Daf powers German buses
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DEVELOPED under a Statesponsored public transport programme, a new second generation of city and interurban buses is now entering the final assessment stage in Germany. , Originally Daimler-Benz, MAN and Magirus-Deutz (whose bus division is now defunct) built prototypes, and these were subsequently joined by vehicles from Kassbohrer and Neoplan. The two latter builders had intended to plug spare capacity at their production plants. But registrations of V8V standard city buses have been almost halved in the last two years.
Specifications of Kassbohrer and Neoplan vehicles to the new designs — SL II and Ue 80 — provided for MAN or DaimlerBenz power units, but they gave notice last month that the arrangement would be terminated.
The engine embargo does not extend to the supply of power units for "non standard" buses and coaches built by the two makers concerned.
While Neoplan is reported to be receiving another 100 Mercedes-Benz 407 horizontal engines until the end of the year to fulfil outstanding orders, Kasbohrer is to drop the Ue 80 interurban bus, while continued development of the SL II — citybus is being shelved.
Neoplan, resourceful as usual, has found alternative power units in Daf and Deutz programmes.