Kortrijk curtain closer

Gareth Evans and Andy Izatt report on Busworld Europe, the ever-expanding trade show in Belgium that attracts visitors and suppliers from across the world

Busworld Europe has been held in Kortrijk for the final time for the foreseeable future, the biennial trade show having outgrown its home. The popular event, which attracts industry professionals from across the world is moving to Brussels Expo in 2019, after being organised in Kortrijk Xpo for 24 editions or 45 years.

To give a sense of scale, organisers said this year’s show was attended by 311 vehicles – 231 inside the exhibition halls and 80 outside – and 376 exhibitors built their stands on 51,230 square metres in Kortrijk Xpo from 36 countries.The first Busworld exhibition was organised in 1971 and was called ‘Autocar- en Autobussalon’ at that time. Since then it has been held every two years in Kortrijk. The name ‘Busworld’ was used for the first time in 1999, marking the start of the international strategy of Busworld. Today, it is undoubtedly the oldest and most well-known exhibition in the bus and coach industry. In 2001, Busworld started to organise exhibitions in other continents. It now holds five such events – Busworld Europe (Kortrijk), Busworld Turkey, Busworld India, Busworld Russia and Busworld Latin America.[wlm_nonmember][…]

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ADL’s European niche growth

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) made its debut at Busworld Europe in style – with an eye-catching yellow Enviro500 double-decker for Switzerland’s PostAuto undoubtedly being the star of its stand.

“This is the third bus out of PostAuto’s order for 19. The first two have been in service since this summer,” Stefan Baguette, Group Market Analyst, told CBW.

The air-conditioned 13m-long bus stands 4m tall. The 78-seater is equipped with three doors and two staircases, with the rear staircase leading directly to the rear set of doors to facilitate quick boarding and alighting.

ADL’s second display vehicle was an Enviro200 MMC for Abellio London. “We’re showing a two-door London bus, which offers the benefits of a lightweight but customisable vehicle. This one weighs less than eight tonnes and is under 12m. It also has driver air-conditioning.”

Explaining ADL’s presence, Stefan said: “There’s no shortage of European bus manufacturers, so we’ve looked at where we can we add value. That means a double-decker and lightweight single-decker and fuel efficiency. We decided to show a UK specification bus as, ever since reregulation, the UK has been focused on fuel economy and innovation. We could bring features to Europe which could help operators grow by attracting more passengers – such as social seating or glazed roof panels. We’re here to meet potential customers and take it from there.”
ADL is also selectively targeting its coach products at mainland Europe – building on the fleet in service with Polish scheduled service operator Polskibus.com

Stefan said: “We believe the Plaxton Interdeck has potential for Germany’s Fernbus (scheduled service) market as it can carry additional passengers at marginal cost. Significantly, it also has the luggage capacity for those passengers – boasting 15 cubic metres of luggage space. Again, it’s a niche market, which could and should be bigger.

“Our focus is primarily on the bus side – Enviro500, with a view towards the Enviro200.”

ALTAS’ retractable seat minicoach

Lithuania’s ALTAS Commercial Transport launched an enhanced variant of its flagship Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Tourline minicoach. Notable is the ability to down or upseat the vehicle with the utmost ease.

“We’ve launched the new feature at Busworld Europe,” an ALTAS spokesperson told CBW. “What is normally a 19-seater, plus courier and driver can be changed by pulling a lever inside the boot to make it a 15+1+1. The back row simply slides in to get increase luggage space.” Other enhancements to the vehicle include bodystyle changes, such as the lower skirts.

Also displayed was what the manufacturer hailed as one of its most successful models – the Cityline 25-seater low floor minibus.

“A new feature is the Masats door system,” the spokesperson enthused. “Also, the sidewalls and ceiling are covered in HDL, a new material for us, which looks contemporary but is also practical in that it’s easy to wipe clean.”

Ankai’s electric sightseeing

Chinese manufacturer Ankai was present with two vehicles – a touring coach and an electric double-decker sightseeing bus for Big Bus’ Paris operations.

Equipped with Cosmo batteries and a ZF AVE 130 motor, the tri-axle aluminium bodied 12m bus can carry 50 passengers upstairs, 18 on the lower deck, with one wheelchair space.

