New-Gen Travego with Active Brake Assist sets new safety standards

Muamer Hodzic February 6, 2009

Another milestone for the Mercedes bus and coach range: the first Mercedes-Benz Travego with the multiple-award-winning Active Brake Assist (ABA) safety assistant was recently handed over to travel operator “Glauch Reisen” at the Mannheim bus and coach plant. The vehicle in question was a Travego L of the latest generation.

This outstanding safety system made its debut in the Mercedes-Benz heavy truck range in 2006 and received the “Yellow Angel” award from the ADAC. In the event of an acute risk of a collision with a slower-moving vehicle in front, Active Brake Assist issues an escalating series of warnings before initiating emergency braking automatically if the driver fails to take the necessary action.

New Active Brake Assist actively helps to prevent rear-end collisions

Active Brake Assist (ABA) is based on the proximity control system. It makes use of the latter’s radar sensor whose three radar beams can detect obstacles moving in front of the coach within a defined range. The system continuously registers and evaluates the distance between the coach and the vehicle in front as well as the speed of the coach relative to the other vehicle. If, in the absence of a change in the traffic situation, the system identifies a risk of an accident, its first response is to issue an escalating series of warnings before resorting to initiating emergency braking. The first warning the driver receives is a visual indication in the form of an illuminated red triangle with the outline of a vehicle on the instrument panel along with an audible alarm signal that gradually becomes louder. If the risk of a collision becomes more acute, partial braking is initiated. The technology used in this instance takes account of the passengers on board by increasing the braking pressure smoothly. If the driver still fails to respond, the system finally applies the full braking power of its own accord. Once the vehicle comes to a standstill, the hazard warning flashers are activated automatically. In this way, ABA is able to make an active contribution to avoiding rear-end collisions and can save lives.

The latest generation of comfort

During the 2009 travel season, the new Travego L will be the exclusive coach model used for the ADAC “Yellow Dream Tour” programme. This is why the two-axle touring coach with its striking yellow decor film also features the ADAC lettering prominently on both sides. Measuring 13.99 metres in length and equipped with four-star seating (1/52) with Softline upholstery, a galley, fridge, refrigerated compartment, toilet and a 35 kW roof-mounted air-conditioning system, this model is clearly designed to provide coach travel of a very high standard on trips right across Europe. Indeed, comfort is another area in which the new-generation Travego excels. It now features large monitors with a 19-inch screen diagonal so that passengers can enjoy films and TV programmes wherever they are sitting. Furthermore, the ceiling and the luggage racks have been redesigned.

Safety has priority

Mercedes-Benz is pursuing its vision of accident-free driving in which the brand’s integrated safety concept plays a major role. From offering safety during normal driving as well as in hazardous situations to providing protection in the event of an accident and minimising its consequences, the safety concept covers the whole spectrum of automotive safety. The fact that the Travego is now equipped as standard with Active Brake Assist, winner of the “Yellow Angel” award, reflects the systematic approach to the adoption of a wide array of safety features in the new-generation models. Also fitted as standard is the patented Front Collision Guard (FCG), a complex passive safety system which offers effective protection for the driver and co-driver/tour guide in the event of a frontal impact. Its components include a transverse profile which acts as an underride guard for the protection of other road users and can prevent a car, for example, from driving underneath the coach. Behind this profile is a structure consisting of crash elements, which absorb energy in a predetermined manner in the event of an impact. In a serious frontal impact, the survival space can be increased by several crucial centimetres thanks to FCG. The exemplary level of safety is enhanced by many other details such as the new cornering light function and the rain/light sensor.

“Glauch Reisen” – one of the best

Established more than 50 years ago, the Glauch travel company was rated the “Best coach tour operator in North Rhine-Westphalia” in an ADAC travel quality test in 2004. Since then, the Viersen-based company has taken its safety and quality philosophy even further. Today, none of the coaches in its 25-strong fleet is more than four years old and the company ensures that its vehicles undergo a technical inspection by TàœV or Dekra every three months. But as well as keeping a very close eye on the technical safety of its buses, Glauch places great emphasis on ensuring that its drivers receive continuous high-quality training. Regular practical training sessions are as much a part of this as strict compliance with the wheel time regulations. Using its luxury Travego touring coach with the special ADAC decor, Glauch offers exclusive trips throughout Europe in cooperation with the ADAC.