Meet the Brand: Irizar UK Ltd
We catch up with Julie Hartley from Irizar UK Ltd to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand V19
Tell us a bit about your company?
Irizar UK is based in Nottinghamshire and is UK is the sole supplier of Irizar Integral coaches, powered by DAF, in the United Kingdom.
Coaches offered cover the full range of sectors, ranging from the iconic Irizar i8, the ultimate in comfort and style for corporate charter, sports teams and continental touring, the versatile and elegant Irizar i6S Efficient, a coach that can cover all the bases for touring and day trips, private hire and contracts, the Irizar i6, offering style and frugality for contracts and private hire and the workhorse Irizar i4, a low height coach offering high capacity with kerb appeal. All models can be built to full PSVAR compliance.
Coaches are supported by a comprehensive and multitiered aftercare offering. Irizar UK continually looks for the most effective way to ensure our customers receive the highest quality care.
We have a team of field service engineers alongside full access to the DAF dealer network . To further support this we also have a 24/7 helpline should assistance outside of working hours be required.
Irizar UK's Parts Centre is located in Worksop in partnership with Masterpart. We have a very experienced team that are on hand to advise, and we always hold a vast stock of genuine Irizar parts to ensure our operators are able to access exactly what they need without delay.
iService is a digital platform enabling customers of Irizar Integral vehicles to access extensive information specific to their vehicle. The platform allows the user to obtain Technical Documentation, the Parts Catalogue / Eshop and also Maintenance material.
Irizar Training Courses are available to all owners Irizar Integral vehicles at three technical levels to ensure that customers are familiar with all the systems aboard their vehicle.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Irizar coaches are distinguished by their legendary design, quality of build and technical innovation, ensuring passenger comfort, driver appeal and minimised operating costs.
At EBE 2024, Irizar UK is exhibiting its technologically advanced range of coaches, alongside an Irizar ie Tram, 100% zero emission bus.
The iconic i8 is available in three lengths in the UK, 12.4m on two axles and 13.2m and 14.07m on three axles. The flat floor enables different configurations, including conversion for sports teams in style and 2+1 seating for the ultimate in comfort for long distance touring and corporate charter.
With the Irizar i6S Efficient, our most Efficient coach to date, consumption and emissions have been reduced up to 13% from the previous version, weight is down to 950 kg and the aerodynamic coefficient is 30% lower, assisted by the fitment of digital camera vision system. The i6S is available from 10.8m to 14.07m in length, with 2 heights dependent on specification.
The Irizar i4 coach offers significant features that mainly focus on a major reduction in weight and optimal axle load distribution. The ultimate workhorse, the 12.9m version can accommodate 59 seats on a 2+2 seating basis and 70 seats where 3+2 seating is utilised, making it ideal for school applications.
The Irizar ie tram gives the appearance and features of a tram with the flexibility of a city bus.
The 12m version on display this year is opportunity charged with depot charged and 18 metre variants also available. The ie tram creates a real stepped change in the image of the bus.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Euro Bus Expo offers a unique environment to engage with the bus and coach industry at large.
With operators, suppliers and industry stakeholders travelling from across the UK and beyond at converging at the exhibition, many conversations can take place, ideas mooted, and relationships built.
Operators are able to experience first hand a variety of different products, comparisons can be made and decisions taken.
There is no other environment that creates such a melting pot of people and ideas, in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.
Meet the Brand: VEV
We catch up with Simon Cubitt from VEV to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 397
Tell us a bit about your company?
VEV helps organisations deliver on their carbon reduction ambitions with an end-to-end fleet electrification solution integrating across vehicles, charging infrastructure, power, and finance. VEV is owned by Vitol, a world leader in energy.
Founded two years ago, CEO Mike Nakrani brought together a team of experts from two converging industries - automotive and energy. His vision was to help fleets decarbonise faster and make the transition to EVs a positive and profitable undertaking while keeping mission-critical fleets running at scale.
The team is now 60-strong, working closely with customers to understand how their businesses work and map out and build the best electrification transition for each fleet. This laser focus on each fleet’s requirements is one of the reasons VEV is now working with multiple fleets in the public and private sectors.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Buses lead the way in electrification. In our first year, we started working with sustainability visionary, Tootbus to develop its overall fleet electrification plan. It’s now a reality at the Wandsworth depot, with Tootbus able to power its EVs with 100% renewable energy, newly installed charging infrastructure, onsite solar generation to power 60,000 KM of bus travel per year and the VEV-IQ platform as the control centre.
Another notable installation is the opportunity charging at Kent County Council’s Fastrack Thameside BRT (bus rapid transit). Kent is using huge pantograph chargers – learn about pantographs in our project director’s blog.