Also displayed was a European specification A9 Model HFF6120KA two-axle coach, shown in the manufacturer’s demonstrator livery.

BYD remaining focused

China-based BYD exhibited the first all-electric 12m ebus that it has assembled itself for Europe. The bus, built at the firm’s new Hungarian plant, was exhibited alongside a stylish European-specification low-floor 8.75m midibus. The midi can carry up to 58 passengers, 22 of them seated, and has a range on a single charge of a 200km. First to order is Connexxion in Holland, which is buying 21 for operation in the north of the country.

It means that BYD, which already offers 10.2, 10.8 and 12m single-deckers, an 18m artic, double-deckers and a coach can provide a comprehensive range of all-electric passenger vehicles in Europe. In the case of the UK, the partnership with Alexander Dennis continues to develop and collaboration is now underway on an electric double-decker.

“This is our fourth appearance at Busworld and six years ago when we were first here we were the only maker of electric buses,” said BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho. “Today, we are still the leader. Others have found that the path to delivering fully proven electric vehicles is not easy and none can match our integrated supply chain where we design and produce all the major components, particularly the all-important batteries.

“The battery is the core of any electric bus and it’s not straightforward to buy reliable technology off the shelf, as anyone without their own battery design capability has discovered. We are unique in having our own capability. Thanks to the abundant power of BYD’s battery technology, in most applications we can avoid the need for opportunity charging, which can be disruptive and expensive. Our ebuses deliver a day’s duty cycle on one charge.”

Cummins electrified power system

Cummins showed an electrified powertrain configurable for either a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a range extended electric vehicle (REEV) combining battery power with a compact engine-generator. The engine manufacturer says they’re ideally suited for integration into city, intercity and airport buses with a high-efficiency traction motor providing direct drive.

Enhanced energy storage for the BEV and REEV system is achieved with a high-density battery enclosure, designed by Cummins in a compact, modular format for both on-roof and chassis integration into existing bus designs. Operational flexibility is improved with a fast recharge capability using an integral plug-in connection as well as options for on-route opportunity charging where a pantograph or charge plate infrastructure is available.

A standard-size Cummins battery enclosure provides a 70kWh storage capability with up to eight enclosure units (560kWh) integrated within the BEV bus. This enables a zero-emissions range of up to 360km (224 miles) on a single charge.

A Cummins REEV system specified with a battery pack of three enclosures (210kWh) provides a zero-emissions range of up to 135km (84 miles). When the battery pack depletes to a low state-of-charge, the REEV system brings online a 120kW (160hp) engine-generator to recharge the batteries and continue operations with ultra-low emissions capability.

The Cummins 2.8litre engine incorporated with the REEV system represents a 60% downsize in displacement compared to engines used in an equivalent diesel bus.

When operating in engine-generator mode, the REEV system achieves a fuel consumption of 18litres /100km (15mpg). A power assist function is available from the battery pack whenever the system needs additional energy.

The ability of the REEV system to switch between shorter-range battery-only and extended-range engine-generator mode allows specific areas to be geofenced by utilising Cummins ‘over-the-air’ connected technology. The REEV system also enables buses to travel significant distances beyond charging infrastructure, says the manufacturer.

Daimler’s debut developments

Daimler displayed its latest product developments, allowing many show visitors to see them for the first time in the metal.

Making its world show debut was the hybrid Citaro. Daimler said that together with the new electrohydraulic steering, the hybrid reduces the fuel consumption of the Citaro by up to 8.5%.

Also attracting a lot of interest was the new Tourismo RHD high-decker touring coach – as was the new Setra S 531 DT double-decker bus of the TopClass 500.

Another new addition was the left-hand-drive variant of the Sprinter City 45 minibus, which, thanks to its longer overhang, offers 13 seats in the saloon. Added to this is standing room for up to nine passengers in the low-floor area between the axles, as well as room for a wheelchair or buggy.

Daimler Buses is now opening another chapter with the new Active Brake Assist 4 (ABA 4) with pedestrian detection. The manufacturer said this is the world’s first emergency braking assistance system in a touring coach to brake automatically for pedestrians. ABA 4 warns the driver visually and audibly of a potential collision with pedestrians, while at the same time automatically initiating partial braking. This leaves the driver with all options open for what action to take. The radar-based system can detect pedestrians up to a distance of 80m.

