SOLARIS URBINO TAKES THE BUS OF THE YEAR 2005 RUNNER'S-UP HONOURS

Results of the 4th edition of the "Bus of the Year" competition have now been released. In this contest to name Europe‘s best city bus, votes cast by international jury gave second spot to Solaris Urbino II, manufactured by

Solaris Bus & Coach of Bolechowo near Poznań, Poland.

The Solaris Urbino missed the title of the best city bus in Europe in 2005 by a single point. The Solaris Bus & Coach product won 52 votes, while the winning entry, from MAN, got 53 votes.

"Taking the second spot in this prestigious competition that has such an importance for the industry, is a major achievement for our company. If we take into consideration the fact that we came second, just behind one of the two large multinational groups, by virtue of a single vote, this runner‘s-up title acquires very special importance for us. This is a tremendous success not only for our company, but also for the whole bus industry in Poland. This result is also a great tribute to the innovative character and highest quality of our products" - said Krzysztof Olszewski, Solaris Bus & Coach chairman.

The jury of the 4th edition of the "Bus of the Year" contest were bus industry journalists from 15 countries. Every member of the jury had 12 points at their disposal and could award a maximum of 7 points to a single entry. The final standings of the "Bus of the Year 2005" competition were as follows:

1. MAN Lion‘s City - 53 points
2. Solaris Urbino II - 52 points
3. Volvo 7700 - 36 points

The winner has the right to use the "Bus of The Year 2005" title.

"Bus of The Year" is the title awarded to city buses by journalists who are ACE members (Association of Commercial Vehicle Editors). This year‘s edition was staged in Poland for the first time, and was held in Poznań on 17-22 May. Also, for the first time in the history of the competition, entrants included a bus designed, engineered and manufactured in Poland - the Solaris Urbino II. The Solaris Urbino competed against MAN Lion‘s City and Volvo 7700.

Solaris Urbino II, the bus designed by Solaris Bus & Coach Ltd. in Bolechowo near Poznan participated the "Bus of the Year" competition. The tests are to select the best city bus in Europe which will be honored by "Bus of the Year" award.

"Bus of the Year" is decreed by journalists dealing with bus branch, who are associated with ACE. This year edition took place in Poland (in the City of Poznań) for the first time. Solaris Urbino II - vehicle designed and manufactured in Poland joined this competition for the first time as well. MAN Lion‘s City and Volvo 7700 were its competitors.

Buses underwent specific technical examination and driving tests in the various conditions. Buses were loaded with 4/5 of its total weight. First part of examination embraced analysis of: acceleration to 20, 40 and 60 km/h, braking, fuel consumption on various distances and speed. Level of internal noise and circle of turning were measured as well.

Buses were also checked in the urban environment. Vehicles drove over dozen km distance during large traffic intensity. Jurors examined across-wise tilts, the way of turning, the efficiency of braking system, the synchronization and flexibility of the gearbox as well as ergonomic of the driver‘s seat and passengers comfort.

The experience gained in the process of building and operating the first generation of Solaris Urbino buses enabled us to commence the development work on a new generation of city bus in 2001. The Solaris Urbino II, with new design was even better engineered and had superior technical parameters. Characteristic feature of the Solaris Urbino styling is the construction corner of the bodywork as well as steep angle of the body in the segment over the side windows line, which forms an additional rain gutter preventing rain water from flowing down the side walls and windows. This structure also increases durability of the bus side walls. The shape of the cover glass of the destination-board has been changed as well. Side destination-board is mounted behind the side screen at the corner area (not at the side-screen) and rear wall has spacious screen of the destination-board. Rear upper lights are placed behind this screen. Nearside mirrors can be folded onto the windscreen. Thanks to this, the vehicle can enter a bus - wash without the need to take off the mirrors.

Interior‘s design modernization embraced arrangement of lighting system in passengers area. Light sources are placed under the panels of the roof channel which are made of semi-transparent plastic. This concept leads to more passenger-friendly lighting superior to conventional fluorescent bulbs. The engine "tower" is finished with vivid elements of plastic. A nice styling cue of the engine cover is a built-in rev counter. Access to daily servicing items were significantly facilitated.

Another new element is multi-layer sound-proofing system covering the engine which efficiently reduces interior sound-level.

"Bus of the Year" competition has been going since 1998, every two years, switching with "Coach of the Year" competition. Buses which participate the competition are selected by journalists associated with ACE. It is worth to mention that at the "Coach of the Year" last edition Solaris Vacanza also took the second place.

Solaris Bus & Coach
Ul. Obornicka 1, Bolechowo
62-005 Owińska
POLAND