Daimler Hybrid Diesel Bus Orders Reach 2,500

Daimler AG received an order for almost 300 diesel-electric hybrid buses. The first 93 Orion VII buses are expected to ship in mid-2010 to Seattle. Another 80 hybrid diesel-electric buses were ordered by Ottawa. One hybrid bus is also being sent to Roosevelt Island, N.Y.

That will make the total number of diesel hybrid buses from Daimler at more than 2,500 units in service.

"Daimler remains committed to promoting clean drive technologies, which will shape future transportation," says Andreas Strecker, CEO of Daimler Buses North America.

A contract was also awarded for five natural gas-powered Orion VII CNG transit buses, which will be delivered to CART (Cleveland Area Rapid Transit).

Hopefully, Daimler has cleared up all the issues they've had in the past. Toronto was not happy with the hybrid buses they received. But, hybrid buses, if they run well, can be a boon. Improvements in fuel economy and lower maintenance costs can make the higher up front costs seem more palatable.