Tourismo turns 20

Mercedes-Benz has marked the 20 year anniversary of the launch of its Turkish built Tourismo touring coach. Since the vehicle’s release, over 21,000 units have rolled off the production line. Originally built as a high-decker in just one length, the current generation of Tourismo coaches spans a wide range of models. The Tourismo’s formula for success is however unchanged; economy and functionality. It was the first PCV bearing the Mercedes star to be given a name and to mark its birthday, models will sport a ‘20 Years Anniversary’ badge.

In autumn 2006, after a production run of over 12,000 0350 models for more than 50 countries, the second generation of the Tourismo was launched. Three years later, the range was expanded again by bringing out the new raised floor Tourismo RH. In 2008, annual production broke through the 1000 barrier for the first time with a total of 1273 units. Mercedes-Benz delivered the 5,000th second-generation Tourismo in February 2012, bringing the total number of Tourismo vehicles in operation to 17,500. Liberalisation of long-distance bus transport in Germany in 2013 provided a further impetus for the model and was a key factor in the growth in annual sales to a new all time record of 1,530 units. At the same time, total vehicle sales since 1994 reached the 20,000 mark. In parallel with the introduction of the Euro6 version in 2013, the new Tourismo K was launched to add a 10.3m compact touring coach to the range. In its 2014 anniversary year, Mercedes-Benz is presenting new assistance and safety systems for the Tourismo in the form of the Lane Assistant and the AEBS (Advanced Emergency Braking System).