Mercedes-Benz Bus History - Daimler

only can be recommended for smaller vehicles.” For heavier models
with curb weights over two tons the manager recommended ordinary
wood wheels fitted with iron hoops.
“These motor vehicles can be put into operation within three minutes,”
the sales brochure announced further. Other figures that were worth
mentioning in those days included the specific weight of the gasoline
and a consumption of 0.36 to 0.45 kilograms of fuel per hour and
horsepower at wide-open throttle. At the stated top speed of 16
km/h, in purely mathematical terms this equates to fuel consumption
of about 20 to 30 liters per 100 kilometers (8-12 mpg). But since only
a very few people will have been familiar then with such comparative
values, for the customer the information that fuel cost ten pfennigs
per horsepower and kilometer surely was more important.
In every respect, DMG was at pains to emphasize operating safety and
reliability. The tank, dimensioned for ten hours’ driving time, was “in a
protected position underneath the vehicle,” DMG said, and the water
cooling worked efficiently also in winter, “absolutely safely and
reliably.” The manufacturer stressed that shifting “is done in a very
secure way” and that the foot-operated brake would bring the vehicle
“quickly and safely to a full stop.” Nevertheless, the company was not
content merely with claims, but granted a three-month guarantee on
all parts.
Buses from Baden: SAG in Gaggenau picks up speed
Benz und Daimler were not the only ones who developed a liking for
building buses. Another pioneer, domiciled in the city of Gaggenau in
Baden, soon also was battling strongly for the lead: it was SAG, which
Benz would acquire a few years later to concentrate commercial
vehicle production there.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
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