The document introduces the VDL Ambassador, a light-weight bus concept developed to reduce operating costs through lower fuel consumption, easier maintenance, and a simpler assembly process. The Ambassador uses sandwich construction and lighter components to decrease weight compared to conventional buses. Key features highlighted include the Ambassador's reduced weight of 8,900kg versus over 11,000kg for a conventional bus, expected 12-16% reduction in fuel consumption, and focus on driver ergonomics, passenger safety and comfort, and easy serviceability.

1. VDL Ambassador

3. Ambassador Ambassador

4. Customer base Ambassador Ambassador

8. Rear overhang Ambassador SB180 SB200

9. Body interface / weight reduction Aluminium tank 250 l = -27kg Side fill fuel & urea Integrated pre-heater Improved rear body interface Steel coated pipes replaced by aluminium pipes Several frame optimisations e.g. deletion of gearbox mounting Urea tank Integrated air-con interface Further reduction in no. of parts New gearboxes = –10 kg New automatic sump top-up system & 6ltr tank Easy levelling system for bodybuilder N.B. Euro 4 achieved without a weight penalty!

10. Improved Life Cycle Cost Aluminium tank 250 l with improved connections Integrated pre-heater Improved layout of pipes /side dip & fill Alu pipes replacing steel coated New engine mountings New header tank incl. level/led signal New auto sump top-up system New Cummins 6.7l engine (was 6l). High torque @ low revs. Longer intervals. Voith .5 & ZF 6hp504 to 120/150,000 km (synthetic oil). Voith filters external Improved electrical connectors, protection and routing Improved serviceability of brake components Extended oil drain intervals 800-1500 hours Improved kingpin assembly Front axle Improved accessibility to main components 2x 100A alternators Engine mounted air-con compressors Optimised fan drive (fuel) -30% max. rpm Reduced no. of parts Maintenance free propshaft New exhaust, shields & brackets St. steel hydraulic pipes

11. Noise, environment & safety New engine/gearbox mountings for reduced vibration Silent hydraulic & steering pumps Optimised noise insulation material New exhaust, brackets & shields Stiffer optimised frame Further improvements to Body connections/interfaces Fire resistant sheathing over hydraulic hoses Improved electrical connectors, protection and routing Exhaust tailpipe extended Optimised fan drive (noise) -30% max. rpm New fasteners for hydraulic pipes = reduced vibration Pre-heater connected and bled ECU engine mounted (no longer fuel cooled)

16. Ambassador SCR System Schematic