Daimler Buses has announced the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Conecto in Germany, responding to what the company has stated is ‘continued high demand’ within the private sector city bus segment.
The low-floor bus, manufactured in Turkey, was created to complement the Citaro model range, and is aimed at operators with simple, functional operational requirements.
Having been in operation in a number of European markets for the past several years; the introduction of the vehicle in Germany represents an expansion of the overall product range, and will be primarily used to cover segments of ‘simpler’ operating profiles, such as school transport, replacement needs and similar city bus applications.
The vehicle is available as a 12-metre, 7.7-litre solo bus (which also comes as the Conecto hybrid variant), as well as a 10.7-litre articulated bus. The solo bus is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz OM 936 inline six-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 220 kW (299 hp) and 1200 Nm of torque (also available hybrid with 48V low-voltage technology), and the articulated bus is equipped with a Euro VI OM 470 diesel engine, producing 265 kW (360 hp) and 1700 Nm of torque.
The Conecto is currently being manufactured in cooperation with the Turkish bus manufacturer, Otokar. All essential vehicle components and specialised production equipment is being supplied directly to Otokar’s plant by Daimler Buses, and the latter is supporting the former’s production on-site.
Deliveries to the German market are scheduled to commence in mid-2027.
