Nördlingen, 05.10.2023 – Kiel Group is presenting its extensive range of bus seats to suit all requirements at the BUSWORLD trade fair, from 07th to 12th October 2023. Kiel attaches a lot of importance to modern, brand-specific design and increased ergonomics across all its models. The manufacturer is fulfilling the real desire for efficiency through the use of modern materials which reduce weight to the absolute minimum. Meanwhile, innovative features live up to the demands of digitalisation. The new Avance X VIP “TECseat” and the new extremely light Ligero NG are the highlights of the trade fair.
Ligero NG – modular and extremely light
The Ligero NG “New Generation” is the perfect seat for city and intercity buses: It is the lightest seat in its class, and offers the greatest scope for a modular design, as all the components are connected using an innovative quick release system. This saves time and money during maintenance and repair work. The various components of the Ligero NG can be replaced individually, which makes it particularly environmentally friendly. The components can also be recycled separately.
The backrest height of the Ligero NG can be adjusted to various heights, and is therefore not determined by the seat frame, but by the easily exchangeable backrest cushion. The modular design saves material, which also has a positive effect on the weight: The Ligero NG is approx. 20% lighter than comparable models and is thus currently one of the lightest seats in its class – a big plus for the environment, as lower weight also equates to lower energy costs.
The design of the Ligero NG was inspired by the automotive industry: The seat is reminiscent of beautifully shaped, comfortable car seats. A wide range of fabrics are available for the seat coverings in addition to imitation leather and leather, including recycled materials.
The ergonomic design was focused on the comfort of the seats. What at first sounds like a contradiction can be explained quite simply by the pioneering concept behind the Kiel Ligero NG. The aim was to achieve a sophisticated combination of the typical advantages of comfortable and functional train seats with those of robust moulded seats. The comfort was validated using pressure distribution measurements and biomechanical dummies in cooperation with a renowned institute Cogitobio.
A wide range of accessories also makes it possible to design the seating system according to the customer’s individual wishes. Accessories such as grab handles, foldable armrest, bow-type handle, 2- and 3-point seat belts integrated in backrest, table, reading light, phone holder and USB on backrest allow the customer to design the interior of the vehicle according to his or her requirements.
Due to the modular construction and equipment, we get higher level of serviceability and much easier maintenance. The components for 700 mm and 750 mm backrest height are unified (reduced number of spare parts) and replacement of parts is easier and quicker.
With new seat we are providing a modular concept of accessories, which allows us to retrofit quick and easy the seat or arrange new options.
Avance X: the updated model of the classic Avance for coaches
With the Avance X, the updated model of the popular Avance, Kiel is demonstrating how a classic model can be adapted to perfectly meet the requirements of our time. The “X” in the name stands for the seat’s modern, dynamic and harmonious lines. Furthermore, the Avance X impresses with its high passenger safety levels and, when it comes to ergonomics, the lines and construction methods for this model successfully meet the requirements of a wide variety of passenger sizes.
One special feature is the combined adjustment of the backrest and seat cushion: when the backrest is tilted backwards, the seat cushion moves forwards slightly and tilts downwards at the back by two degrees; this ensures that the passenger does not feel as if they are slipping out of the front of the seat.
The AVANCE X seat meets the requirement for the lowest possible weight, without compromising on the quality of the fittings and passenger safety, by using new materials, such as lighter, modern plastics: it only weighs around 26 kg including all the add-on parts. This has a noticeable effect on fuel consumption and is therefore an important economic and environmental consideration. Furthermore, the seat is fully recyclable.
A number of additional extras and optional design details round off the AVANCE X. Thanks to its special technology, the seat provides extremely high modularity and allows for a variety of individual design variants.
New Avance X M1 and Avance X M2 models to meet the increasing demand for M1 and M2 products
Kiel is responding to the increasing demand for M1 and M2 products with the new Avance X M1 and Avance X M2 models. The seats fulfil the technical requirements for category M1 minibuses with eight seats and category M2 with nine or more seats and weighing under five tonnes. They complete Kiel’s product range and are being presented to the public for the first time at BUSWORLD. The two new models mean that the M1 to M3 product range is now covered within the one design series.
