In autumn 2021, the Kravtex-Kühne Group presented the Credobus Econell 18 Next bus at the 51st Bus and Coach Expert Conference in Budapest. Now the company has presented the solo Credobus Econell 12 Next. The bus has an ultra-low weight construction and weighs according to Credobus less by at least 1.5 tons than the market average and should save more than 4,000 litres of fuel per year and frees the atmosphere from about 10 tons of CO2 emissions. In addition to diesel models, Credobus expects that by 2024 the Econell Next family will expand with battery powered and hydrogen fuel cell versions.
The Econell is 12,230 mm long and has a self-supporting frame structure. The width is 2,550 mm. Due to an increased front overhang the driver's cabin has increased and the front passenger door can provide two passages. The combination of the 19.5" wheel-chassis configuration and low-positioning drive chain installation results in a low entry height, small wheel arches, low podiums and low floor height at the rear. The Econell Next solo and articulated buses can have a 2, 3, and 4-door layout, in both urban and suburban designs.
The Econell 12 Next has a FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) Euro 6 Step E engine. Power transmission is the ZF EcoLife 2 automatic transmission. The new-generation (EBS 3.3) brake system, in addition to the automatically operating electronic parking brake (EPH), can optionally be further expanded with all advanced assistance systems (ADAS) available in the industry. The driver has a completely new, increased-volume storage system and a digital dashboard that can be controlled from the multifunctional-steering wheel. Passengers' comfort is served by USB chargers, an ultra-wide passenger information monitor, full-LED lighting and high-performance, anti-viral air conditioning, which reduces the risk of infection with the coronavirus among.
The frame structure of the new model and almost all integrated metal parts are manufactured by Kühne Mezőgazdasági Gépgyár Zrt. in Mosonmagyaróvár (Hungary), and assembly takes place in Győr (Hungary). In two decades, Credobus became the most significant vehicle manufacturing partner of VOLÁNBUSZ Zrt., and with 2400 operating Credobuses today it amounts up to 40% of the national fleet.