ABA 4 will be available in spring 2018 for the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo and the Setra ComfortClass 500 and TopClass 500 touring coaches.

Golden Dragon electric

With Dutch company Ebusco working with Xiamen Golden Dragon for a number of years, 12m electric buses from the Chinese manufacturer’s factory have already operated in several European cities and towns. However, Golden Dragon showed what it was capable of in its right at Busworld – the third time it has exhibited.

Pivot-Electric is one of a series of city buses that also encompasses diesel and CNG options and a diesel low-entry version was also on display. According to the manufacturer, the Electric utilises a 304kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack combined with a permanent magnet synchronous motor to deliver a range of over 300km on a single charge – and that’s with the air-conditioning running. Up to 80 passengers can be accommodated, 42 of them seated.

Also on display was the new ECE R66.02-compliant 45-seat, 12m Navigator coach jointly developed with Warwick-based DCA Design International. It has a drag coefficient of 0.548 and is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM457LA engine coupled to GO240-8 constant-mesh transmission with a hydraulic retarder.

Hess turnkey solutions

Zürich-based Hess was keen to emphasis its long pedigree and ability to provide turnkey ‘smart bus’ solutions. On display was a 163-passenger capacity SwissTrolly Plus for Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ) that operates via a combination of traditional trolleybus-style overhead and battery power. Its bodywork was constructed using the aluminium-based CO-BOLT modular system developed by Hess that’s used to body around 2,400 buses annually across five continents.

DAF Next for Indcar

Spanish bodybuilder Indcar launched a DAF-based variant of its Next midicoach.

An Indcar spokesperson explained: “The project is based on a chassis without any component in the cabin area, meaning without driver’s seat or dashboard. This way, this area is integrated into the bodywork, allowing the components to be fitted in a way that better adapts to the bodywork in its integral design and for better service and maintenance. This new concept has allowed us to completely design this whole area, in order to provide unique features with a new driver’s seat that is more ergonomic and with all the technological and connectivity elements necessary for greater comfort and safety.”

Another new product launched by Indcar was the Strada M2, a nine-seater minicoach. It can be based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314 CDI or 316 chassis.

More UK Daily options

The factory converted Iveco Daily range offered in the UK and Ireland is set to grow with the introduction of the Daily Start. That’s in addition to the latest updated version of the Daily Tourys expected in April next year. Both models join the Daily Line which continues to be available in three lengths.

Ideal for school, airport and taxi applications, the 6m Start is based on the four and a half-tonne 45C15 and is an entry level minibus that seats up to 16 and has a dedicated space for a wheelchair, a side sliding door and a retractable entrance step. Engine outputs are either 150 or 180bhp.

The 19-seat Tourys, which has pneumatic rear suspension, air-conditioning and an audio-visual multimedia system, has been updated to comply with ECE R66.02 anti-rollover requirements. As well as new, more comfortable seats and USB sockets, it has what Iveco describes as ‘atmospheric LED lighting’ and a two-part panoramic windshield. The manufacturer says the 2.5m3 luggage compartment and revised saloon racks make the vehicle the best in its class in terms of total storage capacity. Exterior bumpers have been redesigned, as has the interior moulding for the sliding entrance door.

Iveco was keen to promote the Daily Minibus Blue Power range which comprises natural gas and electric options. The gas-fuelled vehicle, available for the first time with an eight-speed Hi-Matic automated gearbox, is powered by a three-litre 136bhp engine with 350Nm of torque while the electric utilises high-density sodium nickel chloride batteries combined with ultracapacitors to give a range of 100 to 160km on a single charge.

Iveco also unveiled the Crossway Low Entry Natural Power which is powered by a 360bhp Cursor 9 gas engine with 1,620Nm of torque. Four 315-litre gas tanks are mounted on the roof of the vehicle. There was also a new 14.5m three-axle version of the Crossway Low Entry on display which can seat up to 61.

Announced at Busworld was a new partnership between Heuliez Bus and Forsee Power which will see the latter provide smart battery systems for more than 500 electric buses. The Iveco Bus subsidiary has plans to develop a complete range of GX ELEC 100% electric rigid and articulated buses between 12 and 18m.

