Many new features for MAN and NEOPLAN buses
Drivers, passengers and operators will all benefit from greater safety, comfort and efficiency. Here is an overview of the new features of the 2024 models.
Industry experts and customers alike are impressed by the new digital cockpit from MAN: at Busworld Europe 2023, an international jury presented the “Busworld Digital Award” in the category “Digital On-Board Comfort” for the smart operating concept used in MAN and NEOPLAN buses. We’ll explain in more detail here what exactly has changed in the driver’s workplace for the 2024 model year and what other new features drivers and operators can look forward to.
For these model updates, the developers were guided by the latest technical developments, ongoing digitalisation and new legal frameworks. New legal requirements on a European and worldwide level bring with them many additional demands on manufacturers that could barely be met with the technical basis used up to now. The new vehicle electronics from MAN Truck & Bus meet these future requirements. The vehicles are already prepared for the developments to come over the next few years thanks to the ability to update the systems via secure wireless interfaces (over the air) or direct LAN access.
Digital cockpits set new standards
One highlight of the new digital cockpit is the twelve-inch colour display. The two semi-circular instruments leave a wide space for information in the centre. The rev counter or power meter runs anticlockwise for this purpose. All this makes the display area twice the size of its predecessor. The driver can individually adjust the brightness of the HD display.
The convenient size of the display, the clear and easily understandable arrangement of the different elements and the modern 3D views enable the driver to react quickly by providing all the key vehicle information at a glance. Visual overstimulation and fatigue are avoided, thereby increasing driver safety.
SmartSelect control knob: new for the bus sector
The new SmartSelect control knob fitted in the MAN and NEOPLAN coaches also helps. A turn and push button like this is completely new to the bus sector and had previously only been seen in luxury cars. The overall operating concept and positioning of the MAN SmartSelect unit mean that the driver can remain in their usual driving position while controlling the media, keeping their attention continuously on the road. This significantly reduces negligence or accidental steering errors that could endanger the safety of their driving. The innovative concept is based on the findings of MAN’s developers, who discovered that using a touchscreen to operate key functions is not ideal in a commercial vehicle that is demanding to drive and has a sprung driver’s seat. SmartSelect has already proven itself a thousand times over in MAN trucks.
The new multifunctional steering wheel with adjustable steering column levers fits seamlessly into the new operating concept. It is comfortable to hold and is safe and easy to use. The driver has all the functions within reach – without taking a hand off the wheel. The multifunctional steering wheel offers a wide range of functions arranged in ergonomic and logically grouped function islands. This reduces hand movements to a minimum, which leads to fewer steering errors and increased safety.
The enhanced emergency brake assist, EBA+, uses the same hardware as the collision warning. The system activates above 10 km/h and essentially functions in the same way as its predecessor, although it now processes more data from the immediate surroundings and reliably identifies vulnerable road users at up to 50 km/h, meaning that the system exceeds the legal requirements. For the new model year, the Lion’s Coach, Tourliner and Skyliner will be fitted with the enhanced emergency brake assist as standard, in compliance with the new legislation from 2024. Emergency brake assist is an optional feature for MAN city and nationwide buses.
Text: Christian Buck
Photos: MAN
