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Originally Posted by BMW_Dude  MB bendy buses. |
CITARO 
Mercedes-Benz O530 Citaro - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Mercedes-Benz Citaro (or: O530) is the current Mercedes-Benz/EvoBus mainstream bus intended for public transport. It features a low floor, making it more accessible for people with disabilities and people with young children or carrying heavy items.
There are several versions available:
* Standard 12m twin-axle
* 10.5m twin-axle (Citaro K)
* 18m articulated (Citaro G)
* 15m tri-axle (Citaro L)
* 12m "low entry" (Citaro LE)
* A series of suburban/interurban versions (Citaro Ü series).
Aside from the usual diesel engines, the Citaro is also available with a powerful Euro 4 natural gas engine (model M 447 hLAG) rated at 185 kW (252 PS) or 240 kW (326 PS) - the latter rating used mainly for interurban and articulated buses or standard-length city buses operating in areas with a hilly topography. These engines are also optionally available with EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles) certification, meaning that their emission levels are lower than even the most stringent European Union emissions standards.
The Citaro is highly customizable; transporters can determine their own seating plan, making the bus ideal for both city and interlocal transport.
In 2005, Mercedes-Benz/EvoBus launched the New Citaro - basically an original Citaro with a facelift and featuring a Euro 4 engine. For new purchases, the original Citaro has now been completely replaced by the New Citaro.
However, when Transport for London ordered them in 2003-2004, four Citaros caught fire, luckily with no casualties besides the buses. In fact, one was burned on delivery, for reasons unexplained. Mercedes-Benz did, however, address the problem, though the buses were withdrawn for some time. Unfortunately, these buses were said to have marred the reputation of articulated buses in the United Kingdom, and some Londoners nicknamed them "Chariots of Fire".