Euro Bus Expo 2018 previews its exhibitor show highlights

Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 08:33
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The bus and coach industry will be out in force at the NEC Birmingham later this month – checking out the latest vehicles (from a record-breaking 130 on display), technology, equipment, accessories and business solutions launching onto the European market at Euro Bus Expo.

Taking place over three action-packed days (30 October to 1 November), here’s just a taste of what’s new for 2018:

Tachosys is showcasing prototypes for digipostpro – its highly successful depot-based product, which centralizes Tachograph Vehicle and Driver Card file collection.  This product can also be used for clocking-in general staff.  While its new digi-TRK, also launching in January 2019, is a low cost option for van tracking (stand E26).

Eminox is launching its Clean Air Zone – Coach Development Centre in the new year, developing specific retrofit exhaust aftertreatment systems for major manufacturers; including Volvo, Scania and Mercedes.  Retrofitting with Eminox can improve vehicle resale values, thanks to the full support provided for the entire life of the system (stand C13).

Alexander Dennis is exhibiting a range of low/zero emission single and double deck buses plus luxury coaches, including the new Plaxton Panorama.  Market leading technology and passenger comfort will be displayed, in the form of an Enviro200EV, three Enviro400 double decks, two Plaxton Panther coaches and a high spec Enviro200 (stand D100).

Scania (Great Britain) will highlight its focus on sustainability at Euro Bus Expo, with its stand entirely populated by vehicles capable of operating on renewable fuels; including options for biofuels – biodiesel, biogas and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) – and hybrid power.  A full range of passenger carrying vehicle solutions covering city/suburban applications, intercity/commuter operations and long-haul touring will be on show (stand A20).

Irizar UK is presenting its latest generation of coaches, all featuring the new DAF-ZF Driveline for increased fuel efficiency.  See the Irizar Integral i8 at 14 metres, built to corporate specification with 55 seats, a 12.9m i6 to standard specification and 57 seats, and a 10.8m i6S with 39 seats (stand A10).

Mellor Coachcraft is planning a double unveiling of new innovations at the show.  Bus operators are increasingly seeking more cost-effective and flexible options for a range of routes.  These two new vehicles are designed to meet this shifting market demand and are the culmination of many months of research, development, testing and trials (stand B40).

Pelican Yutong will be unveiling the all-new G12 coach.  Yutong, the world’s largest manufacturer of diesel-powered buses and coaches and of hybrid/full electric buses, is represented by Pelican Bus & Coach for UK and Ireland.  Also on display are two TC9 coaches and the E10 electric bus (stand C10).

Mercedes-Benz Buses & Coaches is presenting the new Citaro Hybrid and the Sprinter City 75 at the show.  The perfect combination of sustainability and economy: on the Citaro hybrid, the diesel or gas engine is supported by additional drive power generated by a highly efficient, compact hybrid module in the form of a 14 kW electric motor.  The City 75 is a top-of-the-range minibus with unrivalled technology (stand A30).

MASATS S.A., a worldwide supplier for doors and accessibility systems, is launching a KS8 Lift for coaches.  A new version of the electric Sliding Plug door 028C will be on display, plus the kit of a Sprinter electric door (stand H81).

 B.A.S.E has developed the popular 74-seat MOBIpeople Explorer on the Scania 9 litre K320 Chassis.  The first now sold example will be exhibited at the show, in partnership with Scania GB (stand J100).

Alfatronix, a leading UK manufacturer of voltage conversion products, is launching its new 9-32vdc input wireless charger that can be integrated into passenger seating for vehicular use to permit charging for all wireless enabled Qi qualified smart devices.  Table top wireless charging configurations will also be available for demos (stand T42).

Optare is unveiling its ‘next generation’ of fully electric buses at Euro Bus Expo.  Also on show will be the Solo xFE and Versa xFE demonstrator examples of Euro 6 extra fuel-efficient buses featuring the latest interiors, designed to delight the passenger (stand A50).

Ticketer is demonstrating a raft of exciting product developments alongside its industry-leading ETMs.  New launches include its dynamic Demand Response Transport offering and its class-leading Tap on/Tap off (ToTo) technology for even faster boarding, as well as its multi-operator ZipTrip app (stand T76).

Lytx Europe Ltd is showcasing Lytx Video Services, a new enhancement for the European market, which combines an event recorder and hub for multiple cameras – all cloud-connected and supported by machine vision and AI algorithms, designed to help fleets gain visibility into nearly every aspect of their vehicle operations. This innovation advances Lytx’s core DriveCam program by adding continuously recorded video, multiple camera views, and live-streaming video (stand F30).

