The O 340 was very different from its cultivated colleague, the O 404. The plain and unpretentious body concealed very familiar technology: the chassis of the O 303 with rigid axles and drum brakes, well-tried, robust and indestructible. Mercedes-Benz dispensed with ornaments like facets, pressed sheet metal parts, an integral air conditioning system, anti-corrosion protection by cataphoretic dip priming, and an expensively designed driver’s position – all constituent parts of the O 404. The body was smooth-surfaced, the face a little on the nondescript side. Only the big star attested to the brand. On the other hand, the bus had indisputable merits. In the rear of the bus, the 280 kW (381 hp) V8 engine from the current range did its work, the interior was warmed by a hot water heater with convectors – and the price was extremely reasonable.

Mercedes-Benz O 340 - Passenger compartment

Low-cost production in Turkey

The idea behind the concept: dispense with the top-notch technology and top-notch appointments of the O 404, produce at low cost in Turkey. It was planned that the bus not only would ply the major Turkish long-distance bus routes, but also open up new markets which Mercedes-Benz no longer could reach with its expensive production in Germany. A broad range wasn’t necessary for that purpose: a standard high decker, twelve meters long, 3.5 meters high, two axles, was entirely satisfactory.

Mercedes-Benz O 340 - Driver place