As the UK’s dedicated coach and bus industry exhibition, Euro Bus Expo 2024 united operators, local authorities, manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, unveil innovations, and build impactful business relationships.
Praised as “the premium networking event for the bus and coach industry,” “a fantastic showcase of innovation,” and “a must-attend platform,” Euro Bus Expo delivered unrivalled opportunities for strategic planning, business growth, and exploring the industry’s future.
The show spotlighted collaboration and innovation as critical tools in addressing industry challenges. Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, who opened the final day’s Masterclass Theatre sessions, captured the event’s spirit:
“Collaboration is at the core of the government’s bold plans for change. And that is why events like this are so important. By sharing our insight and ideas, our experience and expertise, and our questions and concerns, we can drive progress towards our shared ambitions.”
Event Director Helen Conway added: “The positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors has been incredible. Key deals were signed, innovative products launched, and invaluable connections made. From ground-breaking product launches to insightful seminars, the event showcased the industry’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to progress. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.”
The Masterclass Theatre delivered 28 thought-provoking seminars led by 47 industry experts, tackling net-zero strategies, compliance, recruitment, accessibility, and technological innovation. Just some of the highlights included:
- Robert Montgomery (BusReinvented): Emphasised the need to reduce car use by 30% to achieve Net Zero, urging the industry to reimagine services and double the UK bus fleet.
- James Howells (Don’t Travel Empty): Highlighted proactive planning to navigate industry consolidation and protect small businesses.
- Andrew Luckett (BluMarbl): Emphasised the importance of affordable opportunity charging for accelerating coach electrification.
- Adam Leishman (Ascendal Group): Advocated for balanced “win-win-win contracts” and level playing fields in bus contracting, drawing on insights from international models.
- James Backhouse (Backhouse Jones): Underscored robust compliance frameworks and transparent processes as markers of operational excellence.
- Julia Meek (Zenobē) and Luke Marion (Oxford Bus Company): Shared lessons from launching an all-electric depot, emphasising the importance of strong partnerships, and careful planning and budgeting to deliver projects.
- Spencer Miller (DVSA): Provided essential guidance on compliance, including PSVAR requirements.
Show Partner, The Confederation of Passenger Transport’s CPT Operator Forum added further depth on day two. Taking place in the Masterclass Theatre, the Forum covered sessions on AI, accessibility, and workforce strategies. Graham Vidler, CEO of CPT, reflected:
“Attendees enjoyed clear-eyed analysis of AI, open debates on accessibility, two discussions on the coach industry’s future, workforce strategies, and a blockbuster panel with DVSA, the West Midlands Traffic Commissioner, and Backhouse Jones.”
Euro Bus Expo 2024’s Masterclass sessions are now available on demand! Explore the on-demand content here: Masterclass Theatre On Demand
Among the 190+ exhibitors and 75 vehicles on display from 25 leading manufacturers and dealers, there were standout announcements:
- Irizar UK: Major orders with Eavesway Travel, Proctors Coaches, and West Coach Motors, and plans for a new UK headquarters in Nottinghamshire. MD Andrew Blundell called the show a “window of opportunity.”
- Scania UK: Secured a 42-coach deal with The Coach Travel Group.
- BYD: Debuted its B12 battery-electric bus for the UK, boasting a 310-mile range.
- Karsan: Made its UK debut with the e-JEST electric microbus, distributed by EVM.
- TBC Conversions: Launched a new accessible electric minibus and a Mercedes Sprinter model compatible with Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
- Alexander Dennis: Revealed details about its upcoming Enviro200EV range, set to launch in 2025.
- Mellor: Announced a strategic refocus on UK van conversions.
- VDL Van Hool: Made its first appearance with its updated brand identity and vehicle lineup.
The Innovation Challenge showcased transformative products and services, with visitors voting for their favourites and six finalists pitching live to a judging panel.
The Judges’ Choice Gold Award was awarded to Intangles Predictive AI, a tool that alerts fleet managers to developing vehicle faults before they escalate. Judges praised its potential to reduce breakdowns by up to 75%, cut fuel use by 10%, and lower workshop costs by the same margin.
Commenting on winning the gold, Thomas Sebastian, Managing Director at Intangles said, “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to have won. This top award reinforces our mission to revolutionise fleet management and drive transformative results for our customers. Competing against so many exceptional innovations makes this achievement all the more significant and we wish everyone who participated the very best as they continue to push the boundaries of innovation.”
ShuttleID’s Brickets solution also achieved a standout victory, winning both the Operators’ Choice Gold Award and Judges’ Choice Silver Award. Designed as a digital ticketing solution for ‘brick’ phones, Brickets was celebrated for bridging the accessibility gap in ticketing technology.
