Ocular Integration is new name for Synectics Security business
Transport infrastructure and vehicle security integration specialist Synectics Security has rebranded to Ocular Integration under new leadership.
The change represents what the supplier says is its "independent and visionary focus on delivering the latest technical solutions for protecting buses, trains, stations, depots, terminals, ports and the people who use them.” Dublin Bus and Stagecoach are among its customers.
Chris Jepson (pictured, centre) has been appointed Managing Director of Ocular Integration. He has a background in security technology engineering, particularly relating to what the business says is “intelligently integrated on-vehicle solutions for highly regulated urban transport providers.”
Mr Jepson brings over two decades’ experience in the industry. Ocular will continue to operate from its Nottingham head office, building on an experienced team and a 45-year history formed under the Quadrant Security Group and Synectics Security brands.
Visitors to Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November will be the first to see the Ocular brand identity. On-board hub technology will also be on show that the business says is “set to unlock new levels of integration and operational efficiency by revolutionising the on-vehicle ecosystem.”
Speaking about the change in identity, Mr Jepson says: “Transport infrastructure and service operators face an increasingly complex array of challenges.
“The age-old need to protect revenues and ease cost pressures is often now seemingly at odds with finding new ways to guard against sophisticated physical and cybersecurity threats, to work more collaboratively with stakeholders, and to meet passenger expectations in terms of service provision.
“At Ocular, we have both keen vision and ability to help customers navigate this tricky and rapidly evolving landscape. We have a vast network of technology partners and decades of technical and project management experience – projects always delivered in strict compliance with regulatory standards.
“All of this means that whether an organisation needs the latest in AI-based analytics, the ability to securely share system access or footage with authorities and/or insurers, or innovative new on-vehicle camera and mirror replacement technologies, we will always focus on what matters to deliver solutions perfectly tailored to specific needs and budget.”
AOS Isuzu Grand Toro midicoach gains interior and exterior refresh
A refresh of the AOS Isuzu Grand Toro front-engined midicoach has been completed that dealership EVM UK hopes will allow already strong volumes for the cost-effective model to grow further under the Grand Toro 2 moniker.
One of the first of those updated vehicles will be on the EVM stand at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November. EVM has also worked with maker Anadolu Isuzu to make more minor changes to the larger, rear-engined Visigo, and it will be a further part of a large EVM stand at the trade show to present the dealer's full vehicle range.
EVM Managing Director Danny McGee says that Grand Toro 2 overhaul has been underway for around 12 months. Key to external change is removal of the previous electric slide-out step along with improvement to the rear-view mirrors.
They are now to a gullwing style and colour coded, while a lower offside mirror has been added. Locker doors have a better latching mechanism to ease opening, while the wheel trims are improved. The driveline of a Cummins B4.5 engine coupled to an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox remains unchanged.
Internally, the window pelmets now include LED lighting and USB-A and USB-C charging points. Curtains are pleated and the interior (including the cab) has lost grey plastics with the introduction of a satin black colour that EVM says will resist dirt better.
Seats now have diamond stitching, height adjustable three-point belts and carbon fibre effect armrests tops. Privacy glass is darker than before, and aisle and steps carpeting is heavier duty. The driver’s seat has been replaced with a higher-specification Isringhausen model.
The Grand Toro 2 remains available in various configurations with up to 37 seats. With a courier position that drops to 35, to which PSVAR compliance or readiness can be added. EVM can also supply the model with two or four saloon tables, which reduce capacity to 33 or 31 passengers, respectively.
Warranty on the Grand Toro 2 is two years or 200,000km, but packages beyond that are available at additional cost. Those are three years/200,000km; three years/300,000km; four years/300,000km; and five years/400,000km.
EVM began supplying AOS Isuzu vehicles in 2022. Mr McGee says that 100 are now on the road in the UK and Ireland. The 8.5m Grand Toro accounts for most of those, although availability of the Visigo has restricted its impact. That position will improve in 2025 and EVM expects that the 9.7m midicoach will grow its numbers from then.
“We have no specific target for the Grand Toro 2 in 2025, but I see it sitting at around 75 units per year,” Mr McGee continues. “It does not compete with the Visigo or other models in that area, but fits the former Plaxton Cheetah and Indcar Next niche.”
Around 75 AOS Isuzu vehicles across the Grand Toro 2 and Visigo are on order for EVM. The Visigo updates include changes to the interior colours, new mirrors, and use of the Sege 410 seat that is seen in various other products sold by EVM.
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