Irizar launches ‘tram on tarmac’

Irizar launched at Busworld what it called a ‘tram on the tarmac’ – an 18m articulated Irizar ie Tram, which the Spanish manufacturer said extends its range of electric vehicles to artics with opportunity charging.

The 18m vehicle has a capacity of 155 passengers. Stop dwell time is minimised with the provision of four sliding doors.

The ie Tram comes complete with Irizar Group’s own-brand technology. The engine for example, is manufactured by Alconza, a group company, and uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a capacity of 230 Kw.

In terms of storage, the vehicle uses the high-power density and long-life lithium Ion of the LTO family (Lithium Titanate Oxide) batteries.

The manufacturer said the new Irizar pantograph allows the vehicle to be charged in minutes during its journey. Its modern and minimalist design aims to offer easy integration into the urban landscape.

This charger is a system for conversion of energy from a three-phase power network – rated power of 600Kw, and has been approved by ENEDIS, a French company that manages the state electrical network. Irizar claims it has become the first manufacturer of systems to obtain this validation.

The system allows automatic or manual connection of the charger to bus batteries. It is an articulated mechanism, installed in the roof of the vehicle and a vault connected to the charger and located in a structure or adapted pole. When the bus needs its batteries charging, the pantograph arm extends and establishes timely connections.

The operator can choose from different protocols related to the opportunity charging procedure (automatic mode or manual mode).

The onboard climate is controlled using a Hispacold air-conditioning system, designed specifically for zero-emission electric vehicles. This, Irizar said, offers the ideal balance between the thermal comfort of passengers and energy optimisation an electric vehicle.

Irizar also showcased its coach range – including the new i6S, the i4H hybrid and the i8.

MAN’s Tourliner tweaks for 2018

Of interest to UK operators on the MAN stand was the host of tweaks for the Tourliner for the year ahead. They were announced as part of the latest Tourliner model, which was launched at Kortrijk – a 13.103m two-axle coach, with seating for up to 59 passengers. MAN said the latest addition will complete its Tourliner model range.

“Its maximum overall permitted weight of up to 19.5 tonnes also contributes to the flexibility of this 13m dual-axle coach in terms of possible uses,” an MAN spokesman said.

“The optional wheelchair lift plays a role in achieving ideal axle load distribution as, in this version it sits over the front axle, thus relieving the rear axle while also not restricting the luggage compartment.”

Among the new feature for 2018 onwards are that all light functions within the headlights will be performed by LEDs as standard – and LEDs will also be used to illuminate the interior.

Other upgrades to the Tourliner interior include the flooring, which MAN said will have the appearance of a ship deck, supplemented by chrome handrails. The level floor will give operators plenty of space to configure the coach in order to best suit their specific intended purpose. A lifting platform for accessible use is also available in both the left- and right-hand drive models, with the option to create space for up to two wheelchairs.

Among the changes to the cab is that the heating wires in the driver’s window will be almost invisible as they will measure just 0.02mm in diameter, aiding driver comfort. Laminated safety glass will also be used for this window as standard. Thanks to the UV filter in the film positioned between the panes, MAN said that only 1% of UV rays will be able to enter into the coach.

In a separate development, the new MAN Lion’s Coach was officially launched at the show – although it will remain a left-hand drive product. Among the features on the Lion’s Coach, which will also be added to the Neoplan range is the MAN BrakeMatic electronic brake system and the more powerful EVBec engine brake. Electronic regulation of the exhaust gas back pressure enables increased braking effect over the entire operating speed range, thus achieving a high degree of brake output even at low speeds.

A landmark event was the handover at Kortrijk of the 5,000th Neoplan Skyliner to its new owner – Italian operator, Baltour Group.

Mellor’s continental drive

Mellor’s presence at Busworld Europe was the culmination of three years’ product planning, according to the Rochdale-based bus manufacturer.

John Randerson, MD, said: “Our presence at Busworld is the result of incredible effort from the entire team at Mellor. We did some serious ‘crystal ball gazing’ backed by customer and engineering research into future bus needs. This work has been extended to look at the European bus market under the same lens; we want to better understand; and work out the synergies and opportunities in these markets.

