News 2026

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# Vehicles & technology # Markets & customers # Conecto # Citaro # City bus # 2026

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April 9, 2026

Mercedes‑Benz Conecto for German market.

Daimler Buses will introduce the Mercedes‑Benz Conecto to the German market in the future. With this step, the company is responding to continued strong demand in the private‑sector city bus segment. The low‑floor bus, produced in Turkey, complements the Citaro model range and is aimed at operators with straightforward, functional operational requirements.

Leinfelden‑Echterdingen / April 2026.

  • Expansion of the city bus portfolio for private‑sector customers
  • Clear technical distinction from the Mercedes‑Benz Citaro
  • Production via Otokar cooperation
  • Deliveries starting mid‑2027
  • Continued focus on electromobility and transformation

Clear technical distinction from the Mercedes‑Benz Citaro.

The Conecto has been in service for many years in numerous European markets. Its launch in Germany expands the available portfolio: While the Citaro will remain the first choice for complex configurations, highly customized equipment and municipal tenders, the Conecto will serve operational profiles with simpler requirements such as school transport, replacement capacity needs and comparable urban bus applications. The vehicle is offered as a 12‑meter solo bus—also in the fuel‑efficient Conecto hybrid version—and as an articulated bus, meeting the most common demands of urban line service.

In the solo bus configuration, propulsion is provided by the 7.7‑liter Mercedes‑Benz OM 936 inline six‑cylinder diesel engine, delivering 220 kW (299 hp) and 1,200 Nm of torque—also available as a fuel‑saving hybrid with 48‑V low‑voltage technology. The OM 936 complies with the Euro 6 E emissions standard. The Conecto G articulated bus is equipped with the 10.7‑liter OM 470 Euro VI diesel engine, rated at 265 kW (360 hp) and 1,700 Nm of torque.

Operators who do not require the full equipment range of the Citaro now have an economical alternative from Daimler Buses — combined with the reliability and service network of the company.

More information about the Conecto
More information on the Citaro

Production via Otokar cooperation.

The Conecto is manufactured as part of a cooperation with Turkish bus manufacturer Otokar. Daimler Buses supplies all essential vehicle components as well as specialized production equipment directly to Otokar’s modern production facility. In addition, an experienced Daimler Buses team supports the Conecto production on site. This partnership provides Daimler Buses with the necessary production flexibility to offer additional capacity. Deliveries for the German market are planned to start in mid‑2027.

Ongoing focus on electromobility and transformation.

Expanding the portfolio with the Conecto does not conflict with the company’s transformation strategy. Daimler Buses continues to push forward the sustainable realignment of its product range and the development of alternative drive technologies. The Conecto is targeted at private city bus operators seeking to meet short‑term capacity needs in the conventional segment.