Daimler Buses Delivers First Citaro GÜ to SEV Deutschland

Leinfelden-Echterdingen- Daimler Buses., has delivered the first of 50 new Mercedes-Benz Citaro GÜ intercity articulated buses to SEV Deutschland GmbH, based in Kernen im Remstal, Baden-Württemberg. The handover was made by Marijo Sapina, Head of Private Customer Sales at Daimler Buses, to SEV Managing Directors Erhard Kiesel and Timo Bohr. SEV Deutschland GmbH specializes in providing nationwide rail replacement services.

Each of the seven private bus companies that make up SEV Deutschland GmbH will receive between seven and eight of the modern 18-meter Citaro GÜ articulated buses. Deliveries will continue progressively through the end of 2025.

Mr. Erhard Kiesel, said, “With their precisely tailored features, these buses offer flexible, reliable and efficient operation for a wide range of rail replacement transport services. This is becoming increasingly important as modernization and renovation projects on long-distance and regional rail lines expand.”

SEV Deutschland GmbH will deploy the new buses throughout Germany for long-distance and regional services, including urban tram replacement and shuttle operations. The company serves both private clients and municipal transport authorities.

The 50 Citaro GÜ buses fully comply with the EU’s UN ECE-R 107 accessibility regulation and exceed the safety requirements of the General Safety Regulation (GSR). Each bus is technically equipped to deliver real-time passenger information via a standardized FMS data interface, allowing seamless integration into SEV’s existing fleet management and client communication systems.

The three-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro GÜ is distinguished by its intercity front design with a straight fascia and horizontally divided windows. With a total length of 18 meters, each bus accommodates up to 123 passengers, combining capacity with comfort. Power comes from a 265 kW (360 hp) Mercedes-Benz OM 470 Euro-VI E diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, passengers benefit from 48 durable Inter Star Eco seats with raised, upholstered backrests and integrated headrests for enhanced comfort on longer journeys. LED lighting throughout the passenger cabin, including ambient night lighting, ensures a modern atmosphere.

Climate comfort is maintained by the EvoCool Basic roof-mounted air-conditioning system with active filters, offering separate controls for the driver and passenger areas. Two large 29-inch TFT displays provide route and connection information, while dual USB charging ports at every seat row and on-board Wi-Fi keep passengers connected. An integrated passenger counting system continuously tracks occupancy levels.

In line with Annex 8 of UN ECE-R 107, the Citaro GÜ buses are designed for passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring full accessibility for urban and rail replacement operations. Manual folding ramps facilitate boarding for wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and passengers with limited mobility. The interior includes four step-free seats and two dedicated multi-purpose areas opposite the center and rear doors, equipped for wheelchairs and prams with folding seats and leaning supports.

Safety remains paramount in SEV Deutschland GmbH’s operations. The Citaro GÜ features the patented Articulation Turntable Control (ATC) system, which stabilizes the articulated joint to maintain lane discipline and handling—similar to ESP, but without brake intervention. This ensures optimal steering and stability even at higher speeds, during crosswinds, or in sudden lane changes.

Additional driver-assistance systems include Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Attention Assist, Eco Driver Feedback, and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM). LED technology is used for all exterior lighting, complemented by a reversing camera and a seven-camera video surveillance system in the passenger area. Connectivity is provided through the Bus Data Center for Omniplus On digital services.

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