The VDL Bus Group identity was launched at Busworld, with that organisation capturing the VDL and Van Hool complementary brands.

Described as an “integrated” company, it has brought together the former VDL Bus and Coach and VDL Van Hool operations. The latter was formed in 2024 when VDL purchased parts of the former Van Hool coach and bus business after its collapse.

Alongside the first two VDL Futura 3 coaches as part of that model’s global launch and a VDL Citea CLE-135 battery-electric bus, a pair of Van Hool coaches were displayed on the VDL Bus Group stand in Brussels.

Material shows how Van Hool coaches for the European market have gained revised model descriptors to bring them more into line with the established VDL approach, including an indicator of length within that terminology.

Of the line-up launched as the T range by Van Hool and retained under VDL ownership, Acron models are now known as the THD-125 and THD-143 for the two-axle 12.5m and three-axle 14.3m examples, with the latter built only in left-hand drive.

Astron super-high coaches are now the TSD-134 and TSD-143, while the established Altano overdecker is the TOD-144 in its right-hand drive configuration and TOD-146 for left-hand drive.

The Astromega double-decker is now the TDD-142 in right-hand drive, with left-hand drive applications met by the TDD-131 and TDD-141. For North America, the CX45 sees no change.

On the VDL Bus Group approach, Managing Director Marc van Doorn notes how each of the Van Hool and VDL brands have their own identity and focus.

Across coach and bus, the group expects to close 2025 on over 1,000 deliveries. Mr van Doorn says it wants to grow that number next year, although he adds that conditions in the United States market are challenging. Van Hool coaches will continue to be built at the plant in North Macedonia that came with last year’s purchase.