DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America (DCCBNA) unveiled its newly redesigned Orion VII Next Generation transit bus during the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Bus and Paratransit conference this month in Nashville, Tenn.

Built on the Orion VII platform, DCCBNA collaborated with design teams throughout DaimlerChrysler to create a sleek, European-inspired city bus. Key transit agencies were also included in the design process.

The Orion VII Next Generation sports a completely redesigned body, including a two-piece symmetrical windshield set at a common angle, with an integrated destination sign. The passenger windows have been updated with continuous side glass. Fewer seams are used on the side panels, which are available in aluminum or fiberglass. Exterior compartment doors have been upgraded with improved hardware. The rear of the bus was redesigned to provide maximum accessibility to the engine compartment, featuring a wider engine door with new gas springs and rear lamp panels that are hinged to swing aside and or can be completely removed.