One of the first questions we must answer for our customers is “do I have enough power for my EV fleet?”. Energy is a huge consideration requiring a robust energy strategy to reduce demand from the grid with micro-grids utilising solar power, battery storage and smart charging scheduling.
VEV anticipates the complexities of fleet electrification, working with all stakeholders to set businesses up for success in an electrified future.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Euro Bus Expo offers a unique opportunity for us to connect with industry leaders and stay informed about the latest trends in the bus and transport sector. It's also the perfect platform to highlight VEV's role in driving bus electrification forward.
For us, events like this are about meaningful conversations - learning about the business challenges and goals with fleet electrification and importantly exploring how we can collaborate to address them.
Euro Bus Expo provides an excellent opportunity to gather valuable market insights, share our expertise, and showcase our successful case studies.
We're excited to meet and network with like-minded individuals who share our vision for advancing the decarbonisation of the bus and passenger transport industry.
We look forward to meeting you.
Euro Bus Expo 2024 to showcase industry’s latest innovations
Next month, the coach and bus industry will be out in force at Euro Bus Expo 2024 to explore the latest technologies, state-of-the-art vehicles, advanced equipment, and innovative business solutions driving the industry forward.
Taking place over three days, from 12-14 November 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, Euro Bus Expo will deliver a comprehensive showcase of the entire supply chain.
Among the 185 exhibitors, there will be a diverse array of over 70 cutting-edge vehicles on display from 23 leading vehicle manufacturers and dealers, showcasing the latest advancements in coach and bus technology. The full vehicle lineup will be revealed next week.
In addition to vehicle displays, visitors will discover an extensive range of products and services from suppliers, showcasing innovations that support and enhance every aspect of coach and bus operations.
Innovation Challenge
One of the most anticipated features is the Innovation Challenge – a competition showcasing groundbreaking products and services set to transform the future of coach and bus operations.
Exhibitor entries will be displayed at the Innovation Challenge Gallery, where visitors will vote for their favourite new initiatives on the first two days of the show.
On day three (14 November), suppliers of innovations with the most votes will deliver a fast-paced 90-second pitch to a live audience and a panel of expert judges in the Masterclass Theatre.
Judges include Phil Hitchen, Managing Director at Belle Vue Coaches; Chloe Leach-O’Connell, Managing Director at Leach-O’Connell Consultancy; Keith McNally, Operations Director at the CPT; and Tom Morgan, Managing Director at trentbarton.
The winners will be revealed at 3pm on 14 November.
Innovation Challenge Entries
- Brickets: School Bus Tickets On “Brick” Phones
From ShuttleID (stand 233)
A new type of digital bus ticket that works on virtually any ‘brick’ mobile phone, developed to meet the need for alternatives as more schools consider banning smartphones in classrooms and beyond.
- Bus ESS Re-Cell Service
From Altertek Ltd – ESS Repair Specialists (stand 200)
Equipment that safely replaces end-of-life battery cells while retaining most original components, extending the energy storage system's life.
- Control 360
From Omnibus & EPM Bus Solutions (stand 194)
Enabling bus operations to run smoothly by integrating data from multiple systems into one platform, allowing teams to resolve real-time issues efficiently.
- Insight-AI
From Freeway Fleet Systems (stand 259)
Providing real-time and historical insights into fleet maintenance through easy-to-read dashboards.
- Intangles Predictive AI for Vehicles
From Intangles Private Lab Ltd (stand 429)
Intangles’ predictive AI alerts fleet managers to developing faults before they trigger fault codes, allowing for timely intervention.
- Next Generation Floors, For Next Generation Vehicles
From Altro Transflor (stand 380) Next-generation floors for zero-emission buses offer enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation for comfort and efficiency, while the lightweight design optimises charge range.
- On Board Hub (OBH)
From Navaho Technologies and Synectics Security (stand 349)
A secure system powered by Navaho’s OVC platform that integrates multiple on-vehicle applications, including AVL, CCTV, passenger information, and more.
- Sharebus – Crowdfunding of Coach Trips
From Ferdia (stand 212)
A digital platform allowing event organisers or customers to set up trips without financial risk.
- The Coach Customers’ Dream
From Ferdia (stand 212)
A cloud-based, open coach management system offering vehicle tracking, trip ratings, change alerts, and easy customer management.
- Unity
From MiX by Powerfleet (stand 230)
A SaaS platform that integrates diverse IoT devices and data sources, using AI and machine learning to deliver actionable insights, enhancing safety, compliance, sustainability, and efficiency.
- VEV-IQ
From VEV (stand 397)
A smart energy management platform for commercial EV fleets, integrating chargers, vehicles, and energy systems, ensuring efficient fleet management.
