Scania OmniExpress 3.20– new Class II coach debuts at Transport 2011

With the new lower model Scania OmniExpress 3.20, Scania introduces a strong contender in the expanding short and medium distance regular service market in Europe. The two- or three-axle bus can be tailored to virtually any operator’s demands, including 12 lengths from 11 to 14.9 metres with up to 67 passengers and around 30 different interior layouts. EEV or Euro 5 engines ranging from 230 up to 440 hp are offered. As part of Scania’s alternative fuel offer, the bus can be specified to run on biodiesel or ethanol, the latter a first in this segment. The optional Ecolution by Scania specification provides substantial CO2 savings for operators that are keen to promote their green profile.

A new version of the Scania OmniExpress makes its first public appearance at Transport 2011, 6-9 April, in Herning, Denmark.

“Built for Scania in cooperation with Lahden Autokori Oy and with full parts and service support from the Scania network, the Scania OmniExpress 3.20 is destined to take a fair chunk of the intercity segment,” comments Melker Jernberg, Senior Vice President, Scania Buses and Coaches.

“The light, yet robust design and exceptional flexibility when it comes to bodywork and interior layouts are bound to appeal to quality-minded operators across Europe. In addition, we offer our customers several possibilities to minimise their carbon footprint. Sales are starting now in the Nordic and Baltic countries, followed by central and southern Europe.”

The same modular design is used as the basis for the 3.40 and 3.60 m versions of the Scania OmniExpress, with which it shares many systems and components. The body, built entirely of stainless steel, is wedge-shaped (7.5 cm) at the front to further improve aerodynamics.

An established specialty of this model range is that the body design and assembly method are tailored to give high flexibility in terms of overall length as well as height. The length can be specified in steps of 30-40 cm from 11 up to 14.9 m. Similarly, some 30 standard interior layouts are offered, in several comfort levels, in all cases with further customisation possible down to the smallest detail. With up to 6.36 cu m of luggage space accessible via top-hinged doors, the bus can serve as a coach for shorter outings during weekends.

The floor height is 860 mm, in line with specific demands for this type of traffic for example in Germany. One or two doors can be specified in configurations 1‑1‑0 or 1‑2‑0, in the latter case also with an optional wheelchair lift at the centre door. The aisle is 10 cm wider than in the higher models to provide high passenger flow and the floor area at the driver station has been designed to provide ample standing room when entering and purchasing tickets.

The automatic climate control system is designed to cope with all conditions from arctic cold in northern Finland to summer heat in southern Italy. Also for passenger climate reasons, the size and location of the side windows area has been chosen to keep down sun radiation in the summer and cold draughts during winter. The double glazing on the side windows has been designed to save weight. Extra thin glass panes (3 mm) are used, but with the panes placed farther apart than normal (9 mm) to provide maximum insulation.

The driver station, with full Scania ergonomics, is spacious and easily accessible. Whether specified with an automatic ZF transmission or with Scania Opticruise, the gear selector is placed on the dashboard (ZF) or on the steering column (Scania Opticruise), enabling the driver to walk on-board to the 90 degree swing seat without obstruction. Plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment and pendant pedals complete the picture of a thoroughly engineered working environment.

Powertrain options include powerful and economical 9- and 13-litre Euro 5 and EEV engines ranging from 230 to 440 hp, combined with automatic transmission or Scania Opticruise automated gearchanging. Scania EGR emission technology eliminates the need for additives and extra tanks, while permitting the use of up to 100% biodiesel. Another alternative fuel option is the Scania ethanol engine, which is offered for the first time in this type of bus.

Pictures are available from the Scania Image Bank, http://imagebank.scania.com/. Please enter “Transport2011” in the search field.

Scania is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. Service-related products is a growing proportion of the company’s operations, assuring Scania customers of cost-effective transport solutions and maximum uptime. Scania also provides financial services. Employing some 35,500 people, Scania operates in about 100 countries. Research and development activities are concentrated in Sweden, while production takes place in Europe and South America, with facilities for global interchange of both components and complete vehicles. In 2010, net sales totalled SEK 78 billion and net income amounted to SEK 9.1 billion. Scania press releases are available on www.scania.com