 Actia (UK) is displaying its latest solutions, including diagnostics, telematics, CCTV, multimedia, instrumentation and multiplexing products.  Parts Direct is its new service, which provides genuine replacement parts from the manufacturer, direct to workshops, repairers and operators.  New to the CCTV range is the next generation BOP XD and BOP XD B&C systems.  Plus, launching to UK, is a new MultiC FS ‘Full screen instrument cluster’ (stand B8).

TruTac, the PSV transport management and compliance control specialists, is introducing WalkMe.  Bespoke to TruTac software modules WalkMe is an intuitive online assistance tool, which provides close guidance for operators when implementing software programmes from the TruTac suite.  Including Walk-Thrus and TeachMe, the new customer-focused guides provide dynamic step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions (stand E14).

Freeway Fleet Systems has added three new developments to its all-in-one fleet maintenance system.  An Earned Recognition Tracker to simplify DVSA compliance management and reporting; a mobile app for managing parts purchasing; and enhanced software for easy integration with operations systems – such as Omnibus and Ticketer, and payroll, accounts and ERP (stand G14).

CoachHire.com is launching the 2nd generation Driver App for its SchoolSafe home-to-school technology.  This version enables one-tap student boarding and alighting, faster vehicle tracking to minimize parent queries and waiting time at stops.  Plus, easier operation for drivers as the app updates via geolocation as it arrives at each stop (stand C18).

Uyguner Leather is introducing its new chrome-free leather for seat upholstery and trim sectors, which is produced according to the EU’s Reach standards (stand B94).

HJS Emission Technology provide Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology SCRT, which can be retrofitted to buses, coaches – and now mini buses – to significantly reduce NOx emissions and also virtually eliminate particulate matter.  The HJS SCRT system meets Euro VI standards and is both ULEZ, LEZ and CAZ compliant (stand B24).

Brusa Seating is showcasing its new range of passenger seat solutions.  The E-lite – extra light weight passenger seat concept, which doesn’t compromise on comfort or looks; Premium – an individual, extra wide, 2+1 VIP seat concept; and SWS – easy accessibility seat mounting concept (stand H98).

Timespace Technology is expanding its range of Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) with the launch of two new products – the R500 and the X30016-M.  The hybrid analogue/IP R500 and the 16-channel X300-16M are both compatible with all existing Timespace accessories and software, making them attractive choices for vehicle CCTV upgrades (stand T64).

Seeing Machines is officially launching Guardian – its next generation solution, to the UK market.  This real-time driver fatigue and distraction detection technology is scientifically proven to reduce driver fatigue events by upwards of 90%.  Guardian combines in-cab intervention with 24/7 support and analytics services, providing a complete safety solution for commercial vehicles (stand T39).

First Travel Solutions is launching a new online quote system.  From single coach hire for a business meeting to entire sports events and music festivals, they provide expert managed transport solutions to some of the biggest companies across the UK (stand A58).

Fältcom UK is releasing Vehicle Climate Manager – the latest app in its Vehicle Connectivity Platform portfolio.  It enables remote temperature monitoring and management of heating of buses at the depot before they are taken into service.  It substantially lowers energy consumption and heating costs for each bus (stand T84).

Omnibus is launching the new web-based version of its industry-leading timetable creation software OmniTIMES.  The new software utilises the latest technology to bring all the functionality of OmniTIMES together with exciting new developments.  Being cloud based, it can be accessed from anywhere, without local installation (stand G20).

Distinctive Systems is releasing a cloud-based Operations Portal for users of Coach Manager, which allows the operator to view all the bookings for a given day and add, or change, vehicle and driver allocations.  The portal runs in a web browser on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer (stand A42).

Mobile Onboard is launching smartLINK PLUS – its updated Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) platform in time for Euro Bus Expo.  Complementing their smart ticketing and on-bus WiFi products, it integrates seamlessly to provide real-time bus tracking, live arrival/departure screens and travel information apps with mobile ticketing (stand T34).

National Coach Network is a new, free to join membership organisation for coach and minibus operators.  The easy to use online platform enables operators to search and accept bookings, fill empty legs, search for out of area work, request mechanical assistance, connect with reputable suppliers and request emergency job cover from the nationwide membership network (stand B47).

