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The Paris, France transport operator, RATP (Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) recently launched a major European multi-year tender (2014-2017) for a contract for some 1,000 standard 12-metre hybrid and gas citybuses. These technologies have been chosen for their environmental qualities with Iveco Bus having anticipated RATP"s needs in terms of the reduction of urban pollution, currently a core concern for many European cities.
With nearly 5,000 buses in service throughout Europe, Iveco Bus claims to be the leading European manufacturer of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses for many years. Emission levels of the Cursor 8 CNG - an engine renowned for its technological excellence - are below the levels of the Euro VI directive. For the greater benefit of both city-dwellers and passengers, the noise levels with the Cursor 8 CNG have been halved and its vibrations attenuated at all operating speeds.
The Iveco Cursor 8 CNG engine is manufactured by CNH Industrial"s powertrain business, FPT Industrial, at the Bourbon-Lancy, France, manufacturing site. Since 2003, 24,000 Cursor 8 CNG engines have been produced at this factory, for road and industrial applications worldwide, including a recent supply to repower bus fleets in Beijing, China.
Iveco Bus won the RATP tender thanks to its all new Urbanway citybus also available in a Full Hybrid version. A "genuine lounge in the city", the Urbanway combines technologically advanced systems with a brand-new attractive design, an all new driver"s area developed according to the latest EBSF (European Bus System of the Future) guidelines, under the aegis of UITP, the International Association of Public Transport, providing the very best in ergonomics, space and comfort.
The Full Hybrid version of the Urbanway confirms the commitment of Iveco Bus to sustainable mobility and to cities that have chosen to adopt "cleaner" bus transport. The traction drive uses a downsized fuel-effective Euro VI engine with exclusive Hi-eSCR exhaust gas after-treatment technology, coupled with an electric-generator engine. The energy accumulated during deceleration is recovered and stored in new generation lithium-ion batteries; this energy is then restored during acceleration. The elimination of the gear box results in a smoother drive and excellent jolt-free acceleration, thus guaranteeing passenger and driver comfort.
This hybrid technology decreases CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by between 25 and 35%. Using 30% less fuel is equivalent to a reduction of over 25 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle per year, which represents more than twice the weight of the vehicle.
The Urbanway Full Hybrid has a new "Arrive & Go" function which ensures "100% electric" silent arrivals and departures at the bus stops, with no pollution or vibrations; these advantages are equally beneficial to both passengers and local communities.
As the historical and largest bus supplier of RATP, Iveco Bus consolidated its position, having perfectly anticipated the operator"s will to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly buses.