Wheely-Safe gains DVSA Recognised accreditation
The latest generation of the Wheely-Safe wheel loss detection system has become one of the first products to be recognised by DVSA via the award of its DVSA Recognised label.
In the format accredited by DVSA, Wheely-Safe combines brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure warning system. DVSA introduced the DVSA Recognised label earlier in 2022 to enable non-statutory road safety products to be recognised as being “well designed and delivered with genuine potential to improve road safety.”
The latest generation Wheely-Safe equipment is telematics ready, bringing increased opportunity for connectivity and reporting, the supplier notes.
Adds Group Director Gary Thomas: “We founded the business in 2010 with the goal to develop low cost, easy to use and easy to fit, highly durable and extremely effective solutions that can have a real impact on improving road safety.
“The ultimate aim was to end the global issue of wheel loss once and for all, while also tackling wheel and temperature issues – the largest cause of fires in commercial vehicles after the engine.
“We are now well on the way to hitting those targets. Today, our patented sensor technology is being adopted across many areas of road transport – protecting thousands of PSVs and HGVs both in the UK and internationally. To have our products recognised by DVSA is a hugely important step on our journey.”
Manufacturer Spotlight: EVM UK
We catch up with Horsham-based vehicle manufacturer EVM to find out more about sustainability and innovation in the coach and bus industry. Plus, which vehicles they will be showcasing at Euro Bus Expo.
Company name: EVM UK
Year founded: 2010
Headquarters/location: Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex
Main products: Luxury, Electric, Community Transport
Can you tell us more about EVM and what you do?
We’re a dedicated, conscientious and down-to-earth team, individually expert but united by a shared ambition to elevate the passenger experience. We’re building bespoke vehicle solutions so that everyone – from a disabled child on the way to school to a busy senior executive on an airport transfer – can travel easily, in safety, style and comfort.
We do more than just enable drivers to transport people from A to B. Never resting on our laurels, we use our collective ingenuity, the most appropriate technology, and an exemplary level of service to make sure all our customers enjoy the ownership experience, and all their passengers enjoy the journey.
How important is Euro Bus Expo to your business and the industry?
Euro Bus Expo is one of the biggest events in the calendar for us. It’s an event the whole industry looks forward to.
What are you most looking forward to about the show?
Networking and catching up with new and existing customers. After so long it will be nice to see a buzz within the industry again.
Looking ahead, what’s the biggest opportunity for the coach and bus industry in the coming years?
The transition to electric product is an opportunity to elevate the whole industry and the service level it provides to our customers. Our industry is changing, and it presents opportunities for us to expand our offering to our customers.
Can you give us an example of what your business is doing to be even more sustainable?
We plan to be net zero by 2050. We are also focusing on our social and environmental values and to be more aware of our Co2 footprint. For every new vehicle we donate £250 to your local chosen charity as well as the option to plant trees and offset your vehicle carbon footprint. We’re also dedicated to reusing cardboard and recycling metal where we can. As a company, we support local businesses and take part in charity events each year to raise awareness.
How many vehicles in your range are zero-emission?
Our electric models are: Electric Cityline, Electric CM, Novo Citi Volt, Citi Port, E-Elegance. We plan to have the full range of models in electric in the near future.
Do you see battery-electric or hydrogen as the more prominent power source in the future?
The inefficiencies of the whole life cycle of hydrogen are hard to overcome and will find low traction in small form factor vehicles like minibus where BEV has already found much favour. However, as H2 becomes available in true green format and adopted by larger vehicles, the opportunities for smaller vehicles will present themselves also.
How do you think the industry can continue to reduce its carbon footprint?
The continued drive in public tendering to focus on social and environmental issues will drive development towards more sustainable practices. This needs to remain the primary driver.
What’s your current bestseller?
Our Cityline model
What vehicles will you be promoting at the show?
- Grand Tourer 19 + Guide – Coach Built on the Sprinter 519 L3 VS30
- Revolution 29 + Guide PSVAR – Built on the Iveco Daily Chassis Cowl
- EVM Electric CM – Built on the Iveco Daily Chassis Cab
- EVM Electric Cityline – Built on the Sprinter 517 L4 H2 VS30
- EVM Luxury Mini Coach
- Isuzu Novo Citi Volt 8m – Electric
- Isuzu Visigo 9.5m
- Grand Toro 8.5m
What new tech should coach and bus operators be looking to invest in?
The BEV Minibus and bus is here now. It’s an extremely well refined product giving between 193 miles and 495 miles depending on model. There is now no excuse for air quality issues in our urban centres.
Why is innovation so vital to the future of the industry?
The world is constantly moving and evolving. It’s important to grow as a business with the new technologies and data that we are surrounded by. Alongside the drive for zero emissions are significant improvements in total cost of ownership and enhanced aftersales thanks to vehicle connectivity. The adoption of our latest range of products and the support we give to them will make your business more efficient.
Visit EVM UK on stand A80 at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham on 1-3 November 2022.
For more information and to register to attend, please visit www.eurobusxpo.com.
Agreement for Swvl to purchase Zeelo is terminated
In an unexpected development, the agreement for global transit technology business Swvl to acquire London-based smart coach and bus travel platform Zeelo has been terminated.
The transaction – described at the outset by Swvl as “a definitive agreement” – was announced on 28 April with an expected conclusion date of 24 May. However, on 29 July, Zeelo instead said that while all pre-completion obligations had been met, financial market volatility has since led the two parties to mutually agree to terminate the deal.
Zeelo adds that it will now continue to focus on a profitable increase of business in markets including the UK, South Africa and the United States to provide “sustainable rides” for commuters and students. Zeelo has seen 1,000% growth since the start of 2020 and currently transports over 150,000 passenger each month by serving over 150 clients, it says.
When the proposed purchase by Swvl was announced, Zeelo Co-Founder and CEO Sam Ryan told its operator partners that business would continue as usual under the new owner.
Swvl added concurrently that the two businesses were “in alignment,” including the work underway by Zeelo to ensure that only zero-emission vehicles are used on its behalf in developed markets by 2030.
On 30 May, Dubai-headquartered Swvl announced “portfolio optimisation” plans to “accelerate its path to profitability” and become cash flow positive in 2023. Part of that work is to reduce the business’s costs, with Swvl's headcount to be reduced by approximately 32%.