The mini bus version of Mercedes Benz’ latest Sprinter, the City 75 series has been awarded Minibus of the Year 2019 winning over the international specialist jury at this year’s Minibus Euro Test in Madrid.
The Jury judging the award said that the vehicle based on the new generation Sprinter, has been created to not only offer ‘an impressive amount of space and numerous technological highlights but which also demonstrates how modern public transport with minibuses works’.
Passenger versions of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter are due to arrive in Australia in the coming months following the launch of the Sprinter vans and cab chassis cargo models here late in 2018.
The European journalists judging the award were particularly keen to highlight the fact that the manufacturer has managed to create space for up to 38 passengers and has used the space available as efficiently as possible. “By implementing the new high-load rear axle, the vehicle’s economic efficiency was again able to be drastically improved,” said the jury.
“We are very happy for the Sprinter City 75 to win the ‘Minibus of the Year 2019’ award,” said Till Oberwörder, head of Daimler Buses.
“For Mercedes-Benz this is a confirmation that even in the minibus segment, operators and transport companies need the greatest possible flexibility from vehicles which are as economical as possible”, said Oberwörder.
One aspect which received special credit from the jury was the independent vehicle design which it said was representative of the higher demands placed on local public transport.
“Specifically its high-drawn panoramic windscreen doesn’t just ensure passengers enjoy an impressive view to the front, it also provides a discreet location for the destination display. Unique in this vehicle class are the large side windows which deliver a sense of openness and a modern touch,” said the judges
The technology used on-board the new Sprinter City 75 was also able to convince the specialist jury of the vehicle’s strengths, both with the standard auxiliary brake which delivers 350 Nm of braking output and the numerous assistance systems which make the minibus one of the safest in its segment.
With growing demand for ‘last mile’ and shuttle operations for small to medium size buses the now award winning Mercedes Sprinter bus versions are eagerly awaited by operators down under