The highlight of the trade fair at BUSWORLD: Avance X VIP “TECseat”
The highlight of Kiel’s trade fair is the new Avance X VIP “TECseat”. With its new comfort features, which can be controlled via an app, this seat meets all the modern requirements regarding comfort, safety and digitalisation. The Avance X VIP “TECseat” doesn’t just come with integrated heating, it also features cooling or air conditioning provided by air cushions in the seat and back, and boasts a back massage function. In addition, this ultra modern seat comes with a seat occupation system (“Detect seat”): the driver has a display showing which seats are occupied. There is also a seatbelt detection system to show whether passengers are strapped in.
Premium quality and highly versatile: the new Verso folding seat
A folding seat that is extremely versatile and high quality: with the new Verso model, Kiel has the perfect solution for all eventualities in a city bus. This type of seat has been designed with the rear entrance area in mind and creates additional seats in the open pram and wheelchair area.
The modular system allows for a design in six variants – from a lean support to a comfortable folding seat, which can be locked up in rush hour when additional space is needed. A range of features are available, including a mechanical and electric lock, and a warning light.
Its low weight means that the seat meets the highest requirements in terms of efficiency and impresses overall with an extremely good price-performance ratio. In addition, the ergonomic backrest, the pioneering design and the high-quality workmanship contribute to its appeal. Naturally, the model meets the current ECE R118-2/ 3 European flammability standard.
The Verso is available in the following models:
Verso 1: Lean support
Verso 2: Folding seat without backrest
Verso 3: Folding seat with small backrest
Verso 4: Folding seat with large backrest
Verso 4: Folding seat with large backrest, registrable.
Verso Rush Hour: Folding seat with large backrest and light, electric locking
Modell Verso Rush Hour will be on display at BUSWORLD.
New for the Ligero 1000: Multimedia console
A multimedia console is now available for the Ligero 1000 model. It is a response to the high use of smartphones and other mobile devices during bus journeys and makes this as pleasant as possible: a beautifully shaped, semi-circular holder for different-sized mobile devices from various manufacturers has been affixed to the back of the seat. The device can be placed securely in the holder so the passenger can watch films in comfort, for example. The console comes with a USB charging port as standard. A range of optional features are also available, including an inductive charger, which allows for wireless charging; an LED light; a so-called “bell push” function, which allows passengers to signal to stop the bus directly from the console; and two practical coat hooks.
Interline – Compact, lightweight and elegant
Interline stands out with its lightweight chassis, simple structure and design lines inspired by the automotive world. It is aimed to be used in a wide range by facilitating the application of different upholstery fabrics and designs. In line with the demand, the product can have a simple or elegant appearance by designing the upholstery. With its light chassis, simple and the same time compact design and simple structure, it meets all the technical requirements of city and intercity buses.
Versatile, safe and extremely lightweight in city traffic: the Citos
Citos is a true all-rounder for local travel and comes in a range of different comfort levels: The simplest variant is the Citos 10 (comfort level 1) with a plastic insert without a fabric cover. The Citos 20 (comfort level 2) has a fabric cover without foam. The Citos 30 (comfort level 3) offers 10 mm foam in the backrest and 15 mm foam on the seat. This model is also available with heated seats and a USB port. The Citos 40 (comfort level 4) variant offers 40 mm foam in the backrest and 40 mm foam on the seat. All four comfort levels are available in both seat widths of 420 mm and 450 mm.
As the Citos has a very low weight, it considerably reduces CO2 emissions when compared with standard city bus seats. An example: By switching to the Citos seat, a medium-sized German city like Kassel with 72 city buses could save 11.68 tonnes of CO2 per year, assuming a saving of 0,3 litres per kilometre and a 100 kg weight reduction.
The special construction of Citos makes it especially safe: the two-part shell has been designed to deform in the event of impact to ensure it does not shatter and create dangerous, sharp edges. Thanks to this intelligent engineering, the Citos seat easily outperforms comparable products in crash tests.
Despite its versatile features, this model offers an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio. As a result, Citos is a real trendsetter among city bus seats.
Kiel Group will be presenting the following models at BUSWORLD in Hall 7, Stand 758:
- City segment: Citos 30 A, Citos 30/40, Ideo 40, Lexxo CT, Verso Rush Hour.
- Intercity segment: Ligero 1000, Ligero 3000 R, Interline
- Coach segment:, Avance 1030 on sliding feet
- Avance X segment: Avance X VIP, Avance X Luxury, Avance X Comfort, Avance X Basic M2, Avance X Basic M1
- Trade fair highlight: Avance X VIP single seat with lots of comfort features, Ligero NG “New Generation” for regional transport.
