Daimler Buses is investing up to 200 million EUR in its European service network, alongside the introduction of new support services focused on electric charging infrastructure and digital connectivity.
The funding will be used to expand and modernise the manufacturer’s existing network of more than 630 service locations, including 36 company-owned centres. The move is intended to strengthen aftersales support as bus operators transition towards electrified fleets and increasingly rely on integrated service solutions.
Till Oberwörder, CEO Daimler Buses said:Service makes the difference! Buses only earn money when they are in operation. To ensure this, our customers need a partner who supports them from vehicle selection and the right infrastructure through to fast and reliable maintenance. The same applies to charging stations: if they fail, operations come to a standstill. Daimler Buses is therefore becoming a provider of service ecosystems, enabling companies to focus fully on their core business. This is exactly what sets us apart from others in our competitive environment.
As part of the strategy, Daimler Buses is expanding its offering for charging infrastructure. This includes a new multilingual hotline designed to resolve most issues remotely, as well as dedicated service teams for on-site support. Initially available in Germany, the service is expected to roll out to other European markets in the coming years.
The company is also developing a “”charging-as-a-service” model, under which it installs and operates charging stations directly at customer depots. This approach is aimed at simplifying the adoption of electric buses by outsourcing infrastructure management.
Digital services form another area of focus. Daimler Buses reported that around 50,000 of its vehicles in Europe are already connected. From this year, new vehicles will support over-the-air software updates, allowing operators to install updates without visiting a workshop. Additional tools include fleet monitoring, vehicle tracking and energy consumption analysis.
The service developments coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Omniplus brand, which consolidates the company’s aftersales and digital offerings. A newer sub-brand, Omniplus Charge, is responsible for infrastructure-related services, including planning and implementation of charging systems. Daimler Buses said more than 70 such projects have already been secured.
Alongside service expansion, the manufacturer confirmed that its battery-electric coach technology demonstrator will begin test drives shortly. Based on the Setra 516 HD model, the vehicle forms part of a broader electrification roadmap.
