Meet the Brand: Coach Hire Comparison
We catch up with Charlotte Levine from Coach Hire Comparison to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 274
Tell us a bit about your company?
More quote requests. More happy customers. More full-to-the-brim, smile-a-second trips for coach and minibus operators around the country. That's our mission.
Founded in 2010, Coach Hire Comparison is a market leader in generating direct contact leads for coach hire. With over 13 years of development, our platform not only helps suppliers connect with more customers but also enhances the user experience for those seeking quotes.
The online portal simplifies the quote process by connecting customers with local and national coach operators, automating administrative tasks to provide quick, competitive quotes. It's designed to save time and offer an easy comparison of prices and vehicles.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Coach Hire Comparison is set to transition to an automated pricing system, moving away from the current method where operators manually submit quotes for individual customer requests. The change will allow us to offer a more streamlined and efficient service.
Our website, which connects customers with over 250 independent minibus and coach operators across the UK, will now generate instant quotes, ensuring that a suitable operator will always be found to fulfil customer requirements.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Exhibiting at the Euro Bus Expo is a valuable opportunity to not only showcase how our services can support group travel providers to achieve confirmed revenue opportunities but also to network with our current valuable supply partners in a face to face setting. The exhibition offers the Coach Hire Comparison team the opportunity to learn from the experts and catch up on the latest industry trends.
Meet the Brand: Thornton Brothers
We catch up with Mark Baker - National Sales from Thornton Brothers Ltd to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 65
Tell us a bit about your company?
From starting in a small wooden unit to now operating on its very own 5 acre site in Northumberland, Thornton Brothers Ltd has revolutionised the bus refurbishment industry and is widely recognised as a one stop shop. Not only do we offer full refurbishments, we also carry out many open top, centre door, and driver training conversions tailored to your fleet requirements. Our fleet of low loader trailers gives us the ability to offer Nationwide collection and returns, minimising mileage and potential breakdowns to your vehicle.
A family run business, Thornton Brothers Ltd have been in the bus and coach refurbishment business for almost 50 years and built up a large customer portfolio including some of the biggest operators in the country. Our 5 acre site offers large capacity and our loyal team are very experienced and skilled in all elements of refurbishment.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Thornton Brothers Ltd are very proud to be carrying out many of the BeeNetwork refurbishments on behalf of TFGM that will then be in service within the city of Manchester. Thorntons are also supporting the ever increasing demand for bus driver training, by carrying out large numbers of driver training vehicle conversions to very high spec. The tourism industry has also benefited from Thorntons fabrication department by giving us the opportunity to carry out a large number of open top conversions to be used and enjoyed by many passengers around the UK to observe the coastal routes and to see the city sights!
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Euro Bus Expo gives us the opportunity to meet others within the industry, meet new and existing clients and observe the market trend. We are also keen to seek and identify new business wins by making the Thorntons brand a familiar and trusted option for your fleet requirements.
Zero Emission Day Spotlight: Solutions at Euro Bus Expo 2024
As the world intensifies its efforts toward sustainability, public transport is at the forefront of the shift to greener travel. Buses and coaches play a vital role in reducing emissions and promoting environmentally friendly mobility. With the UK’s bus fleet now the youngest and cleanest it has ever been, and the industry increasingly focused on tackling the challenges of coach decarbonisation, significant strides are being made towards a greener future.
Show partner, the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s (CPT) Zero Emission Coach Taskforce is addressing one of the most pressing issues - identifying the technology and infrastructure required to fully decarbonise coach fleets. Meanwhile, it's Moving Forward Together strategy outlines how the industry can achieve one billion more bus journeys by 2030.
Ongoing advancements in eco-friendly technologies are reshaping the industry. From electric vehicle systems that promise quieter, cleaner operations, to innovations in battery life and charging infrastructure that make zero-emission fleets more viable, the industry is rapidly evolving. Hybrid systems, powertrains optimised for efficiency, and emission-reducing components are also playing a critical role in helping operators transition to greener fleets.
At Euro Bus Expo 2024, taking place from 12-14 November at the NEC Birmingham, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these innovations firsthand. The event will bring together over 21 leading vehicle manufacturers and dealers, and more than 170 exhibitors showcasing the latest buses, coaches, and technologies that reduce operational emissions.
Vehicles on Display
Attendees will have the chance to explore the latest in zero-emission vehicle models, with a variety of manufacturers showcasing their innovations. This year’s event will feature vehicles from leading names such as Alexander Dennis, AYATS, BYD, Ilesbus, Irizar UK, Karsan, Noone Turas, Pelican Bus & Coach, Scania (GB), Temsa, VDL Van Hool Belgium. Visitors will also have the opportunity to connect with key dealers such as Apex Bus Sales, B.A.S.E Coach Sales, and Coachtraders, providing access to a wide range of vehicles to meet various operational needs.
Visitors can also explore a variety of minibuses and conversions from minibus manufacturer Mellor Bus and conversion specialists EVM, G M Coachwork, Minibus Options, and TBC Conversions. Additionally, London Hire and PHVC Minibus Leasing & Fleet Suppliers will be available to discuss leasing and specialist fleet services for operators seeking flexible options.
Electric Vehicle Systems and Charging Infrastructure
Supporting the move towards greener transport, the show will also highlight the latest EV systems and charging solutions. Exhibitors like Voith and Cummins will showcase advancements in powertrain technology, while ChargePoint Network (UK) and Ekoenergetyka will feature the essential charging infrastructure needed to keep electric fleets operational and efficient.
Essential Components for Zero-Emission Vehicles
Companies such as C.E. Niehoff & Co (power generation systems) and Aspöck UK (EV lighting systems) will exhibit their vital technologies. Additionally, Elite KL will showcase their thermal management solutions, which help extend the life of EV batteries, making them essential for fleet reliability and sustainability. See the full list of exhibitors for more.
Seminar Programme: Insights for a Zero-Emission Future
The comprehensive seminar programme at Euro Bus Expo 2024 offers essential insights into the future of zero-emission transport. Key sessions include Andrew Luckett’s presentation on CPT’s Decarbonisation Report, which analyses over 80 million kilometres of bus and coach journeys, as well as an interview with Julia Meek (Zenobē) and Luke Marion (Oxford Bus Company) on the challenges of establishing an electric bus depot. David Yorke’s talk will cover the choice of driveline, and the technical and maintenance considerations associated with zero-emission fleets, while other sessions will address topics like grid connectivity, and monetising EV infrastructure. See the full programme to explore all the topics that will be covered.
Sustainability on the Road Ahead
In recognition of Zero Emission Day, Euro Bus Expo 2024 proudly stands as a hub for industry leaders to explore the innovations driving the transition to a greener future.
Register for free now to stay ahead of the curve in the journey towards zero emissions.
Exhibiting opportunities are still available! Showcase your solutions to a highly engaged audience at the UK’s leading coach and bus industry event. Connect with key decision-makers, elevate your brand presence, and position yourself at the forefront of innovation.