Loacker Tours, a private transportation company from the Austrian federal state of Vorarlberg, and Solaris‘ first Austrian customer, had bought its first Urbinos back in 2003. The trailblazers, two Solaris Urbino 10 buses, are successfully being operated in the Götzis district down to the present day. “In 2003, we had decided to modernize our fleet. (...) Solaris was the only bus manufacturer who was able to provide us a compact low-floor vehicle that in spite of its relatively slight length could transport more than just one buggy. Even today, we‘re still fully content with our purchase (...)” - commends Helmut Loacker, divisional director, in charge of public transportation at Loacker Tours.

In 2006, Loacker Tours again pit on Solaris buses. This time, they ordered a 12 meter long Solaris Urbino city bus from the Bolechowo-based bus manufacturer. “Again, Solaris (...) was the only European manufacturer to offer us a stock vehicle with an environmentally friendly Diesel engine adapted to the restrictive EEV standard. In our region, which particularly attracts tourists, (...) these factors have dominated our decision.” - explains Helmut Loacker.

The eco bus is to operate in the city center of Feldkirch to help cut down on the high level of exhaust emissions. Feldkirch particularly suffers from the high traffic volume caused by, among other things, its location along the transit route between Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The Solaris Urbino 12 for the Loacker company will be powered by a DAF engine PR228S with a maximum power output of 315 hp and a maximum torque of 1,275 Nm. This engine is one of the latest DAF developments, introduced in 2006. The new SCR technology and the integrated particle filters provide for an extraordinarily high decrease of exhaust emissions, down to a level which complies with the currently most restrictive emission standard, EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle).

In addition, the Loacker Solaris Urbino 12 will be equipped with a video monitoring system. In order to enhance the passengers‘ safety and comfort even further, the Austrian transportation company has ordered special, easy to clean floor coatings.