Omniplus, the service brand of EvoBus GmbH, offers owners and drivers of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses and coaches numerous special services for themselves and their vehicles. Maintenance and repairs, spare parts, training programmes, a unique range of pre-owned vehicles, the Omniplus service card, tyre service, the Bus Pool, and customised financial services — the portfolio is as varied as it is comprehensive. Of particular importance here is the fact that drivers of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses are never alone when they’re on the road, as the extensive Omniplus service network — which is divided into the three service categories of Omniplus Bus World, Omniplus Bus Port and Bus-Point — is available to assist them all over Europe. Omniplus will be presenting new and expanded services for drivers and operators of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2006.

New service centre opened in Prague; Bucharest to follow

Omniplus has the most extensive bus service network in Europe: There are 40 EvoBus service centres and more than 600 service partners located throughout the continent, all dedicated to ensuring the uninterrupted mobility of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses. The network is divided into three service categories: Omniplus Bus World, Omniplus Bus Port, and Bus Point. Omniplus Bus World offers the most comprehensive package, which includes everything from general maintenance services and the comprehensive provision of genuine spare parts, to repairs, extended opening hours, and accident repairs, including paintwork.

The density and quality of the Omniplus service network continue to increase: In August, for example, the 40th EvoBus service centre celebrated its grand opening in the Czech capital of Prague — and the 41st is set to open in Bucharest, Romania, in October, shortly after this year's IAA Commercial Vehicle Show.

Service-Select expanded to additional countries

Omniplus has also expanded its individually configurable Service-Select service contract model. The contract is made up of different modules selected by customers in line with their individual needs, with a basic maintenance package serving as the foundation. This package provides for regular checks conducted according to manufacturer guidelines. The basic package can be supplemented by individual modules covering wear and tear repairs, engine, air conditioning, and vehicle management. Those who wish to have all the modules can obtain a full-service package, which, when combined with the supplementary tyre module, makes for perfect all-round service that can help with long-term cost planning.

Service-Select, which was previously only available to bus companies in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Italy, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, is now being offered to Mercedes-Benz and Setra customers in Spain, Portugal, and Sweden.

Major price reductions for numerous genuine spare parts

Omniplus has been very active in the area of genuine spare parts, having reduced prices for six component families at the beginning of this year — with absolutely no change in quality. Prices for an additional six frequently demanded component families were then lowered in the middle of the year. More than 100,000 genuine spare parts are in constant supply at Omniplus.

Tyre service expanded

A flat tyre is one of most unpleasant things that can happen during a long journey in a touring coach. Omniplus’ tyre service can be of great assistance here, as drivers need only call the toll-free hotline to quickly obtain 24-hour service from Continental. This service will be expanded at the beginning of 2007 to include Sweden and Denmark, thereby extending it to a total of 18 European countries.

Driver training programmes that comply with EU training Directives

Omniplus’ practical training programme has been in great demand for some time now. Among other things, bus drivers are provided with training in safety, school bus driving, technology, environmental protection, and communicating — all of which are of great importance throughout their careers. Such training will be expanded and intensified in future, as the European Union plans to improve training for bus and truck drivers and issue qualifications that go beyond just driving licenses. The idea is to increase safety, save money, and enhance the status of the driving profession. The new EU Directives affect both newly licensed and already licensed bus and truck drivers, who in future will have to undergo five units of training lasting at least seven hours each within five years. Such training will include instruction in traffic safety/vehicle engineering, economical driving, traffic law, and socially proper behaviour.

Omniplus has already aligned its training programme with the new requirements, with EU-compliant seminars for bus drivers scheduled to begin as early as 2007. This will enable participants to obtain in a timely manner the qualifications they will need to retain their driving licenses in future. As such, Omniplus is supporting customers and drivers by providing from a single source the services they need to meet the new EU requirements.

Omniplus at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2006

At this year’s IAA, Omniplus will be showcasing a selection of its services at both the Mercedes-Benz and Setra stands in the form of brief presentations to be held several times a day. It will also be using exhibits to demonstrate the difference in quality between genuine spare parts checked and approved by Omniplus and components from competitors. In a manner similar to its presentation at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2004, Omniplus will also offer a safety course this year for Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus drivers at the ADAC test track located near the IAA exhibition centre, as well as on the centre’s outside grounds. Experienced trainers will be on hand to present new safety options such as proximity cruise control and the Lane Assistant. Shuttle buses will operate in regular intervals between the ADAC test track and Hall 14 (registration at the Omniplus counters in Halls 14/15). Those who prefer not to leave the exhibition centre can view a mini-presentation of the latest safety features on the outside grounds.