“Reaching Busworld with our exciting new vehicle range and European distributors in place is testament to the hard work put in by my team and an important stage in our journey. We look forward to the next chapter as we aim to become Europe’s leading specialist small bus manufacturer.”

As previously reported, Mellor has appointed three European distributors in recent months to work with them on their plans. These include Swedish based BK Invest, which will be covering Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway and Denmark); E-Vade of Germany, which also covers Austria; and most recently, E-Bus of the Netherlands which will be looking after Mellor’s interests in the Benelux countries.

Mellor displayed showcased two vehicles at the show – a left-hand drive electric low floor Orion E and a right-hand drive Strata. Mellor is confident the Strata will be equally well-received in Europe. Mellor said Mercedes-Benz has had oversight of Strata’s engineering, resulting in its approval for a three-year warranty for all Mercedes-Benz components.

New Otokar UK bound

Turkish manufacturer Otokar, which currently sells the Navigo T in the British Isles through Brian Noone and Minis to Midis, launched a new midi coach, the 43-seat 10.1m Ulyso T. International Sales and Marketing Manager at Otokar Europe, Berkan Sağlam would like to see the latest addition available in the UK and Ireland from the end of 2018, beginning of 2019.

“I think it will be as successful addition,” Berkan told CBW. “It fulfils ECE R66.02 and is powered by a Cummins ISB6.7E6 320bhp engine that will be combined with a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. It’s a vehicle with a real midi coach look.

“We have sold more than 20 Navigo Ts in the UK and Ireland and we’re working with our partners to sell another three by the end of the year. Our target for next year is another 20. There is big potential and I think this new coach would bring us additional sales. We’re discussing its introduction at the moment.”

Another right-hand drive market, Malta, continues to be important for Otokar which has now sold 204 buses to Malta Public Transport. Following 143 9.6m Vectio Cs delivered in 2015, 33 Kent Cs arrived in 2016 and they were joined by another 28 Kent Cs last summer underlining the operator’s continuing satisfaction with the product.

Other vehicles on the Otokar stand included an 8.38m Cummins ISB4.5E6 front-engined fully low-floor concept bus. It seated 25-seat (including four tip-ups) and had room for a further 35 standees. The engine position means that it’s not a vehicle that could be offered in right-hand drive although Berkan said that a redesign that allowed that might be considered longer-term.

“It would be a good concept for the UK,” he said. “This one has Eaton manual transmission and we’re initially pitching it at Mediterranean countries. Also on the stand is a 12m Kent C CNG for Spain and we’re also showing a 10.1m Vectio C with 32 seats. In continental markets Vectio C has been 9.2m-long. In right-hand drive it’s 9.6m so we now have a third size.”

Scania boosts alternative fuel offering

Scania launched its battery electric Scania Citywide Low Floor bus at Busworld, which will go on sale in 2018.

In a further alternative fuel development, Scania unveiled the hybrid Scania Interlink Low Decker (LD) – augmenting the currently available options for diesel, biodiesel, HVO, CNG/CBG and ethanol. It complements the Scania Citywide Low Entry Suburban, which is also available for the full range of alternative fuels, as well as in a hybrid mode.

Stressing its sustainable operating credentials, Scania said bus and coach chassis can now be ordered with a CNG tank volume of up to 1,875 litres, 10% more than the previous maximum capacity. Despite the greater capacity, the Swedish manufacturer said the new carbon fibre composite tanks are lightweight. They do not contain any metal in the structural design – instead, they have a plastic container and the entire tank is wrapped with carbon fibre and covered with a resin coating. As a result, type 4 CNG tanks are extremely light and due to the very thin wall, they have more capacity compared to other types of CNG tanks that have similar dimensions.

The manufacturer said that there is a trend across Europe for the population to increase in the suburbs, rather than in town and city centres. Therefore, commuters need to travel longer distances.

“In fact, suburban bus transport currently accounts for three times greater fuel volume than city centre transport,” explained Håkan Björk, Director, Strategic Sales & Key Account Management.

“With the new gas tanks, Scania Citywide Low Floor and Scania Citywide Low Entry with 1,260-litre tanks will have a range of approximately 400–450km, depending on the traffic situation, topography and gas fuel quality. The top-of the-range 1,875-litre tanks will primarily benefit articulated buses, which can achieve a range of 600–700km, also depending on traffic and fuel quality.”

