Mercedes-Benz, the world’s leading manufacturer of buses and coaches, has recently delivered 30 new Tourismo M/2 high-deck touring coaches to two Italian operators, Autolinee Ventre and Autolinee Varesine. The vehicles will be used for Gran Tourismo and regular services in northern Italy, covering routes from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea.
Tourismo M/2: a versatile and comfortable coach for any occasion
The Tourismo M/2 is a versatile and comfortable coach that can be adapted to any occasion, whether it is a long-distance trip, a city tour, or a shuttle service. The vehicle has a length of 12.3 meters, a width of 2.55 meters, and a height of 3.65 meters, offering a spacious interior for up to 49 passengers. The coach has a powerful and efficient Mercedes-Benz OM 470 engine, which delivers 315 kW (428 hp) and meets the Euro VI-E emission standard. The engine is paired with an eight-speed Mercedes-Benz GO 250-8 PowerShift automated transmission, which ensures smooth and comfortable driving.
The Tourismo M/2 also features a range of safety and assistance systems, such as Active Brake Assist 4 (ABA 4), which can detect pedestrians and initiate emergency braking, Sideguard Assist (SGA), which can warn the driver of moving objects in the blind spot, and Attention Assist (AtAs), which can detect signs of fatigue and alert the driver. The coach also has a fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a rain/light sensor.
The interior of the Tourismo M/2 is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the passengers and the driver. The coach has Travel Star Eco seats with adjustable backrests, armrests, and footrests, seat belts and USB sockets. The seats are covered with leatherette and have a blue and grey color scheme. The coach also has a climate control system with air conditioning and roof hatches, a toilet, a kitchenette with a refrigerator and a coffee machine, and a multimedia system with a radio, a DVD player, and two monitors. The driver’s workplace is ergonomically designed and has a multifunction steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a navigation system.
Autolinee Ventre and Autolinee Varesine: two operators with a long tradition and a modern fleet
Autolinee Ventre and Autolinee Varesine are two operators with a long tradition and a modern fleet in northern Italy. Both companies are part of the Arriva Italia group, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company. Arriva Italia operates in 16 regions of Italy, providing urban, suburban, and intercity transport services, as well as Gran Tourismo and charter services.
Autolinee Ventre was founded in 1928 and is based in Bari, the capital of the Apulia region. The company operates in the provinces of Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, and Foggia, serving more than 100 municipalities and 1.5 million inhabitants. The company has a fleet of 250 vehicles, including buses, coaches, minibusses, and vans, and employs more than 400 people. The company offers regular services, school transport, airport shuttle, and Gran Tourismo services. The company has recently received 15 new Tourismo M/2 coaches, which will be used for Gran Tourismo and intercity services.
Autolinee Varesine was founded in 1939 and is based in Varese, the capital of the Lombardy region. The company operates in the provinces of Varese, Como, and Milan, serving more than 200 municipalities and 2 million inhabitants. The company has a fleet of 300 vehicles, including buses, coaches, minibusses, and vans, and employs more than 500 people. The company offers regular services, school transport, airport shuttle, and Gran Tourismo services. The company has recently received 15 new Tourismo M/2 coaches, which will be used for Gran Tourismo and intercity services.
Mercedes-Benz: a strong partner for the Italian bus and coach market
Mercedes-Benz is a strong partner for the Italian bus and coach market, offering various products and services for different segments and needs. The company has a market share of more than 30% in the coach segment and more than 20% in the bus segment in Italy. The company has a network of 25 authorized dealers and 40 service points throughout the country, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and after-sales support.
Mercedes-Benz is also committed to innovation and sustainability, developing vehicles that meet the highest safety, efficiency, and environmental protection standards. The company is a pioneer in alternative drives, offering hybrid, electric, and hydrogen buses and coaches. The company is also a leader in the field of connectivity and digitalization, offering solutions such as OMNIplus ON, a digital service platform that connects operators, drivers, and vehicles, and provides access to various features such as OMNIplus Uptime, which monitors the vehicle status and alerts the operator in case of potential breakdowns, OMNIplus eShop, which allows online ordering of spare parts, and OMNIplus Summum, which offers a comprehensive service contract for the entire vehicle life cycle.
Mercedes-Benz is proud to deliver 30 new Tourismo M/2 coaches to Autolinee Ventre and Autolinee Varesine, two operators with the same quality, reliability, and customer orientation values. The company is confident that the vehicles will provide excellent performance and comfort for the passengers and drivers and contribute to the operators' success and growth in the Italian market.
