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BCI launches partnerships with global OEMs for new models

Initial orders have allowed BCI to launch a new partnership with two global chassis OEMs that is set to excite Australian operators

In the Australian bus and coach industry, collaboration is proving to be key. Unlike other areas of the heavy vehicle world, bus manufacturers and OEMs have a habit of combining to meet customer orders and provide new vehicle options.

This phenomenon is set to happen yet again in the local market, with Australian bus and coach supplier Bus & Coach International (BCI) partnering with two leading OEM suppliers on recent deliveries.

In a combination that aims to revolutionise the design, efficiency and sustainability of BCI buses in Australia, BCI will work with Volvo Bus and Scania to produce new models.

“I’m delighted to witness the culmination of our collaboration with Volvo Bus and Scania Bus, marking a pivotal moment for BCI,” BCI national sales manager Cameron Millen says.

“Witnessing firsthand the journey of Australian operators through Northern Europe and their positive reception to this partnership underscores its significance.”

The origins of this new partnership lie in October last year, when BCI and a group of Australian operators made the trek to Brussels, Belgium to attend the BusWorld 2023 Expo. While there, the collective visited the Scania and Volvo Bus plants in the Swedish cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg respectively.

Millen says the visit arose due to increasing interest from some of BCI’s key customers in exploring the possibility of combining BCI’s body with a chassis sourced from Sweden.

“Considering the commercial advantages of such an alliance, the opportunity for innovation and the benefits of sharing a powerful aftermarket network, it’s surprising that this possibility wasn’t considered in advance,” he says.

Image: BCI

“The experience was very enriching for the group and immediately fueled the interest in acquiring vehicles from one or another chassis manufacturer with the BCI body.”

While the first orders had already been placed by operators such as Murrays and Go West Tours before heading off to Europe, the chance to visit the factories and understand the philosophy of the Scandivanian brands helped further progress the joint project.

“We’ve been working with BCI and Volvo for many years and we were eager to see the two products come together with developments to supply to Australian demands,” Go West Tours general manager Bradley Bunce told ABC.

“We’re happy to see this combination that will provide the highest level of safety standards available in the product.”

While in Sweden, Bunce saw how his recent order of a Volvo chassis went through the final stages of production. Although there was no precedent for the combination in Australia, Bunce was convinced that his decision to order a Volvo and BCI vehicle was the right one.

“Our recent visit to the factory was remarkable,” he says. “Seeing the state-of-the-art facilities, combined with the hard work, dedication and innovation that the companies deliver was truly inspiring.”

Millen accompanied Bunce and the group of operators on their Swedish journey. He came back to Australia impressed by the positive reception the commercial initiative received from the attendees.

“This initiative symbolises our commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction,” Millen says.

The partnership was forged between BCI and the two chassis manufacturers separately, with BCI aiming to start a new era of cooperation that optimises the integration of chassis and body components. By combining the trio’s collective expertise, BCI aims to streamline production processes and enhance vehicle performance.

A primary objective of the alliance is to improve synergy between chassis and body designs in a bid to maximise structural integrity, safety and weight efficiency. Traditionally, chassis and body systems have been developed independently, which could lead to inefficiencies and compromise the overall vehicle performance.

Image: BCI

By instead collaborating closely from the initial stages of vehicle development with Scandinavian OEM manufacturers, the Western Australian bodybuilder intends to eliminate any inefficiencies in the vehicle development process and optimise the interface between chassis and bodies.

The first fleet of Scania and BCI coaches went to Australian east coast operator Murrays at the end of 2023. The vehicles have commenced running transit contract services between Brisbane, Toowoomba and regional areas, with the new models featuring ADAS systems and using B100 biodiesel to reduce carbon emissions.

Since the start of the year, other Australian operators have continued expressing interest in the chassis-body combination, with Millen saying there’s a “huge number of orders” in full build or about to be delivered from the BCI factory.

From Scania’s side of the partnership, Scania Bus and Power Solutions director of sales Julian Gurney says the brand has enjoyed having BCI as a valued bodybuilding partner.

“With the Murray’s order the catalyst to kickstart the relationship, the BCI team has given us the confidence to secure additional volumes of stock vehicles with BCI,” Gurney told ABC.

“The BCI aftersales network has given us and our clients the comfort that, between the two organisations, we can support these buses for the full 20-to-25-year operational life for our contracted school bus operators.

“Scania will be looking to secure further sales opportunities with three-axle coaches and city bus chassis programs in the mix of stock units.”

Gurney says BCI’s experience in coaches for charter and rail operations across Australia has further solidified Scania’s confidence in the complete package that the pair will offer to customers.

With Go West securing the first Volvo and BCI combinations, Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden says the brand is thrilled to be partnering with BCI to meet customer demands.

“The BCI sales and technical support available across Australia aligns with Volvo’s values of customer service and trust,” Peden told ABC.

“We’re pleased to be able to work flexibly with different bodybuilders to be able to provide our customers with what they need for the varied operating conditions that our operator partners work in.

“With several Volvo and BCI vehicles already on the road, we’re confident and excited about this new business partnership.”

Millen says the new partnership represents a significant step forward in the Australian bus an coach industry’s innovation and sustainability journey. By joining forces, Millen intends to help revolutionise bus design, efficiency and performance to shape the future of mobility.

“We believe this collaboration will not only transform bus design and efficiency but also set new standards for safety and performance,” he says.

“The enthusiasm from operators like Murrays and Go West Tours further validates the value this alliance brings. We’re excited about the future possibilities and the positive impact it will have on our industry and the communities we serve.”

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