Scania was also promoting at Busworld the introduction of Scania Fleet Care with Uptime Guarantee, which is available for all bus bodies with Scania chassis.

Claes Åkerlund, Head of Scania Service Concepts, said: “The service can be precisely tailored to their business and when their operational needs are greatest. Bus operators for example, might opt for 100% uptime Mondays to Fridays from 0600 to 1800hrs. Scania will then ensure that maintenance and repairs are carried out on weekday evenings and nights as well as during weekends. Each Fleet Care with Uptime Guarantee contract will thus be tailored and discussed individually. Scania will continuously monitor uptime and provide automatic compensation for any deviation from the agreed terms. The dedicated fleet manager at Scania will take full responsibility for planning maintenance, preventive repairs and other repairs. The fleet manager will have full overview of the customer fleet and plan workshop actions to meet the uptime requirements.”

Solaris extends portfolio

Solaris exhibited its Urbino 18 electric, a serial hybrid version of the Urbino 12 and a 10.5m midi version of the diesel Urbino.

The Polish manufacturer was keen to emphasise that its 18m electric is in production with an early customer for three being Kraków-based MPK. In the case of the bus on display, the energy storage system comprised 240kWh batteries that could be recharged by means of a plug-in connector or via a roof-mounted pantograph. The vehicle had a passenger carrying capacity of 140.

The Urbino hybrid utilises a BAE Systems HybriDrive in conjunction with a Cummins ISB4.5E6 engine. Fuel savings of 20% compared to a diesel equivalent are promised and an 18m version is also available.

The 23-seat Urbino 10.5 midi on display was powered by a Cummins ISB6.7E6C engine, but as with the Urbino 12, a DAF MX11 could be specified. Three Urbino 10.5s are now operating around Vienna and others are due to be delivered to the Polish cities of Komorniki and Kutno, Fürth in Germany and the French town of Abondanc.

Temsa unveils facelifted MD9

Temsa launched two new versions of its established products at the show – the MD9 midicoach and the LD SB Plus school coach. The MD9, which is sold in the UK by Arriva Bus & Coach (ABC) and has gained a loyal following, has been facelifted – the most obvious changes being at the front end.

However, other details of enhancements to the vehicle remained to be confirmed as this issue went to press. ABC confirmed though, that the new-style MD9 and the facelifted Safari HD will be available in the UK from the first quarter of 2019. Other vehicles on displayed included a TS45 sold in the American market, as well as the Maraton, HD, MD7 Plus and the Avenue Electron electric bus.

The Turkish manufacturer, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, was optimistic about its sales.

TEMSA’s International Sales Director, Acar Kocaer, said: “I’d like to give you information about five leading markets – the UK, US, France, Germany and Sweden. In the U.K., where we offer two products, was 4.4% in 2016 and has been maintained in 2017. We have a market share of 9% with three products on the US, where we’re approaching the 1,000 units mark. In France, where we are heading towards 5,000 units, we offer eight products. Our share in the coach segment, where we are represented with four products, went up from 5.7% in 2016 to 6.1%. Our three products in the intercity segment were a great success – our share increased from 2.8% in 2016 to 5.9% in 2017.

“In Germany, where we have three products, we are maintaining our 2016 market share of 2.9%.

“One of the markets that make us extremely proud is the Swedish bus market. The two products we have on that market gained a huge momentum and increased their share of 5% in 2016 to reach 11% in 2017.”

UNVI’s electric open-topper

Spanish manufacturer UNVI, whose sightseeing buses can be seen in service in Bath, and its mini and midicoaches with a host of operators across the country, announced a high-profile operator for its new electric open-top bus.

Extrapolitan alliance member Open Tour Paris, an RATP Dev subsidiary has teamed up with UNVI to design the 12m bus, which is called Urbis 2.5 DD. It can carry up to 75 passengers and offers a range of 150km (93 miles) per day. UNVI said that in its basic version, the two-axle vehicle has two doors and offers the same seating capacity as a diesel variant. Flexibility, including higher seating capacity is available thanks to the vehicle’s modular construction.

