Interliner: A Green Solution for Urban Transportation

Anadolu Isuzu Design Team's Innovative Approach to Sustainable Bus Design

The Interliner is an economic and functional solution for regular service and school bus transportation. The design team was inspired by the need for cost-effective, durable buses that meet the needs of both drivers and passengers. The Interliner is Anadolu Isuzu's first bus within its segment and one of the first to feature a new design language. This includes a digital, sharp, black contoured face with split design headlights and dynamic signal lamps.

The Interliner's unique properties include a dynamic body, aerodynamic CNG cover, new dashboard, and UX design. The bus offers the best package within its size, including the most comfortable driver space and passenger zone. The Interliner has the widest driver stroke among its competitors at the same size and capacity, offering different steering wheel and seating position options for driver comfort. The standard Interliner has the maximum seating capacity, with an option for the midsection to be transformed into a standing and wheelchair area with folding seat usage.

The Interliner is constructed from a monocoque chassis and other structural elements made of steel and aluminium. The outer shell is mainly composed of sheet metal, perforated sheet metal, fiber reinforced polymer, and tempered glass. The inner surfaces include ABS, PU, PVC, formica, aluminium, vinyl, fabric, and various composites. The bus is equipped with a ZF Ecolife 6 A P 1400 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6-cylinder Cummins engine which produces 320 hp at 2000 rpm.

The design process for the Interliner began in November 2018 and was completed in June 2020 in Kocaeli, Turkey. The design team conducted market and project definition, benchmark, and field research. They reassessed Anadolu Isuzu's existing products and know-how, using them as a development point to increase ergonomics, serviceability, durability, and productivity in the manufacturing process. The team also analyzed advancements in other industries, upcoming trends, and form tendencies, along with color, material, and finish research.

The Interliner design faced several challenges. One of the biggest was combining all the components with the maximum seat capacity in a limited 13-meter length while ensuring maximum, comfortable, and ergonomic space for the driver and passengers. Another challenge was strengthening the perception of Compressed Natural Gas tubes as part of the main bus body, rather than separate, add-on components. This was important for the vehicle to state with its form that it is a safe and green solution rather than dangerous or bulky.

The Interliner was awarded the Golden A' Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design Award in 2020. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.