Top quality, thanks to a graduated development process

The Citaro has benefited from a graduated approach to the implementation of new components. This is exemplified in the decision to fit Euro VI engines only in the second stage of the development operation, in a city bus that was fully ready for operation.

The basis for top quality in the series production of the new Citaro is the use of state-of-the-art development methods such as HiL (hardware in the loop, i.e. automated tests of electronic components) and CAE (computer-aided engineering). Examples of this kind of quality assurance include component strength analyses, the assessment of vehicle vibrations and crash test simulations.

Safety-related components underwent analyses by the FMEA method already in early development phases. Failure mode and effects analysis is used to test for problems before they occur. Engineers carry out innumerable computer-assisted design calculations or components, major assemblies and the vehicle as a whole to ensure design maturity at an early stage in the process. An extensive test programme involving a large team of function testers and a comprehensive stamina programme conducted at a range of European locations with extreme operating conditions were used to validate the development operation.

Photos:
Daimler AG
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Text:
Daimler AG