CheckPro, developed by Digital 2000, is providing hands-on demos of the latest features of the CheckPro Compliance Management system.  It streamlines daily walk around checks and defect reporting, reducing vehicle downtime and providing a full end-to-end audit trail of all defects identified (stand D86).

Henkel is promoting the latest generation of Loctite, Bonderite and Teroson products; including the new body filler range.  Visitors can expand their manufacturing, repair and refinish know-how via three demonstration platforms.  The first dedicated to pre-production cleaning and eco-friendly functional coatings; the second to sprayable sealants; and the third to Henkel’s core technologies, such as thread locking, thread sealing, gasketing, retaining and structural bonding (stand D85).

Betterez continues to build on its core Reservations & Ticketing Management (RTM) platform, recently adding Revenue Management 1.0, Loyalty and Parcel, among other new modules, thus supporting operators with the ability to have one RTM system and not have to purchase/support 3rd party bolt ons (stand H83).

Pride & Joy Clothing is launching a new range of workwear, PPE and safety gear for the depot.  The company’s highly-regarded uniform ordering system and branding expertise will be available across the range, which has been developed in partnership with Portwest and Ambler (stand A16).

VBI Minibus & Components has developed the L – Floor M2 for minibuses with the lowest weight on the market.  Up to 50% lighter as other known M1 brands, it’s a big advantage when it comes to the number of seats.  It can be supplied as kits or finished floor with an installation time of 30 minutes (stand F80).

Altro has just launched the Altro Transflor Meta and Altro Transflor Chroma.  Their lightest ever Altro transport products, with sustained slip resistance, they also boast more design options than ever before (stand G12).

Streamax Technology Co recently launched its AI solution for driver fatigue and distraction in real-time monitoring and ADAS camera for vehicle driving states real-time monitoring.  The specifically-designed camera, called DSM – Driver states monitoring, uses advanced detection and prevention safety assistance technologies.  This enables monitoring of driver fatigue, drowsiness and distraction event (stand T14).

Ultrafabrics is showcasing its new Ultraleather Tottori collection – inspired by the windswept landscape of the Tottori Sand Dunes in Japan.  Featuring a detailed, granular texture and soft, supple hand, it is a robust, high-performance Ultrafabric that has been meticulously designed to meet the rigors of the passenger transport industry (stand G88).

Rise Digital Media, a leading provider of passenger information systems, recently launched its NextStop enterprise passenger WiFi solution.  The new software service brings a wealth of rich content and travel service information to UK bus and coach users, which ensures that passengers get the most out of every journey (stand T32).

DKV Euro Service has launched DKV Box Europe, an on-board toll box unit that is designed to settle toll charges for all journeys through Europe in the future.  All toll transactions will be shown on a single, integrated DKV invoice (stand D14).

INSOFTDEV is demonstrating SmartCar, its recently launched cloud-based platform.  Integrating a suite of web and mobile applications, it’s designed to respond to various processes from a transportation company by helping to manage field service personnel, bookings, fleet and dispatching, accounting, business automation, and provide intelligence data (stand T44).

Eclipse Diagnostics is demonstrating its latest Jaltest software, which is updated three times a year and contains unrivalled levels of vehicle diagnostic detail.  It supports over 50 manufacturers, including Mercedes, Volvo, Optare, Irisbus, Neoplan, Optare, Setra, and Van Hool, plus it also supports key vehicle systems, such as gearboxes (Allison, ZF and VOITH), engines (Cummins), suspension, and brakes etc (stand G91).

Continental Automotive is showcasing the VDO tachograph data management tools, along with the latest Smart tachograph.  Designed to meet the new legislation coming into force in June 2019, this will be the first time the unit has been officially exhibited in the UK (stand F11).

Cummins is rapidly evolving its product portfolio, as it moves forward from clean diesel and natural gas to hybrid power systems, zero emissions electric and very low NOx technology – anticipating a future Euro VII.  This energy diversity will be on show at Euro Bus Expo, as Cummins gets ready to take the passenger transport industry to a new era of advanced power solutions (stand D88).

Temsa is showcasing its enhanced range of coaches, including the MD9 and Safari HD12, in partnership with Arriva Bus and Coach – its exclusive UK distributor.  Both models will feature 2018 interior specifications (stand A40).

Tachomaster by Road Tech is demonstrating its new Earned Recognition Scheme Module, which is now an optional Tachomaster module, with a twelve-week free trial.  The system can be used without the need to send the data to the DVLA, until users are ready.  Also available: the latest versions of Tachomaster, Checkmaster, PreDrive, Falcon Tracking and the optional systems integration (stand T96).

