Major UK-based coach and bus trade show to take place every two years
Diversified Communications announces its UK trade events will change to a biennial frequency from 2024
Following significant changes to the industry landscape over the last few years, organiser Diversified Communications has been reflecting on the most conducive model for its coach and bus trade events. Today it announces that Euro Bus Expo will be the single UK-based industry flagship exhibition, taking place every other year at the NEC, Birmingham. The routeone Awards, which usually co-locate, are set to continue each year.
A comprehensive market review has driven the decision to change the frequency of the major industry gatherings.
Adapting to industry needs
Says Group Director Helen Conway: “As part our evaluation of the market, we hosted an advisory group to collaborate with some of our key event stakeholders. It was a valuable exercise, that gave great insight into how the market changes we’ve seen over the last few years are likely to develop.
“While there is without question a strong demand and enthusiasm for exhibitions, we have determined that a biennial frequency would be best suited to the market’s needs, and in keeping with the pattern for new vehicle releases.
“Changing to a two-year frequency and taking Coach & Bus UK out of the calendar will place more importance on attending Euro Bus Expo, attracting more exhibitors and all the latest vehicle and product launches. Ultimately it will showcase the full extent of the industry.”
She adds: “We feel very positive about this change because we know we are delivering what the industry wants, and we can stage a brilliant exhibition every two years. We’ll continue to closely collaborate with suppliers and operators to ensure that Euro Bus Expo best meets their needs.”
A full-scale showcase in 2024
Plans for the 2024 event, which takes place from 12-14 November at the NEC Birmingham, are well underway. The organiser reports firm demand for exhibition space from vehicle manufacturers and product suppliers. With this and future growth plans in mind, the show will be moving into new halls (17-19), to allow for expansion into periphery halls as required.
Says Helen: “We’re excited about plans for the 2024 event. We’re collaborating with an operator advisory panel to develop a seminar program that delivers real value, and we’ll be introducing new ways to connect buyers with sellers.”
Commenting on the changes, Graham Vidler, CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, says: “In this ever-changing environment for operators and suppliers, it is positive news that Euro Bus Expo will become the UK’s standalone showpiece exhibition from 2024.
“The move will give exhibitors and stakeholders the certainty needed to make this industry-leading event the very best showcase for the sector.”
Operators and municipals are urged to save the date for Euro Bus Expo - next year’s best opportunity to come together, learn, strategise, and discover what’s new and next in the sector. Suppliers are encouraged to contact the organising team to discuss their exhibiting and sponsorship requirements.
Annual awards celebrations to continue
The organiser confirms that the routeone Awards, which have historically coincided with the yearly trade shows in Birmingham, will continue to run annually.
Says Helen: “It’s important that the Awards continue to take place each year to acknowledge the excellent work happening in operator businesses, that never stand still. It’s also a great opportunity to come together as an industry and be inspired by one another’s progress.”
The Awards, which recognise the achievements of coach, bus, and minibus operators, are now in their 17th year. The presentation evening typically attracts 800 industry professionals to network and celebrate achievements.
Helen continues: “The number of entries and ticket sales received for this year’s event is a testament to the high esteem the Awards are held in. I’m really looking forward to getting together in November. It’s shaping up to be another sell-out event, and a night to remember!”
Says Graham: “It’s excellent to see that the routeone Awards will continue to be held annually, and we look forward to celebrating the very best of the coach and bus sector as we have done since the ceremony’s inception.”
This year’s presentation evening is taking place on 8 November at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. A limited number of tickets are available for £184 + VAT.
For more information and to book
To book tickets for the routeone Awards 2023, visit: https://routeoneawards.com/
To find out more about visiting or exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024, visit: https://eurobusxpo.com/
#ENDS
Turas 900s PSVAR 'to set new accessible midi standard'
The new Turas 900s in DAF LF-based, PSVAR compliant form will "set a new benchmark in the industry for wheelchair accessible midicoaches" at Euro Bus Expo, importer Brian Noone has said. It will be exhibited on a joint stand occupied by Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales.
Visitors will be able to compare 33-seat and 37-seat variants of the Turas 900s. Brian Noone says that the model has class leading luggage capacity of 5.5 cubic metres and 6.5 cubic metres respectively. To PSVAR compliant specification, complete with lift, the 900s will offer more luggage space than before, adds Director Mark Noone.
Joining the Turas 900s on the stand will be examples of the Turas 700s, Turas 500s and the low-floor Rosero Connect. The new model 16-seat, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Turas 500s is making its show debut in a high specification for Acklams Coaches, including natural leather upholstery and two tables.
Brian Noone says the Turas 500s boasts best in class design, leg room, comfort and luggage space. The 29-seat Turas 700s on an Iveco Daily underframe will also be fitted out to a high specification, including natural leather seats and an integrated dash fridge.
The fourth vehicle on display will be a 29-seat, accessible low-floor Rosero Connect, with a modern interior finish and including upgraded passenger seats with three-point belts, USB charging points and a rear boot.
Euro Bus Expo 2022 will host Jones Coach and Bus Sales for the first time. Managing Director Steve Jones says that the Llanrwst-based dealership is "super excited" to see the new Turas 900s in PSVAR compliant form.
"We are delighted to be exhibiting for the first time at Euro Bus Expo and sharing the stand with Brian Noone. As the England and Wales approved dealer, we are really excited about our plans and the future," adds Mr Jones.
"I would say to any interested operators to come and see us on stand J60. We look forward to speaking to them, finding out about their needs and seeing how Jones Coach and Bus Sales can help them build for the future."
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Brian Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales will be on stand J60.
Nottingham City Transport orders 12 Yutong E12s
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has placed its first order for battery-electric buses in the form of 12 Yutong E12s. They are expected to enter service from Trent Bridge depot in late 2023.
Ordering the Yutong fleet forms the first vehicular procurement in a £34m project that was awarded £15.2m from the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) mechanism and which will facilitate 78 battery-electric single-deckers for Nottingham City Transport.
In addition to the E12s from Pelican Bus and Coach, NCT has appointed Zenobe Energy as charging infrastructure provider. Zenobe will manage necessary construction, the delivery and implementation of charging software, and optimise use of the vehicles. The current infrastructure will allow NCT’s battery-electric fleet to grow in the future.
NCT Head of Engineering Liam O’Brien says that deals have been struck with Pelican and Zenobe after “a rigorous procurement process and operational trials of several electric buses.” Mr O’Brien adds that the Yutong and Zenobe combination was “a clear winner” of that. The E12s will perform a full day’s work on one overnight charge, he says.
The business case for ZEBRA funding submitted by Nottingham City Council in January notes that when all 78 battery-electric buses are delivered, NCT’s single-deck fleet will be entirely zero-emission. That forms part of an aim to have a 100% zero-emission and biogas-powered operation across the board by 2028.
The Nottingham ZEBRA bid is focused only on single-decker buses because the diesel examples in the NCT fleet are currently “nearing the end of their operational life” in the city. Investment in new battery-electric buses is thus “only brought forward slightly” from usual practice. Existing diesel single-deckers – all of which are Euro VI compliant – will be disposed of for continued use elsewhere.
While the 12 battery-electric buses ordered so far are full-length examples, the business case calls for the outstanding 68 to be 33-seaters. An NCT spokesperson says that those vehicles will be tendered for in two batches in 2023.