NEOPLAN 

And the winner is ... NEOPLAN Tourliner wins iF Design Award 2017

5575 entries from 2675 participants from a total of 59 countries // The NEOPLAN Tourliner won in the ‘Automobiles/Vehicles/Bikes’ category // An example of how aesthetics and functionality can go hand-in-hand. // The new NEOPLAN Tourliner won over the iF International Forum design jury and was recognised with a coveted design prize in the ‘Automobiles/Vehicles/Bikes’ category.

Designer Michael Streicher (l.) and Launch-Manager Tim Schuler are delighted about the success of the new NEOPLAN Tourliner
Designer Michael Streicher (l.) and Launch-Manager Tim Schuler are delighted about the success of the new NEOPLAN Tourliner

Outstanding work: the NEOPLAN Tourliner was awarded the iF Design Award 2017 in the ‘Automobiles/Vehicles/Bikes’ category. The prizewinners – including sports cars and motorbikes from renowned manufacturers – were honoured at an awards ceremony on 10 March in Munich. Altogether there were 5575 entries from 2675 participants drawn from a total of 59 countries. “We are of course very excited that the NEOPLAN Tourliner has been acknowledged as outstanding – particularly considering the abundance of excellent and innovative entries”, says Stephan Schönherr, Vice President of Bus/Coach Design at MAN Truck & Bus.

The decision of the jury, 58 design experts from 19 countries, recognises that even a coach from the standard segment can be extremely attractive.

The iF Design Award has been an internationally recognised label for good design since 1953. The prizewinners are selected on the basis of fixed criteria such as external appearance and product form, as well as aspects such as the level of innovation, ergonomics, functionality and eco-friendliness. “The award is a great tribute to our design team. It underlines the innovative, elegant and high-quality construction of the NEOPLAN Tourliner”, says Schönherr.

Of particular note: the sweeping ‘comet tail’ design on the domed windscreen which extends into the roof, the already multi-award-winning sharp cut NEOPLAN design and the redesigned headlights. “The LED daytime driving lights form an illuminated ring, known as ‘angel eyes’, around the low-beam headlights and have an extremely dynamic effect. This is a design that is found particularly frequently in sports cars”, says Schönherr. But the coach’s interior is also impressive: A sophisticated lighting concept with indirect LED lighting, strong contrasts with grey and beige tones as well as friendly colours come together to form the colour concept and ensure a refined, spacious and light atmosphere.

However, there is more to this coach – first introduced to the market at the 2016 IAA Commercial Vehicles event – than its aesthetic appeal. It also provides first-class comfort for both the driver and passengers, innumerable safety features, excellent driving performance and low fuel consumption. This is thanks to an engine with increased torque and performance and an optimised driveline, as well as a new exterior design, which has improved the aerodynamics of the coach by more than 20 percent. “The NEOPLAN Tourliner is a wonderful example of how aesthetics and functionality can go hand-in-hand”, says Schönherr.

The outstanding design team at MAN Truck & Bus
The outstanding design team at MAN Truck & Bus
The NEOPLAN Tourliner convinced the international jury of the iF Design Award due to its level of innovation, ergonomics, functionality and eco-friendliness.
The NEOPLAN Tourliner convinced the international jury of the iF Design Award due to its level of innovation, ergonomics, functionality and eco-friendliness.