ADL (D100) shows off both buses and coaches. Highlights include a single-decker Enviro200EV bus built with BYD, plus an Enviro200 diesel fitted with SmartPack technology that reduces emissions and improves fuel economy. Also, ADL is showing its Enviro400 double-decker in multiple drivelines, including 48V SmartHybrid system, as well as in a biogas version on the Scania stand (A20). On the coach side, products include the flagship Plaxton Panorama double-decker, which has a large seating capacity and extra accessibility options. There will also be a touring spec Plaxton Panther and a unit of the new Plaxton Panther LE bus/coach hybrid for commuter and regional services.
Following the success of the Allison xFE transmission launched at Euro Bus Expo 2016, Optare (A50) is now the first OEM to integrate this fuel-saving transmission into all of its single-deck buses as standard. During recent independent testing conducted under conditions representative of actual service, the Optare Euro VI single deck range fitted with xFE transmission and FuelSense 2.0 Max returned an annual fuel economy improvement equivalent of up to £1,176 (excluding VAT) per vehicle compared to previous Euro VI models, assuming 50,000 miles per year and fuel cost of £4.85/gallon (excluding VAT). The Solo and Versa demonstrator examples of these vehicles will be on display. Also being promised is an unveiling of the next generation of Optare EV bus offering.
For the first time in Scania UK history, its PCV stand (A20) will be entirely populated by vehicles capable of operating on renewable fuels, including options for biodiesel, biogas and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), as well as hybrid power. The stand covers transport vehicles for city/suburban, intercity/commuter and long-haul touring. “Two years ago, Scania declared its intention to drive the shift to sustainable transport systems,” says Martin West, new bus and coach sales director for Scania. In the medium to long term, electrification will play a key role in meeting emissions targets, the OEM adds.
TotalKare (E88) has joined forces with Arriva Bus and Coach and David Fishwick Minibus Sales to showcase the capabilities of its four-post and mobile column lifts. They will be elevating a Temsa MD9 coach and an IVECO Daily van, respectively. The company will also be using the stand to give visitors an insight into its new online training platform for mobile lifts, which enables operatives to be trained and CPD-certified while minimising disruption to busy workshops. Some of the areas covered include legislation, pre-use safety checks, lift controls, floor stability, floor obstructions, height clearance and ancillary equipment.
Eminox Retrofit Solutions (C13) provides a range of retrofit emissions systems for bus and coach operators that can meet Euro VI emissions regulations and requirements for the London ultra low emissions zone (ULEZ). It is launching a clean air zone coach development centre that works on specific retrofit emissions systems for major manufacturers, including Volvo, Scania and Mercedes. The company aims to develop as large a range of CVRAS (clean vehicle retrofit accreditation scheme) accreditations for coach systems as it has already for its bus systems.
ZF Services (G80) will showcase its product portfolio in driveline and chassis technology, as well as passive safety technology. Highlights include the ZF Ecolife automatic transmission with stop-start function, the AxTrax AVE electric portal axle (pictured above) and CeTrax, the electric central drive system developed for demanding inner-city applications. Products such as these are underpinned by ZF Services UK’s centre of competence, based in Nottingham. Also to be promoted are ZF’s remanufacturing capabilities.
Alfatronix (T42) has developed new wireless charging for integration into passenger seating. Accepting input voltages of between 9-32V DC from the vehicle electrical system, it converts this to 5V DC to permit charging of all wireless-enabled Qi-qualified smart devices for passengersThe charger can also be used with compatible wireless charging cases, universal wireless charging pads and integrated into the entertainment console of the Lazzerini Pratico high-back seat, among others. An application for retrofits is to follow.
Freeway Fleet Systems (G14) will announce three new developments of its all-in-one fleet maintenance system. They are: 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.
PSV transport management and compliance control company TruTac (E14) highlights five key features of its software offering operators improved efficiency, reduced costs and dynamic data control. For example,‘Missing mileage allocation’ simplifies management with easy explanation options for management control and auditing reports. Also, its Earned Recognition section provides interactive reporting with drill-down and intuitive graphical data. Operators can view their own performance against Earned Recognition key performance indicators.
Finally, the first unit of the 74-seat MOBIpeople Explorer coach based on the Scania 9-litre K320 chassis to be sold will be shown by Lancashire independent dealer BASE (J100). The company has sold more than 100 MOBIpeople vehicles since 2014.
IN BRIEF
ACGB (B17) will show a concept for an aluminium square-section LNG fuel tank.
Forest Asset Finance (A62) will offer visitors free advice about bus and coach finance. The company, a regular exhibitor since 2004, is now part of the independent Asset Alliance Group.
Henkel (D85) introduces visitors to the latest generation of its Loctite adhesive and Bonderite surface sealing products, as well as a new Teroson direct glazing adhesive.
Juratek (C42), brake manufacturer, states that many common problems encountered on town centre bus routes – brake fade due to high temperatures, brake noise and short pad life – are resolved with off-the-shelf Synergy Premium brake materials.
Masats, a door and accessibility systems supplier (H81), will launch the KS8 Lift for coaches, plus a new version of the electric sliding plug door, 028C.
Mistral Group (F97) works with a wide panel of funders, including its own lending book, to offer new-vehicle financing.
Pride & Joy (A16), bus and coach uniform supplier, has extended its workwear range in cooperation with PPE firm Portwest. Founder Jane Phillips says: “We feel that adding the contrast garments will allow our customers to extend their brand into their engineering teams.” It is also extending its footwear range with Ambler safety shoes.
Streamax Technology’s (T14) DSM (driver states monitoring) camera monitors driver fatigue and distraction.
SmartCar (T44) integrates a suite of web and mobile applications for service personnel management, booking and despatch.
Sygnal (T38) offers onboard integration for CCTV, dashcams, entertainment, analytics and advertising via the cloud.
Tachosys (E26) will show off prototypes for its new digipostpro, a depot-based product that centralises tachograph vehicle and driver card file collection. In addition, the new digi-TRK is a low-cost option for van tracking.
TEK Seating (D97) offers driver seats from Grammer, KAB Seating, USSC, FISA, Isringhausen and Be-Ge.
The Tyre Equipment Company (A14) supplies a range of tyre servicing tools and accessories from suppliers such as Ken-Tool, Chicago Pneumatic and Gaither.