Daimler Buses Showcases Hybrid and Electric Buses at FIAA

Daimler Buses Highlights Passenger Transport Portfolio at FIAA 2026

On September 21, Daimler Buses presented its passenger transport portfolio at FIAA 2026 in Spain, covering vehicles and services for urban, interurban, and long-distance travel. The display brought together Mercedes-Benz and Setra models, with the portfolio highlighting electric and hybrid propulsion alongside advanced safety and driver-assistance systems. Digital services, aftersales support, and e-mobility services were also part of the presentation. The exhibition therefore covered multiple areas of passenger transportation, from conventional chassis solutions with hybrid assistance to battery-electric buses and premium coach offerings.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 Chassis Adds 48V Mild-Hybrid System

A key part of the presentation was the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 hybrid chassis, which uses a 48V mild-hybrid system designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The system supports vehicle starting and acceleration while recovering energy during braking. Daimler Buses offers the chassis in two versions: the OC 500 LE 1930 hybrid and the OC 500 RF 1936 hybrid. Both variants are manufactured at Daimler Buses’ chassis production facility in Sámano, Cantabria, Spain, connecting the hybrid chassis program directly with the company’s production operations in the country.

Mercedes-Benz Adds Electric and Battery Technology

Mercedes-Benz also displayed the eIntouro, a battery-electric interurban bus intended for passenger transportation beyond urban routes. The presentation additionally featured new-generation NMC4 batteries for the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro, highlighting the continued role of battery technology within the brand’s electric bus portfolio. The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Safety Coach was another part of the display, emphasizing the broader focus on safety and driver-assistance technology alongside propulsion developments. Together, these vehicles represented electric mobility and safety-focused solutions across different passenger transport applications.

OC 500 Hybrid Chassis Versions at FIAA 2026

The two OC 500 hybrid chassis versions shown at FIAA 2026 share the same 48V mild-hybrid approach but serve different chassis configurations. The OC 500 LE 1930 hybrid and OC 500 RF 1936 hybrid are both produced at the Sámano facility in Cantabria, Spain. Their presentation demonstrates how Daimler Buses is applying hybrid assistance across multiple chassis variants while maintaining a production base in Spain. The following table summarizes the specific versions identified in the article and their key characteristics.

Setra Marks 75 Years With Broad Coach Lineup

Setra presented a broad range of passenger vehicles at FIAA 2026, extending from the MultiClass low-entry bus to the premium ComfortClass and TopClass coaches. The brand is also marking its 75th anniversary at the event, adding a historical milestone to its presence at the exhibition. Its lineup complements the Mercedes-Benz vehicles displayed at FIAA by covering different passenger transport applications and premium coach segments. The combined presentation demonstrates the breadth of the Daimler Buses portfolio across urban, interurban, and long-distance passenger mobility requirements.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The FIAA 2026 presentation reflects the continued diversification of passenger bus technology, with hybrid systems, battery-electric vehicles, safety technologies, and digital services appearing within the same portfolio. For operators, the availability of different propulsion and vehicle configurations provides solutions for varying route requirements, including urban, interurban, and long-distance applications. The 48V OC 500 hybrid chassis also shows how efficiency improvements can be incorporated into conventional chassis platforms, while the eIntouro and new-generation NMC4 batteries demonstrate continued movement toward battery-electric passenger transport. Further vehicle, battery, safety, and service developments will determine how these technologies expand across Daimler Buses’ passenger mobility portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Daimler Buses showcase at FIAA 2026?
The FIAA 2026 display covered hybrid and electric buses, safety technologies, digital services, aftersales support, and e-mobility solutions for passenger transportation. It included the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 hybrid chassis, available in LE 1930 and RF 1936 versions with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The Mercedes-Benz eIntouro battery-electric interurban bus, new-generation NMC4 batteries for the eCitaro, and the Tourismo Safety Coach were also shown. Setra presented its MultiClass, ComfortClass, and TopClass range while celebrating its 75th anniversary at the exhibition.