VDL Bus & Coach uvádí tři nové varianty autobusu Citea CLE (Low Entry), městského a příměstského autobusu s nízkým nástupem. K verzi CLE 120 (2 osy - 12), přibudou v roce 2010 varianty CLE 129 .(2 osy - 12.9 m), CLE 137 (3 osy - 13.7) a CLE 145 (3 osy - 14.5 m). Plněnízkopodlažní Citea CLF (Low Floor) - byla představena v roce 2007.

Z TZ VDL Bus & Coach bv, Valkenswaard, 9.6.2009. Kompletní v angličtině.

---

New length variants of the Citea CLE (Low Entry)

VDL Bus & Coach introduces no fewer than three new length variants of the Citea CLE (Low Entry), a city and regional bus with a lowered entry step. In addition to the CLE 120 (2-axles - 12 metres), starting in 2010 the length variants CLE 129 (2-axles - 12.9 metres), CLE 137 (3-axles - 13.7 metres) and the CLE 145 (3-axles - 14.5 metres) will also be available. VDL Bus & Coach can now offer a complete range of low entry vehicles to meet all operators requirements. This expansion also represents further development of the new generation of VDL Bus & Coach public transport buses, the first of which - the Citea CLF (Low Floor) - was introduced in 2007.

Citea CLE (Low Entry)

The choice of class 1 or 2 combined with low floor construction all the way to the rear axle, a high degree of modularity and great manoeuvrability make the Citea CLE suitable for both city and regional transport. All the length variants have a low floor (340 mm) at the entry and exit door. The rearmost passenger area is accessible via two steps with a height of 200 mm. A wide selection of single- and double-piece doors in various combinations offers the freedom to configure the buses to the specific requirements of the transport companies. The Citea can be modularly refined to create a custom solution, providing every transporter with exactly what it’s looking for. With the introduction of the three new length variants, VDL Bus & Coach is even better able to meet the needs of the market.

European wishes

During the development of the Citea, the range of wishes of the transport companies in the various European countries were assessed and translated to a concept distinguished by its high level of modularity, compact dimensions and a manoeuvrability that makes this bus suitable for any use.

During development of the Citea CLE, specific attention was also given to the wishes and requirements of various domestic and international transport companies as well as the legal requirements in the intended sales markets. The Citea CLE is therefore outfitted with special features such as a dashboard that meets the VDV standard, 2- or 3-point seatbelts, intercity seats, etc.

Tested technology

Structurally, the Citea CLE is based on lightweight systems that VDL Bus & Coach has already employed successfully for many years in the Ambassador and which have, by now, proven their effectiveness and durability. Like the Ambassador, the Citea CLE is lighter than that of comparable vehicles. The Citea CLE should not be seen as the successor to the Ambassador, however, but rather as a complementary model with a wider range of applications.

Lower costs

Due to the lightness of the Citea it also profits from associated advantages such as lower fuel consumption for equivalent transport performance. Moreover, a lighter vehicle also means lower maintenance costs. This aspect is further strengthened by the modular construction of the Citea range. The same technology and the same components are used for both the Citea CLE and CLF. For fleet owners in particular, that makes maintenance and repair considerably simpler and less expensive. The down time for vehicles in need of body repair after an accident, for example, can be kept to a minimum because body panels are easily replaceable. And, what’s more, the interior has been designed to allow quick and efficient cleaning.

Engine options

The Citea CLE is delivered standard with an extremely clean-burning Euro 5 diesel engine. EEV is available as an option. All length variants are available with the DAF PR 228 S2 engine rated for 228 kW (310 hp) at 2200 rpm or the DAF PR 265 S2 rated for 265 kW (360 hp) at the same rpm. The CLE 120 and CLE 129 Citeas are also available with the DAF PR 183 S2 that provides 183 kW (250 hp) of torque at 2200 rpm.

PR VDL Bus & Coach bv, Valkenswaard, 9 June 2009