks can be mounted on the roof carrier. Each cycle rack is suitable for transporting bicycles with a maximum frame diameter of 98 mm (for round frame tubes), or 110 x 70 mm (for oval frame tubes). The maximum permissible weight per bicycle has recently been increased, including for New Alustyle bicycle racks that have already been delivered: it is now 20 kg (previously 17.5 kg), and now makes allowance for the trend towards electric bikes. To ensure that the maximum permissible roof load is not exceeded, the weight of the roof carrier, bicycle racks and cycles should be added together.
The support frame on the New Alustyle bicycle rack can be folded down, which reduces drag when driving without the cycles attached. Bicycles can mounted in one of two ways: on the roof, or with convenient mounting at ground level. Coil locks are available as an optional extra to safeguard the bikes against theft.
For winter sports enthusiasts: ski and snowboard racks
The standard version of the Alustyle carrier for winter sports is designed for up to four pairs of skis or two pairs of snowboards. The Comfort model can transport up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. A special feature of this variant is its practical “pull-out” function, which makes loading and unloading easy. Both rack systems have been tested to the strict Mercedes-Benz standards. They can also be locked to protect against theft. As an alternative, you can use the large roof boxes, which offer protection against the elements, and secure storage space for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards..jpg)
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With individual transport solutions for bycicles, skis and snowboards, each tailored to the vehicle in question, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offers optimum storage space extensions to ensure active enjoyment of leisure activities. Catalogues with the comprehensive model-specific range of accessories from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH are available to download here.They can be mounted in next to no time, and no additional tools whatever are required – this is the innovative advantage of the new Alustyle Quickfix basic carrier generation, which Mercedes-Benz Accessories can now offer for the new B-Class, and will be offering in future for the new A-Class. The innovative quick-grip mounting can be installed very simply. The lockable plastic caps are an effective theft deterrent, and at the same time ensure that the quick-release lever cannot become detached. Close cooperation between accessory developers, body experts and the designers of the new compact vehicles was needed to develop the Alustyle Quickfix, and so four readily accessible attachment points have been fully integrated into the roof design.
The new Easy-Fix II carrier bars are just as easy to attach, and are available for the current M-Class, the GL and the GLK models. Here too, just a few steps are needed: pre-tension until the bar clicks, and then tighten by shifting the lever, which once again can be easily attached without the use of tools.
Other important criteria in the design of all carrier systems from the range of genuine accessories included optimisation of aerodynamics and the noise level, and also crash testing, which at Mercedes-Benz goes well beyond the legal requirements. All components in the carrier systems meet the highest standards in terms of operating stability and durability.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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Mercedes-Benz will soon be extending its family of trucks by a new member, the new Mercedes-Benz Antos – a model series designed specifically for heavy-duty short-radius distribution transport use. The vehicles are currently demonstrating their capability in camouflaged guise, but the covers will come off for the Commercial Vehicle IAA in September and the start of sales.With the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Antos, Mercedes-Benz becomes the first manufacturer to have a truck series that has been specially developed for the very varied requirements of the short-radius distribution transport industry.
The Mercedes-Benz Antos promises both transport operators and drivers the benefits of easy and well thought-out handling as well as outstanding efficiency. The general styling and the design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz Antos reveal its relationship with the Mercedes-Benz Actros, but the very different requirements for the cab give it an unmistakable character of its own. The 2.30-metre-wide cabs, designed specifically for the short-radius distribution transport market, are available in either short 'S' or medium-size 'M' versions. Both offer a convincing combination of easy access, optimised ergonomics and intuitive controls.
The beating heart of the new model series is provided by the latest Euro VI range of engines with "Blue Efficiency Power", produced in Mannheim and launched in March of this year. With a total of 13 power categories, the Mercedes-Benz Antos covers a broad spectrum of engine power from 175 kW (238 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp). The new vehicles are available as either platform trucks or tractor units in a total of 67 different wheelbase lengths, with the axle spacing ranging from a minimum of 2650 mm up to a maximum of 6700 mm. The driver is helped in his everyday duties by a fully automated PowerShift transmission, amongst other features. Safety can also be further improved by the addition of optional safety systems such as Active Brake Assist, which reacts to stationary obstacles.
The new specialists
The basic range of models available with the new Mercedes-Benz Antos short-radius distribution truck and the new Mercedes-Benz Actros long-distance transport truck is extended by the addition of further specialist models that increase the efficiency of both model series still further. With an unladen weight of around six tonnes, the Loader is designed to maximise the payload, while the low coupling point and low frame height of the Volumer, together with an interior height of three metres, maximise the vehicle's load capacity.
Heavy-duty short-radius distribution operations
Heavy-duty short-range distribution involves, above all, the regional transportation of commodities such as food, with the retail sector one of the key areas served. The platform trucks with refrigerated or box bodies that are so often used here spend more or less equal proportions of their time in urban traffic, on country roads and on the motorway.
This operating profile gives rise to very specific requirements of the optimum vehicle for heavy-duty short-radius distribution work: what is needed is a vehicle with good all-round visibility that is easy to operate and configured for single-day tours. A broad spectrum of engine power is required in order to cope with varying regional topography and different loads; many stops and the frequent need to change route make professional logistics management essential; and of course - on top of all this - the operator wants a vehicle that, as his 'calling card', conveys a representative image of his company.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.
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