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Daimler Buses

Bus of the Year 2009: The Setra S 415 NF performs extremely well in terms of practicality, workmanship, ideas and economy.

New record for unit sales. Daimler Buses once again increased its unit sales in 2008, selling 40,600 buses and chassis from the Mercedes-Benz, Setra and Orion (2007: 39,000). The business unit thus successfully defended its worldwide market leadership in the segment of buses weighing over 8 tons in all of its core markets. In the bus business in Europe, Daimler Buses scarcely felt the effects of the global financial and economic crisis in 2008 and sold 10,100 units, substantially increasing its unit sales (+11%). Our European market share therefore increased from 20.7% to 22.5%. Although the Latin American market declined sharply, particularly in the last quarter of 2008, Daimler Buses was able to maintain its unit sales at the high level of 19,500 units (2007: 20,100). In the NAFTA region, 7,000 units were sold, representing a 15% increase over the volume attained in 2007.

Success at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008. The 62nd International Motor Show (IAA) for Commercial Vehicles was once again a very successful event for Daimler Buses. A highlight at the IAA was the newly introduced Active Brake Assist system in the current Mercedes-Benz Travego and the Setra TopClass 400. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid Hybrid was presented; Daimler Buses is working hard to launch this vehicle on the market in the near future.

Opening of new spare-parts logistics center. At the beginning of 2008, the new spare-parts logistics center in Neu-Ulm was opened to supply the worldwide service organization with bus-specific spare parts. The center’s new warehouse management system will significantly improve spare-part availability and customer service.

Market launch in India. In India, Daimler Buses now cooperates with Sutlej Motors Ltd. on the production and distribution of buses. As the first joint project, a new Mercedes-Benz intercity luxury coach was launched in India in September 2008. Our local partner will manufacture the vehicle body for the chassis delivered by Mercedes-Benz. Through this joint venture, Daimler Buses is entering an important growth market in Asia.