Euro Bus Expo 2024 preview

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We take a look at some of the exhibitors attending this year’s Euro Bus Expo, held from 12 to 14 November at the NEC in Birmingham

Two years after the last event, and with a slightly reduced number of major exhibitors thanks to the decision of certain manufacturers not to take part, Euro Bus Expo returns to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 12, 13 and 14 November, bringing together suppliers, operators and stakeholders large and small from across the industry. With less than a week to go, we take a look at some of those who will be taking part this year to give a flavour of what to expect; naturally we’ll have a full review of the event in two weeks’ time too, for those who couldn’t be there in person, or to help you catch up on what you missed.

It’s disappointing that some of the major names have declined to take part this year, but whether it’s vehicles, electronics, parts or services you’re after, you’ll still find it at Euro Bus Expo.

AA Drivetech – STAND 261

Drivetech, part of the AA, has recently launched its HALO Insights fleet data aggregation platform designed to reduce fleet and driver risk. Consolidating essential fleet data into a single, user-friendly interface, HALO Insights has been designed to provide fleet managers with a comprehensive, at-a-glance holistic overview of driver risk, fleet costs and operations, enabling swift and informed decision-making.

Drivetech says that its new platform stands out by offering simplicity and convenience for fleet managers through diverse data sources integration, providing an accurate picture of risk and costs with automated educational interventions, which could help to lower risk and cost by improving driver behaviour.

Collecting data on telematics, fuel consumption, accident management, insurance data, and fleet costs, HALO insights can also provide an immediate and clear picture of fleet performance, Drivetech says, allowing for quick identification and resolution of potential issues.

The platform has already been trialled globally in 14 different markets to improve driver safety across more than 5,000 vehicles and is now ready for launch, and will be available in 45 languages initially, with plans to roll out it out to 70 countries worldwide.

“As a business that specialises in driver training, we know that drivers are complex, with a diverse range of needs that ultimately dictate their behaviour. That’s why we do all we can as a business to make driver behaviour safer,” explained Drivetech director Nick Butler. “HALO Insights sets itself apart by not only delivering tailored interventions to drivers based on behaviour captured by telematics, but also by providing fleet managers a holistic view of their fleet costs, fuel consumption and sustainability reporting.

“By offering tailored training directly to drivers, HALO Insights ensures that safety measures are not only understood but also implemented effectively. This direct approach to driver education, combined with the fleet manager’s holistic view of operations, creates a powerful dynamic for real change within the fleet.”

The platform is built around the three core pillars of safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency, and can help to proactively address driver safety by delivering real-time, individualised training interventions directly to drivers, timely ‘nudge’ interventions help correct behaviours as they happen, fostering safer driving habits and reducing the risk of accidents.

Alexander Dennis – STAND V4

We profiled Alexander Dennis’ current line-up and future plans in issue 1649. The manufacturer will be displaying both its current electric models, the Enviro100EV small bus and Enviro400EV double-decker, at Euro Bus Expo, as well as offering visitors the chance to explore its upcoming Enviro200EV single-decker in a virtual reality theatre environment and learn more about its AD24 aftersales service which supports operators with fast and efficient parts delivery and service. The first examples of both the Enviro100EV and Enviro400EV have both recently entered service, with Stagecoach subsidiaries in Ayrshire and Oxford respectively, whilst the Enviro200EV is expected to make its debut in 2025.

Alongside its vehicle display, Alexander Dennis will have a virtual reality theatre to showcase its products, including the new Enviro200EV. ALEXANDER DENNIS

Asset Alliance Group – STAND V25

Asset Alliance Group continues to grow its portfolio in the coach and bus sector, having most recently supported Transport UK London Bus to introduce 12 new Wrightbus Electroliner single-deck buses to its Transport for London services, Fleetwood-based Archway Travel to procure new Alexander Dennis Enviro200s for local services around the Fylde peninsula, and Ashcrofts Mini Travel to expand its fleet to fulfil new Flixbus contract requirements with Yutong GT12 coaches.

The company will be launching its new coach rental service at the event, which goes live from 2025 and builds on the successful launch of its bus rental offer last year. Having provided specialist financial solutions for the bus and coach industry for more than 20 years, the group has now invested in a fleet of top-of-the range coaches for its rental offering.

An Alexander Dennis Enviro200 will be on display, as will one of the company’s sponsored rally cars.

Asset Alliance Group has helped operators including Fleetwood-based Archway to grow their fleets. ASSET ALLIANCE GROUP

Ayats – STAND 295

Ayats will be displaying a Horizon double-deck coach, based on a Scania chassis and designed to offer a premium travel experience for long-distance routes.

B.A.S.E. – STAND V15

B.A.S.E Ltd says it is delighted to be returning for its 22nd year at the 2024 Euro Bus Expo exhibition, and will be displaying four models from its product range. From Spanish partner Beulas, B.A.S.E. will be showing a Holmeswood Group 13.9m Beulas Glory overdecker on a Scania K410 chassis with ZF Ecolife automatic transmission. The Glory on show will be set up for 72 passengers, with five seats on the lower deck and 67 on the top deck, and enjoys a generous 15m³ of luggage capacity whilst also being PSVAR compliant.

The company will also have a 12.72m Beulas Cygnus on an MAN RR8 360 chassis with independent front suspension and ZF Ecolife automatic transmission on display. This coach is for Poppletons Coaches of Pontefract, and joins the operator’s existing Beulas and MobiPeople fleet. As a dedicated wheelchair accessible executive vehicle it has 51 passenger seats plus rear floor-mounted toilet and can accommodate up to eight wheelchairs utilising a PLS lift.

From its Portuguese partner MobiPeople B.A.S.E. will be displaying a 9.1m Midi Explorer on MAN TGL 12.220 chassis with ZF automated transmission. The Midi Explorer boasts 36 passenger seats and is fully PSVAR compliant, with a Hidral Gobel lift located between the axles whilst retaining generous luggage space in the rear lockers.

Finally a 12.5m MobiPeople Premium, based on a Scania K360 chassis with ZF Ecolife transmission, will be on show, the company’s 22nd coach supplied to KB Coaches of Stonehouse. The Premium boasts what B.A.S.E. says is a class leading seating capacity, with 74 Prime Buckingham seats and a generous 12 cubic metres of luggage space.

B.A.S.E. will be displaying examples of products from MobiPeople and Beulas on its stand. B.A.S.E.
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