For further information about the products and services vying for an Innovation Challenge Award, visit: https://eurobusxpo.com/innovation-challenge/the-entries/.
Supplier Highlights
In addition to the Innovation Challenge, numerous exhibitors will present their latest offerings on stands across the show floor. Here’s a glimpse of some of the key highlights:
Fleet Management & Compliance Solutions
In fleet management, AES Fleet / Webfleet (stand 464) will answer fleet-related questions using its Webfleet AI Assistant, helping operators gain insights into fuel consumption trends, driving behaviour and more. Aquarius IT (stand 451) will demonstrate its advanced suite of integrated compliance systems, making fleet management and reporting light work for operators.
Passenger Information Systems
Journeo (stand 120) will offer an immersive experience showcasing how connected technology helps people confidently choose sustainable transport. Visitors will discover how a single software platform can unite data, solutions, and journeys across buses, trains, trams, stops, and stations.
UrbanThings (stand 223) will showcase its custom-branded app and website solutions, enabling operators to provide passengers with real-time information, journey planning and ticketing solutions. While Metric Tristarinc (stand 236) will present its on-board fleet software, which includes real-time journey information displays and passenger counting devices.
On Board Technology
On the technology front, Alfatronix (stand 217) will feature its new Power Delivery USB-C chargers, capable of powering laptops and other high-demand devices. Meanwhile, Lantech Communications Global (stand 346) will present its Ethernet switches and multi-function 4G LTE/Wi-Fi routers designed to meet the current E-marked / ITxPT standard for on onboard vehicle applications.
Elite KL (stand 368) will be introducing its 800VDC Powertrain cooling pack with AC condenser, alongside it’s wider range of HVAC solutions that includes heat pumps, fans, inverters, control panels and more.
Safety & Security Technologies
Safety will be another area in focus at Euro Bus Expo, with several exhibitors showcasing solutions designed to protect both passengers and drivers. One of these is SURE Solutions (stand 388). It will present custom-made CCTV and software systems that are designed to enhance passenger safety, deter anti-social behaviour, reduce insurance premiums and fraudulent claims, and mitigate liability.
When it comes to safety, several exhibitors are leading the way with innovative solutions. Ashtree Vision & Safety (stand 272) will showcase its Camera Mirror System (CMS), designed to replace traditional mirrors and improve safety for drivers. Centrad (stand 266) will be launching its AI-powered dashcam, which takes a proactive approach to incident prevention, improving driver behaviour and reducing insurance claims and costs. D.tec International (stand 473) will highlight its market-leading DrugWipe Dual, used for safety-critical anti-drug screening. The Matador Company (stand 267) will debut its OEM wiper blades, engineered for superior visibility and durability in all weather conditions.
Financial & Business Services
A variety of financial and business services will be available. Asset Alliance Group (stand V25) will offer expert consultation, direct lending, and broker services to help operators purchase new and used vehicles. Towergate Insurance (stand 156) will provide bespoke insurance solutions for bus, coach, and minibus fleets.
In addition to financial services, recruitment and engineering resources will be available at the show. C9 Recruitment (stand 395), an award-winning agency for drivers and engineers, invites visitors to participate in its charity initiative, supporting Zoe's Place Baby Hospice, ANDYSMANCLUB, and Women's Aid. Visitors are also invited to enter a mystery spin the charity wheel prize draw on its stand. Additionally, GTG Engineering (stand 72) will be on hand, showcasing how they deliver customised, cost-effective, and sustainable engineering resource, ensuring high-quality performance and client satisfaction.
Quotes and Tendering
For those focused on efficient pricing and tendering solutions, Coach Hire Comparison (stand 274) will introduce its automatic pricing model, which generates instant quotes without requiring operators to submit individual bids. WideSense (stand 216) will showcase how their AI-powered Tender Response Service optimises eBus operations to create bids that minimise costs and risk, and maximise efficiency.
Workshop Equipment
For those interested in workshop tools and equipment, MAHA UK (stand 455) will showcase its C_RGA mobile column lifts, available in 7.5t and 8.5t. These lifts combine established safety technology with new features that improve connectivity and reliability, making them a valuable addition to any workshop. Totalkare (stand 80) will showcase its lifting and testing solutions, including its mobile column lift.
Euro Bus Expo – free trade registration
Euro Bus Expo is the leading event for the coach and bus industry, featuring over 180 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services. Attendees can explore a wide range of innovations, participate in expert-led seminars - including the inaugural CPT Operator Forum on day two - and take advantage of valuable networking opportunities. With more than 8,000 attendees from the UK and international markets, Euro Bus Expo is the must-attend event for industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the latest trends and technologies.
Registration is free of charge and available now at eurobusxpo.com.