VDL Bus & Coach is exhibiting its next generation VDL Futura, equipped with a new driveline.  The new driveline VDL Futura results in optimum reliability, low maintenance costs, fuel savings of 3%, is 100kg lighter and delivered as standard with the new ZF Traxon gearbox (stand A80).

Muirhead Leather is presenting its new Cairngorm, Sateen, Grampian and Metallic ranges, which offer a selection of R118.02 approved colours and prints.  They are designed with enhanced physical properties to accommodate higher usage patterns.  While lacquer systems have been engineered to meet the greater abrasion, flex and colour fastness expectations of the transport sector (stand C44).

ZF Services UK is showcasing its remanufacturing capabilities, alongside its latest technology at the show.  Its extensive portfolio includes the Ecolife Start/Stop and AxTrax AVE, as well as CeTrax, the electric central drive system developed for demanding inner-city applications that provides vehicle manufacturers with a solution designed for cost-effectiveness and efficiency (stand G80).

The Tyre Equipment Company is exhibiting a selection of tyre inflation gauges from PCL, repair materials courtesy of Vipal and Schrader, air jacks from Gaither and Omega, levers from Ken-Tool and wheel nut indicators, among other innovations.  Visitors also have the chance to win one of Chicago Pneumatics’ powerful impact wrenches (stand A14).

Sygnal is promoting a new range of onboard technologies at this year’s show, including the Sygnal Portal.  With onboard integrations for CCTV, Dash cams, entertainment, analytics and advertising, it enables bus and coach operators to manage all their onboard technologies through one centralised system.  Operators can upload content from third parties, track passenger WiFi engagement and even view saved footage from their coaches (stand T38).

TOTALKARE HDWS has joined forces with Arriva Bus and Coach and Fishwick Minibus Sales to showcase the capabilities of its market-leading Four Post and T8DC cable-free Mobile Column lifts at the show (elevating a Temsa MD9 coach and IVECO Daily respectively).  Visitors can also gain an insight into its recently launched CPD-certified online training for mobile lifts, which covers all relevant legislation, comprehensive video tutorials and multiple-choice testing (stand E88).

Aquarius IT is an accredited IT supplier for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) earned recognition scheme, which went live in April this year.  ClockWatcher elite provides the reporting options required for the scheme, while tailored vehicle defect reporting is available through the Aquarius App (stand C14).

DAVIS by Licence Check is promoting DAVIS Check Station.  New for 2018, this innovative 3-in-1 hardware device gains GDPR compliant driver permission, carries out a driving licence check (physical and DVLA look up) and provides results in a single process.  Live demos available throughout the show (stand D35).

 Isotrak Group is showcasing its new vehicle Breathalyser Interlock device.  It features upgraded hardware and full integration into the Isotrak Group’s market-leading vehicle tracking and fleet management platforms.  It enables operators to remain compliant and operationally efficient, with live location tracking and instant breath-test failure notifications (stand F21).

Juratek launched its Synergy braking programme this year.  It’s proven on truck, trailer, bus and coach applications to provide premium braking performance and durability under all service operating conditions (stand C42).

Filmbankmedia provide, curate and service content and offer technology and marketing support across the world.  A selection of their films and TV series went live earlier this year on the National Express Vuer App – a free-to-use digital entertainment service available across a fleet of over 600 coaches.  The entertainment portfolio also includes games, podcasts and newsstand (stand T30).

Mistral Group introduced coach leasing to its services this year.  It provides an option for operators to adopt ‘off balance sheet’ funding via an operating lease (stand F97).

 Euro Bus Expo – free trade registration

Euro Bus Expo returns to the NEC Birmingham in the UK on 30 October-1 November 2018.  For further details on all exhibiting companies, please visit: https://www.eurobusxpo.com/floorplan

Show features include: the Outside Vehicle Display; the miniplus Area, hosted by miniplus and dedicated solely to operators of small- and medium-sized passenger carrying vehicles; the Technology Zone, and the Master Class Theatre.

Confirmed speakers include Martin Dean, president of the CPT and MD – bus development at The Go Ahead Group; Claire Mann, director of bus operations at TfL; Meera Nayyar, passenger experience team leader – buses and taxis at Department for Transport; Alex Hornby, CEO of Transdev Blazefield; Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus; and Steven Salmon, director of policy development at the CPT.  The full line-up is available to view at www.eurobusxpo.com/masterclass.

To register for a free trade ticket to attend, please visit www.eurobusxpo.com.

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