Emma Bell, Director at ShuttleID, said: “To come away with multiple awards from the first competition we’ve ever entered has gone way above our expectations. Being recognised as one of the best innovators in the industry is such an amazing achievement for all the team at ShuttleID.”
Other winners included solutions from Altro Transflor, Altertek Ltd, Ferdia, and VEV, each contributing to sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.
Judge Chloe Leach-O’Connell said: “The sheer breadth of entries, from groundbreaking technologies to innovations that truly elevate the passenger experience, is nothing short of inspiring.”
Judge Phil Hitchen agreed: “The Innovation Challenge showcased the creativity and ingenuity driving our industry forward. These solutions represent real progress toward the challenges we face.”
For a full list of entries, visit Euro Bus Expo Innovation Challenge Entries.
Exhibitors highlighted the success of Euro Bus Expo 2024, noting its exceptional footfall and potential for networking and sales.
Stefan Baguette, Group Marketing Communications Manager at Alexander Dennis, shared: “We’ve had a fantastic time. The stand has been busy every day with lots of visitors coming. It’s a fantastic get-together for the whole industry, and this one’s been no disappointment. Euro Bus Expo is the place to be – for our customers, our partners, and the industry.”
Mark Oliver, Bus & Coach Power Solutions Sales Director at Scania Great Britain, noted: “It’s been a very busy show. On Tuesday, we saw a significant increase in footfall onto the stand compared to previous years – it’s been a marked difference.”
Julie Hartley, Sales Director at Irizar UK, shared: “We’ve had a positive three days with handshakes on the stand for multiple deals. This year showed the buoyancy of the industry, and what a good place vehicle sales are in at the moment.” She continued: “We have had excellent results following the 2024 edition.”
Paul Gardner, Regional Sales Manager at Temsa, described the event as “the premium bus and coach networking event.”
Other exhibitors echoed these sentiments. John Clarfelt, Managing Director at Ticketer, stated: “This year was our most successful show.”
Honor Clough, Area Business Manager at Camira Fabrics, commented: “Euro Bus Expo is a great platform for doing business! We’ve had lots of interest and have taken orders from new and existing customers.”
Steve Braund, Marketing Manager at Totalkare, highlighted: “Euro Bus Expo is a crucial platform for us to demonstrate our support for the UK bus and coach industry. We leave with a healthy number of sales leads and orders received.”
Andrew Fraser, Sales Director at Distinctive Systems, added: “Euro Bus Expo 2024 was as good as ever, with a good number of high-quality sales leads and important networking opportunities. We’ve already booked our stand for 2026.”
Visitors to Euro Bus Expo 2024 shared glowing feedback on the event’s ability to inspire, connect, and drive meaningful business outcomes.
“Euro Bus Expo is a must-attend to explore the breadth of the industry. It’s the perfect platform to find products, make connections, and plan for the future,” said Morwenna Paz, Senior Bus Business Development Manager at Transport for London.
Terri Smith, Operations Manager at Welland Wheels Ltd, remarked: “I’m so pleased we cleared our diary for such a great display, networking, and future products. We have already made contact with five companies for new products – this forges our company forward in many ways.”
For Iain Fortune, Fleet Operations and Transport Manager at South Gloucestershire Council, the event provided unexpected solutions: “Going to Euro Bus Expo can provide solutions to challenges you didn’t know were possible.” Peter Bovington, Transport Manager at DJ Coaches, agreed: “Euro Bus Expo is a great place to find new and up-and-coming resources to make the right decisions for the future of my business.”
Robert Mason, Head of Bus Franchising at Transport UK, described the show as “a must-attend to find all the products and services and make the connections that you need to develop your business.”
The event also proved valuable for strategic planning. Don McIntosh, Director at Tally Ho! Coaches Ltd, shared: “The Euro Bus Expo experience is an important part of any five-year strategy review and the process of investing capital effectively.”
Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, summarised the show’s impact: “Euro Bus Expo is the industry’s chance to showcase the latest innovations, to network, compare suppliers, make or refine purchasing decisions, and ensure future business.”
With such resounding endorsements, Euro Bus Expo continues to be a pivotal event for professionals across the coach and bus industry.
As the UK’s sole major coach and bus exhibition, Euro Bus Expo has reaffirmed its status as the industry’s primary platform for business, innovation, and collaboration. The event returns to the NEC Birmingham from 3-5 November 2026. Exhibitors are encouraged to secure their stands early.
For further details, visit www.eurobusexpo.com.