Scania’s New Bus Generation

Scania is introducing a new family of bus chassis and powertrains complete with advanced driver assistance systems to increase road safety for the vehicle’s driver and occupants as well as vulnerable road users.

Introduced now are the new low-entry route buses, school and charter chassis, the first iterations of a whole new range that will also include three-axle versions, plus low floor battery-electric powertrains and articulated variants in due course.

Scania’s ongoing research and development programme will deliver a continuous rollout of innovations through the product life of this New Bus Generation.

The New Bus Generation launched today features an entirely new chassis, with powertrain upgrades delivering greater efficiency, a longer working life, lowered emissions and reduced operating costs. There’s also an entirely new driver station.

Heading the line-up is a new 500hp 13-litre six-cylinder engine delivering 2550Nm of torque, ideal for long-distance coach travel.

The six-cylinder range also includes 410hp (2150Nm), 450hp (2350Nm) and a new 370hp with 1900Nm that can be paired with an automatic transmission for the first time.

The five-cylinder 9-litre 320hp (1600Nm) for city bus in both diesel and hybrid and 360hp (1700Nm) for school and charter bus options continue, albeit offering enhanced efficiency.

All these engines are Euro 6-compliant.

“The upgraded engines are now more efficient, will use less fuel, and they’re compatible with a range of renewable fuels,” said Trevor O’Brien, Product Manager for Scania Buses and Engines. “The engines retain their modular concept but are further refined in operation.

“The transmission choice starts with the 12-speed Scania Opticruise transmission with faster, smoother gear shifting – standard across the range – with the option of a new six-speed ZF automatic.

“Drivers will find these buses far easier to drive, and with the new independent front suspension available for K-series coach chassis, there’s a noticeable on-road performance improvement. There’s also a new electro-hydraulic steering for the steerable tag versions,” Trevor says.

Bodybuilder electronic integration points have been made smarter and more logical, to speed up the build process and there is additional programmable switchgear to allow for bodybuilder functionality to be integrated into the chassis electronics, reducing duplication.

Drivers, other road users, passengers, and pedestrians will all feel safer in or around the new Scania buses.

Scania is introducing an array of advanced driver assistance systems, to advise and alert the driver, aimed at keeping buses away from other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Among the ADAS menu of assistance systems are an improved adaptive cruise control, new blind-spot warning, vulnerable road user warnings, lane departure warning, integrated advanced emergency braking, and collision warning.

“These systems mean that our buses will be smarter and safer and will provide greater protection all round,” Trevor said. “There are clear benefits for operators; fewer accidents, reduced repair costs, increased uptime and the potential to reduce insurance premiums. A key benefit also is the effect these systems can have on the driver’s mental and physical health.”

One of the most noticeable changes of the New Bus Generation is the design and fitment of the new driver station. The dashboard is all new and follows the design of the New Truck Generation that Scania introduced locally in 2018, which has been lauded globally among truck operators and drivers.

“Drivers will love the new layout,” Trevor says.

The dash is now lower for greater forward visibility, and there’s more adjustment of the steering column, which benefits a wider range of driver profiles.

The dashboard displays greater levels of information and system control buttons are grouped for ease of operation. There are new display graphics and the switchgear is easier to use, while steering wheel-mounted buttons allow access to controls without the driver needing to take his or her eyes off the road or the mirrors.

The new six-speed ZF automatic transmission is now controlled via a rotary dial rather than push-buttons.

Another significant change for the New Bus Generation is the introduction of a completely new and simple to use electro-pneumatic park brake, with multiple built-in safety features, which include removing the possibility of bus roll-away. This will be good news for all bus operators.

“All these introductions and updates apply across the Scania range of city, school and charter bus and coach applications, but also the popular Scania Touring and A 30 product,” Trevor says.

The Scania Touring, a school and charter bus that is 100% Scania from bumper-to-bumper, is now standard with the more powerful 13-litre, 370hp/1900Nm Euro 6-compliant engine and available with six-speed automatic or 12-speed Opticruise transmission.

In Europe, Scania has developed a battery-driven solution that generates zero tailpipe emissions. These vehicles are becoming well established within their operating environments.

In Australia, Scania will soon receive the first examples of this battery-electric chassis to be fitted with local bodies. Once built, they will be evaluated to determine how well they meet local requirements regarding range, driving performance, duty-cycles as well as coping with Australian road and climatic conditions. Running costs will also be analysed.

“While we will be working hard to complete our evaluation of the battery electric chassis for use in Australia, in the meantime we will be focused on our internal combustion and hybrid-electric offering for the market,” Trevor concluded.