NEWS

44 VDL vehicles for Swedish Byberg & Nordin

During Busworld 2013 in Kortrijk, Swedish company Byberg & Nordin and VDL Bus & Coach signed a contract for the delivery of 44 VDL vehicles. With no fewer than 27 Futuras FMD2, it is the first major order for the new model within the Futura family. The order also includes 4 Futuras FHD2, 8 Citeas LLE and 5 MidEuros. The buses and coaches, equipped with Euro 6 engines, will be put in service in the Swedish county of Västernorrland in mid-2014. All the vehicles will be used for public transport services.

“The tender requirements in Västernorrland were focused on emission reduction. VDL's lightweight concept means a reduction of harmful emissions and also has a beneficial effect on the operating costs. These were two key focal points in the preparation of our tender specification. We are very pleased to be able to provide our customers on the regional lines a higher comfort level with the Futura FMD2”, says Tomas Byberg CEO Byberg & Nordin AB.

Rémi Henkemans, Managing Director VDL Bus & Coach bv: “This order once again confirms that VDL buses are gaining market share in Sweden. Our delivery of four models from the broad VDL product range demonstrates Swedish confidence in the ‘Profit of Ownership’ of our buses. We are especially pleased that we are able to meet the Swedish wishes with the new Futura model, the Futura FMD2.”

Futura FMD2, the profitable all-rounder
The 27 Futuras FMD2-129 for Byberg & Nordin are 12.9 metres long, driven by a Euro 6 DAF MX-11 240 engine (240 kW - 330 bhp), have a fully-automatic ZF AS Tronic gearbox and accommodate 49 passengers. The Futura FMD2 is registered as a Class 2 vehicle and, as such, meets the requirements of the Swedish public transport authority. They will be operated on the regional lines.

This profitable all-rounder can be used for both charter and intercity transport service. The 1,250 mm floor height provides easy entry and egress. Like the FHD2, the FMD2 has a flat floor without any raised areas. 
The owner/operator will find that the Futura FMD2 offers Profit of Ownership: the low net weight, reduced fuel consumption, high passenger capacity, generous luggage space and low running costs make the Futura FMD2 a highly profitable investment.

In developing this new Futura model, optimum use was made of the modular system around which the Futura range is built. As with the FHD2, the unibody construction of the FMD2 also serves as a safety cage. The complete vehicle has a high stiffness, the most important factor for good driving characteristics.

Despite the 20 cm height difference compared to the Futura FHD2, the FMD2 has the same solid and robust appearance. The design differences have been kept to a minimum.


Futura FMD2-129

Combination order
The order also includes include 4 Futuras FHD2-139. These vehicles will be delivered with the Euro 6 DAF MX-11 320 engine (320 kW - 440 bhp) and a fully-automatic ZF AS Tronic gearbox. The Futuras FHD2 have a length of 13.9 metres and can accommodate 57 passengers. These vehicles will serve the regional lines. 
Bus service within the cities of Sollefteå and Härnösand will be provided by 8 Citeas LLE-120 (Light Low Entry). The buses are equipped with a Euro 6 Cummins ISB6.7 (187 kW - 255 bhp) engine and a Voith DIWA.6 gearbox. The Citeas have 37 fixed seats, 4 folding seats on the wheelchair platform and space for around 43 standing passengers. The low unladen weight of the bus results in very favourable fuel economy, giving the Citea LLE a low emission footprint. An additional advantage is its low-floor construction between the entry and exit doors, making it optimally accessible for wheelchair users and passengers with baby buggies.
An additional 5 MidEuros, based on a Euro 6 version Mercedes Sprinter, will be used as school buses. 

 Citea LLE-120

Byberg & Nordin
Byberg & Nordin is a family company, founded in 1925. The company is currently run by the third generation. Byberg & Nordin provides public transport, school transport, express and charter transport in central Sweden, in the county of Västernorrland. The fleet currently consists of some 70 vehicles. As of June 2014, the fleet will be expanded with the 44 vehicles from this order.  

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