The Extrapolitan alliance plans to roll out the 100%-electric ’decker on several of its networks, beginning with The Original Tour in London, where the electrical conversion of its fleet is scheduled by 2019.

Open Tour Paris Director, Fabrice Bayon, revealed to CBW that the electric open-topper project had been in development for seven years.

He added: “This electric bus is planned to enter service in December in Paris. Open Tour Paris has also been reducing its CO2 emissions for many years, thanks in particular to eco-driving training for drivers and parking its vehicles in the centre of Paris to optimise journeys to depots.”

RATP Group’s objective is to convert its entire 40-stong Open Tour Paris fleet to electric traction by 2024 – and its Ile-de-France (Paris region) fleet is planned to be electrified by 2025.

Turning to the wider UNVI presence at Busworld Kortrijk, Alexandre Lecompte, the manufacturer’s Sales Director said: “2017 is expected to be a record year for UNVI, with a turnover of more than €38m – an increase of 20% compared with 2016.

“We are diversifying our range of products towards low carbon buses as an alternative to diesel engines. This is being done either directly by us or in collaboration with some experienced partners. A prime example is our Urbis 2.5 DD, which has been developed in collaboration with Ziehl-Abbeg, BMZ and SAV.

“We’ve also developed products in collaboration with some chassis manufacturers – such as the Volvo-based Urbis 2.5 DD open-top hybrid. We’ve secured an order for eight of these open-toppers on the Volvo B5LH chassis for TMB in Barcelona.”

Van Hool articulates new BRTs

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Van Hool unveiled an interesting selection of enhancements to its product range of both coaches and buses.

CEO Philip Van Hool reflected: “My grandfather Bernrad Van Hool started the company in 1947 as a small family business. Today, we’re still 100% family-owned and we’re working with 4,600 employees. I would like to stress that many of our customers are also family businesses.”

Welcoming the new EX, he said: “I’d like to introduce our new frame concept on the two-axle version, where we have much less weight, lower exterior and interior noise levels, together with improved maintenance access. We’ve also introduced a new dashboard with better ergonomics and a slightly new exterior design with better aerodynamics – and we also added new versions. To start with, the availability of a rear door. We’ve also introduced the Allison gearbox in the three-axle vehicles and in the 14m vehicle, we’ve introduced a lift behind the rear axle. In 2018, we will introduce a low height version for the European market.”

Turning to the TX range, Philip commented: “We’ve introduced a new, seamless exterior design to our top end range as we did last year on our double-decker. It’s now across the rest of the range. With TX, we want to focus on the fact we can build tailor-made solutions so whatever the customer wants, we can do it.”

Looking ahead, he said: “We’re confident about the future of independent manufacturers. We strongly believe in the possibilities. We’re mainly active in the American and European markets. 50% of our turnover is American market, 50% is European market. In the last few years we’ve added new markets to our own – Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

“In line with our strategy, we would like to share with you that we’re expanding our facility in Skopje, Macedonia. We decided last year to double the capacity compared to what we’re building today. We will change from four production lines to eight, so we can produce 1,000 vehicles a year with 1,000 employees.

“The America market is very important. We’re mainly active in the private market where we’re in position number one. We were proud that a few weeks ago, we signed a new contract with an America battery manufacturer, Proterra, and we’re building the first Van Hool 100% electric coach with a range of 300km. The plan is to build the first prototype and test drive them with customers at the beginning of 2019.

“We plan to deliver the first series production examples in the second half of 2019.”

Turning to another growth area for Van Hool, the production of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Exqui.Citys, Philip said: “We will produce 20 24m-long double-articulated hybrid trolley for Linz in Austria. I would also like to draw your attention to the first RHD Equi.City for Belfast. This is a diesel electric hybrid and we’ll produce 30 of them. They will be operated by Translink.

“They offer a weight saving between 600 and 900kg – the roof is fibreglass rather than aluminium, for example. The two-axle version meets the latest ECE R66.02 rollover and a tri-axle version will follow.”

Commenting on the latest additions to his fleet, Translink CEO Chris Conway, said: “This new vehicle represents a key milestone in our new BRT system for Belfast. Today marks the culmination of years of planning, research and development and I’m very pleased that the new name will be Glider.

