Euro Bus Expo: Day one gallery as trade show opens strongly
Euro Bus Expo saw a strong first day at the NEC Birmingham on 12 November. Around 190 exhibitors are on site until Thursday 14 November, with vehicles from small minicoaches and minibuses through to high-capacity coaches alongside a wide range of services, technology and other products being showcased.
Among vehicles making a first showing are the BYD B12 battery-electric single-decker bus; the UNVI L24 midicoach on DAF XB chassis; and a Ford E-Transit nine-seat battery-electric minibus from TBC Conversions. The Karsan e-JEST microbus also made its UK debut and will be sold here by EVM, while news of other pending arrivals was also to be had.
VDL Van Hool is making a strong showing as the Van Hool brand continues its resurgence under VDL ownership, with a T16 Astron and a TDX21 Altano on hand. while luxury small PSVs are prominent with displays from Apex Buses, Brian Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales, EVM, Ilesbus, John Hill Coach Sales and Cento, and UNVI.
The miniplus zone showcases accessible small products from multiple converters and dealers. Other vehicle exhibitors include Alexander Dennis, Ayats, BASE Coach Sales, Irizar UK, Mellor, Pelican Bus and Coach with Yutong vehicles, Scania, and Temsa.
A wide range of suppliers are also on hand, while the Masterclass Theatre programme of carefully-tailored content will continue on Wednesday and Thursday.
Winners of the 2024 routeone Awards will be announced to a 900-strong sell-out audience on the evening of Wednesday 13 November, with that event moving to a new venue of The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham.
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Ferqui supply in UK to transition from Connaught PSV to EVM
Supply of Ferqui small coaches in the UK will transition to EVM from Connaught PSV over the coming months with the pending retirement of Connaught Managing Director Steve Peach (pictured, second from left).
EVM already supplies Ferqui products in Ireland. Managing Director Danny McGee (pictured, second from right) says that taking up the same responsibility in the UK is a straightforward expansion of that existing work.
“I have had a good relationship with Steve and Connaught PSV for over 15 years and we know the Ferqui product well, having supplied it in Ireland for some time. Our discussions with Steve began in 2019 and they resumed more recently," adds Mr McGee.
The shift will see the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Soroco and the Iveco Daily-based Sunrise supplied and supported here by EVM. Both are coachbuilt models. Connaught PSV has been the sole supplier of Ferqui products in Great Britain since 2011. Mr Peach has been involved with the Spanish marque ever since it first came here in 1997.
Connaught’s premises near Doncaster will close as part of the transfer. Ferqui parts will be held at EVM UK’s head office in Horsham and the dealership has already trained its mobile technicians on Ferqui products. EVM will also support any warranty claims.
Vehicles from Ferqui will be kept in stock by EVM. It has signed an agreement for 72 units split broadly equally across Sprinter and Daily for 2025 and for supply to both the UK and Ireland. No further examples of either are available to purchase from Connaught.
Mr McGee says that the Sunrise is a particularly important addition to EVM’s line-up in the UK. The chassis is fully warranted by Iveco with a 33-seat body thanks to Ferqui being able to achieve that capacity via close attention to weight and retention of the OEM 7,200kg GVW.
Ferqui CEO David Navarro Quince (pictured, right) explains that such a position has been reached via the use of lighter materials and removal of around 250kg from the body mass. In PSVAR compliant form, the Sunrise can seat 28. The lift is mounted behind the rear axle in that configuration.
The Ferqui product range will remain stable in the medium-term. Mr McGee says that while some early ideas of possible new products exist, they are “not for now.”
Translink to deploy Vix Technology for next-stop announcements
Translink and Vix Technology have agreed a partnership that will see the supplier deliver audio-visual next-stop announcements across the operator's bus fleet in Northern Ireland.
The project represents a continuation of a longstanding partnership between the two bodies and is scheduled to launch in early 2025. It has potential to include up to 1,000 buses and is part of compliance with the PSV Accessible Information Regulations.
Vix says that the work not only meets those regulatory standards but also enhances the overall customer experience. Its solution uses various hardware and software components including TFT and LED displays, and hearing loops for passengers with hearing aids.
The hearing loops represent a first for Vix Technology as part of a next-stop announcement project, with that in partnership with Translink the largest of its kind to date for the supplier.
Six types of bus will be equipped by Vix using a range of display sizes and configurations. Installation will be by the supplier’s partner network and ongoing maintenance will be provided by the in-house Vix team.
Speaking about the work, Sales Manager Matt Wilks says: “We are thrilled to extend our longstanding partnership with Translink over the coming years.
“Together we are committed to delivering a truly leading on-bus experience for passengers, with innovations that benefit all users by implementing the accessible information regulations. This collaboration will enhance convenience, comfort and inclusivity across the network, ensuring accessible, real-time information for everyone.”
Adds Translink Programme Manager Ruth Mulholland: “As part of Translink’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible public transport network, our ongoing partnership with Vix has been integral to delivering technology that enhances the customer experience.
“The expansion of audio-visual next stop announcements across our bus fleet marks a significant investment in ensuring that customers can travel with ease and confidence.
“Providing clear, accurate and timely travel information to every passenger is vital to supporting Translink’s vision of a more connected and customer-focused public transport network.”