The prize, created and promoted by the Italian specialized
magazine Autobus, is the first and only European award that acknowledges
sustainability in the field of buses. The international jury is coordinated by Fabio
Zammaretti (Vado e Torno Edizioni) and composed by Autobus magazine (Roberto
Sommariva), by French magazine Mobilités Magazine (Jean-Philippe Pastre), by the
German editorial office Ntt (Wolfgang Tschakaert, also organizer of International
Bus & Coach competition) and by Austrian magazine 1BUS (Ernst Müller).
The prize aims to play a role in promoting a new mobility culture, not only encouraging
the use of the most advanced technologies in terms of low environmental impact but
also taking into account safety of vehicles, i.e. the capability of the vehicle to reduce
the danger for passengers, pedestrians and the driver. Sustainability also means
establishing a positive image of the vehicle to the eyes of the general public. Hence,
several aspects can come into play, such as noise, recyclability of components and
the general environmental commitment of the manufacturer.
Below the winners with motivations.
Sustainable Bus Award Urban: Vdl Citea Slfa-181 Electric
Future urban mobility will be electric. It’s the shared opinion of Europe and Uitp. Vdl is the
first manufacturer with a strict modular electric driveline for all models. Vdl Citea Electric
range embraces 9 to 18,75 meters models. In particular, 18 meters buses are powered by
Siemens electric engine capable of delivering 210 chilowatt for a peak torque of 3.800
Nm. Thanks to the lighter body now on market, Vdl Citea Slfa-181 Electric can board up
to 145 passengers, a number of passenger very close to a similar diesel bus. Citea Electric
can meet every operational and infrastructural need thanks to an offer that covers both
pantograph and plug-in charging systems.
Sustainable Bus Award Intercity: Iveco Crossway Le Natural Power
It’s the first time a manufacturer proposes an intercity low entry bus with gas
engine. Iveco accepts the challenge with an innovative product. Four gas tanks
(over than 1.200 liter of capacity) are positioned on the front part of the roof so
as not to affect the maximum height of the bus, which remains the same as diesel
versions. Iveco has opted for brand new Cursor 9 Cng engine (360 hp and 1.650
Nm) and automatic transmission in order to meet different kind of needs. Thanks
to the tanks big capacity, Crossway Le Natural Power promises an autonomy of
more than 600 km, the same as a similar diesel bus, but with significantly reduced
emissions of polluting substances. In 2017 Cnh Industrial, to whom belongs Iveco
Bus, has been confirmed from seven years in a row as Industry Leader in Dow Jones
Sustainability World and Europe indexes, with a score of 89/100. Furthermore, for the second time, it has been nominated Industry Group Leader among Capital
Goods companies.
Sustainable Bus Award Coach: Setra ComfortClass S516 Hd/2
The 13 metres two axles coach represent the new standard for touristic services.
Setra, with its ComfortClass S 516 Hd/2, proposes to the market a coach with
high technical features. The Om 470 Euro VIc engine coupled with Mercedes
Powershift (6 or 8 gears) creates a balance between comfort and low consumption.
This last result relies also on Ppc (Predictive Powertrain Control) and Edf (Eco
Drive Feedback) systems. About safety, Setra comes with Fcg (Front Collision
Guard) and with Aba 3 (Active Brake Assist 3).
Sustainable Bus Award
“Sustainable Bus Award” could be considered the outcome of Mobility Revolution
Bus, the sustainability index that has been used for all veichles presented and
tested by Autobus magazine since the beginning of 2016. It is the result of a
partnership between LifeGate and Autobus. The award also takes advantage of
Giulio Ceppi, professor at Politecnico university in Milan, contribution.
