There are few new coach models that are award-winning before they formally take to the streets. The 2024 Neoplan Tourliner from MAN Truck and Bus, however, is already attracting the right kind of attention for its modern, stylish digital cockpit that helps keep the driver focused on the road with the minimum of distractions and the maximum focus on comfort and safety for them and their passengers.
Recognised in the Busworld Digital Awards 2023, the new Neoplan Tourliner features a new digital cockpit described as “a clear step into the human machine interface future”.
With its innovative “SmartSelect” operation and the full integration of the new electric platform and the latest ADAS systems, it helps the driver to concentrate on their job without irrelevant distraction.
A highlight is the new 12-inch diagonal colour digital screen. Two half-instruments in the centre reveal a large information surface. To this end, the rev counter and power meter have been moved to the right, doubling the display area of its predecessor.
The display offers a full-screen view with large symbols in 3D optics and a detailed home screen with a toggle display to the right and left of the central display for selecting. When the information placed to the side is selected, the two side pop-up menus slide like curtains from the outside inwards into the driver’s central field of vision.
In this way, several pieces of information can be displayed in parallel and be optimally perceived by the driver.
One key innovation is the MAN SmartSelect control dial – the first of its kind to be installed in a bus or coach. The entire operating concept and the positioning of the MAN SmartSelect unit is not only convenient and easy to reach, but also safer; drivers can remain in their usual position and keep their attention on the road throughout.
The 2024 Neoplan Tourliner has a host of benefits focused on comfort, safety, and operational efficiency. Beyond the digital technology, which is fully compliant with and even exceeds relevant EU regulations, and the ergonomic driver position, are a host of further technologies to assist the driver in completing their journey safely.
These include enhanced Blind Spot Detection, Turn Assist, and other awareness-based systems which are particularly important in enabling the driver to “see” pedestrians or cyclists at busy intersections and take pre-emptive avoiding action. There are systems that can reliably and accurately detect objects and potential hazards in the distance to warn the driver of a risk of collision and allow them time to take avoiding action.
There are also various tools to provide warnings if inadvertently or unintentionally moving lanes and to recognise traffic signs, restrictions and speed limits ahead.
There are similarly systems – often using a three-stage warning cascade – to help with things like emergency braking to support the quickest and safest response to a potentially dangerous situation, and technology that helps monitor tyre pressures, temperatures and fuel consumption for optimum performance.
It is due to debut in the UK in June 2024.
Visit the website to learn more about why the 2024 Neoplan Tourliner is already setting the new standard in driver and passenger safety.