EVM supplies four Avantgarde minicoaches to Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken delivery of four Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with Avantgarde minicoach conversions, supplied by EVM UK.
They are for operational use in Gibraltar. EVM and the Ministry worked closely together on the specification of the Avantgarde quartet to meet MoD operational requirements while prioritising comfort and safety. Each seats 19 with three-point belts.
Double-glazed and tinted side windows are fitted along with Webasto air-conditioning for the saloon. USB charging points, full-length luggage racks and a powered plug passenger door are part of the package along with General Safety Regulation 2 equipment.
External finish is in arctic white, complemented by chrome trim. EVM says that success with the Ministry of Defence reinforces the supplier's existing expertise in supplying high-quality, fit-for-purpose solutions to specialist fleets in the UK and Ireland, and beyond.
[adrotate banner="44"]
Brighton and Hove Buses debuts first 16 electric double-decks
Brighton and Hove Buses has launched its first battery-electric fleet members in the form of 16 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner double-decks. They have been part-funded by £2.9 million from the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas fund that was awarded to Brighton and Hove City Council.
The vehicles are for use on cross-city route 7 and are dual-door examples. As is customary with the operator, the buses major on accessibility, with such features shaped via what it describes as “ongoing collaboration” with interested parties to embed lived experience.
Brighton and Hove says that those design aspects are also informed by continuous passenger feedback. Among items specified are new dementia-friendly seating moquette, which has been developed by the operator in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society Horsham Rusty Brains Dementia Voice Group.
In an indication of the depth of that partnership, Alzheimer’s Society Service User Involvement Officer Tim Wilkins gave a speech to attendees at a launch event reflecting on the operator’s commitment to co-production and co-design of buses.
“The Horsham Rusty Brains are an incredible group of people living with a diagnosis, who have been front and centre in co-designing dementia friendly bus seating upholstery alongside the Brighton and Hove Buses team,” says Mr Wilkins.
“Seeing their lived experience shape something so visible brings real pride and shows the powerful impact of community voices.”
Also present at the launch event were the Deputy Lieutenant of Brighton and Hove, councillors, and representatives of the Department for Transport. Other local accessibility groups and charities were further guests.
Speaking about the electric buses’ arrival, Brighton and Hove Interim Managing Director Rupert Cox says: “This is an important step on our journey towards greener and more accessible travel for our passengers. The turnout at the launch event is testament to how much people care about their local bus service.”
Adds Wrightbus Managing Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland John McLeister: “Each vehicle represents not only a step forward in decarbonising transport, but also a commitment to accessibility, innovation, and passenger experience.
“These buses have been designed and built by our skilled teams in Ballymena, and the whole process supports thousands of jobs in the supply chain across the United Kingdom.”
Registration opens as Euro Bus Expo 2026 builds towards a major NEC showcase
The UK’s definitive bus and coach exhibition returns to the NEC Birmingham on 3-5 November 2026.
Visitor registration has opened for Euro Bus Expo, which has been the meeting place for the UK bus and coach industry for over three decades. Returning to the NEC Birmingham this November, the three-day exhibition will deliver vehicle displays, technology showcases, and the latest industry insights.
The 2026 edition, supported by show partner Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), is expected to welcome more than 200 exhibitors. 22 vehicle exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance, spanning bus, coach, and mini and midi bus. They are joined by a growing line-up of technology, infrastructure, and service suppliers covering everything from fleet management and charging to passenger systems, driver training, and finance.
For visiting operators, Euro Bus Expo captures everything the industry could need under one roof – delivering time and travel efficiencies, productive supplier conversations, and the opportunity to consolidate months of research into a matter of days. Whether planning fleet renewal, exploring zero-emission options, or reviewing operational technology, visitors can assess their choices, ask the right questions, and move decisions forward across three focused days.
Helen Conway, Event Director for Euro Bus Expo, said: "Euro Bus Expo is where the industry comes together to meet suppliers face to face, see the latest innovations and make informed business decisions. The 2026 exhibitor line-up is building at pace, with a packed and broad-ranging showcase set for this November. We’re looking forward to welcoming the industry back to the NEC."
Launched in 2024, Euro Bus Expo Connect returns as the event's dedicated networking platform. Attendees can search for exhibitors and products ahead of the event, schedule meetings directly with suppliers, and build a personal itinerary of appointments and theatre sessions. A hosted meeting lounge at the event will also provide dedicated space for key business discussions. The platform opens in September 2026, allowing registered attendees to lock in meetings early and maximise their time at the event.
The Masterclass Theatre programme is now in development, with sessions set to tackle the operational, commercial, and regulatory priorities facing the sector. Through a Call for Speakers, industry professionals are invited to apply to share their real-world insights and experiences. Submissions can be made via the show website before the 24 June 2026 deadline.
Registration is free of charge and open to industry professionals via the show website, eurobusxpo.com. Registering early means being among the first to receive event updates, theatre announcements, and access to Euro Bus Expo Connect when it launches in September.
With new exhibitors joining the line-up every week and the show now over 80% sold, businesses interested in exhibiting should contact Martin Laverton at the earliest opportunity at [email protected], +44 (0) 1733 405735, or visit eurobusxpo.com/why-exhibit.