“It will be the iconic new face of public transport in Belfast, energising the city and will play a key role in enabling the city to grow and prosper. It will deliver a state-of-the-art, high capacity, high frequency rapid transit system using diesel electric hybrid vehicles with a direct cross city service between east and west Belfast. It will launch in September 2018. It will be fully accessible and will take advantage of a high level of bus priority using a new off-vehicle ticketing system, speeding up boarding times and feeding into the wider bus and rail network.

“We would like to thank the Department of Infrastructure for essentially funding this project and we would also like to thank Van Hool for its continued hard work and commitment, delivering this major project. We look forward to working with it in the future and the arrival of the first vehicle in Northern Ireland, later this year.”

VDL spreads its wings

The headline news from VDL concerned the creation of its new Spanish subsidiary, VDL Bus & Coach España S.L. After the UK, Germany and France, Spain is Europe’s fourth largest bus and coach market, and it is the second coach market after Germany, VDL said.

Marcel Jacobs, Commercial Director of VDL Bus & Coach, explained: “The choice to open subsidiary in Spain is the logical continuation of the strategy VDL has chosen to pursue that involves establishing a direct presence of the buses and coaches division in most of the major bus markets in Western Europe. The Spanish bus market is currently undergoing a remarkable boom.

“We are very proud of the fact that we are also active in this tremendously attractive market with a fully owned VDL Bus & Coach subsidiary. Following a sharp fall during the financial crisis, the market in Spain is now undergoing rapid growth.”

Headquartered in Madrid, the new subsidiary will be led by Anno Dirksen, who has spent the past nine years as MD of VDL Bus & Coach Italia s.r.l. VDL also announced what it called ‘a full three-year warranty’ – although details remained somewhat thin on the ground as this issue went to press.

New Volvo 7900 Electric

Volvo launched the latest version of its 7900 all-electric bus which has an extended range of up to 200km, more charging options and is available with a choice of 150, 200 and 250kWh battery capacities. As well as fast-charging via the open and competition-neutral OppCharge interface, the bus can also now be charged via the CCS (Combined Charging System), which delivers high-voltage direct current through a special electrical connector. First examples of the new model are expected to be operational by the end of 2018.

“This is a very important reinforcement of our electromobility product range, giving our customers maximum flexibility in their daily operations,” said Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses. “During peak hours the buses can operate continuously without stopping to recharge. Instead, the batteries can be charged once traffic is at off-peak levels. On shorter routes, they can even run throughout the day and be charged at night.

“As the demand for electric buses has grown very rapidly both in Europe and the rest of the world, it feels really good that we can offer cities an electric-bus system that provides better preconditions than ever to switch to sustainable, quiet and emission-free public transport.”

Johnny Lidman, Product Manager City Buses Europe at Volvo Buses, added: “Operators can choose the charge interface that best suits each particular occasion. For instance, CCS is suitable for high-power charging when the bus is parked in the depot.”

Volvo was also promoting specially-designed high-specification versions of its 9700 and 9900 coaches that will be built in limited numbers and would be available for sale up until the end of the year.

Yutong winning orders

Dietrich Carebus Group is French distributor for Temsa and the French, German, Benelux and Swiss distributor for Yutong, the two manufacturers that occupied Hall 7 at Busworld. Yutong built 70,988 vehicles in 2016 delivered to customers in 30 countries. Of those, 26,856 were electric and hybrid ‘new energy’ variants.

In addition to the Yutong TC12 and GT12Hs on display on the stand, there was a comprehensive range of coaches available for demonstration outside the exhibition halls. Of particular interest was the all-electric 12.36m ICe12 interurban coach which has attracted a first order for 12 from Paris-based Groupe Savac. Seating up to 59, it shares the same electric drive as the 12m E12 city bus and examples of both were exhibited.

The E12 has now demonstrated in Paris, Marseille, Reims, Strasbourg, Lyon, Mulhouse, Chartres and Grenoble, and, according to Dietrich Carebus Group, has just secured its first tender. More than 67,000km have been covered in the French trials and its right-hand drive equivalent continues to demonstrate in the UK, currently with Nottingham Community Transport. Under test conditions the E12’s power consumption has been as low as 0.63kWh/km.
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