After numerous years of Sydney and Melbourne wrestling to host the bus industry’s crowning event, Brisbane finally had its turn this week.
The Bus Industry Confederation’s first National Bus and Coach Show brought together bus experts and fans from around the country, escaping cold and miserable weather to enjoy a sun-filled two days at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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Despite a last-minute mad rush to get all stands up and running, it was nothing but smooth sailing when doors to the event finally opened.
Greeted by the backside of an ‘100% electric’ bus and a fresh copy of the ABC August magazine, it was clear from the minute you entered that the industry had undergone some massive changes since the last event in 2022.
While electric buses and products were filtering into the stands two years ago, this year’s event had us searching high and low to find a diesel model. It was refreshing to see that a majority of vehicles on display were battery electric buses or products, with a few hydrogen fuel cell vehicles scattered throughout.
Volvo once again kicked off the festivities on the first night, offering some delicious cocktails and nibbles to those who had slaved away during bump-in.
On the opening morning of the two-day event, innovation and positivity set the tone for the busy week.
Jumping off the back of some terrific news, Go-Zero’s breakfast event highlighted its newest electric model – the Next-Gen Bus – while also touching on upcoming changes in the industry.
From 9:30am onwards it was reveal after reveal, with curtains dropping at the Bus & Coach International (BCI), Challenger, Yutong and Volgren stands.
When it came to manufacturers, collaboration proved to be a key focus. Volgren and Yutong partnered for its newest addition, an Optimus E-Bus on Yutong Chassis, while BCI unveiled an innovative low-floor model with Volvo.
Yutong and VDI Australia were all about sustainability and environment this year, with its motto, “Think Eco, Move Green” plastered on the new E7S mini-bus.
Alongside the E7S was Yutong’s announcement of the Yutong Electric Architecture (YEA). Seen in global markets, the brand’s first EV-specific platform in the commercial vehicle industry is now set to be included in vehicles in the APAC market.
Eyes were immediately drawn to the side of the exhibition hall, with HESS’ new Lightram 25 taking up a whopping 24.5 metres. Due to commence Brisbane Metro passenger services later this year, the conversation starter had brains of the brightest engineers and designers ticking.
But it wasn’t just the bodybuilders and chassis makers stealing the spotlight, with a range of new technology and products making its debut at the stalls.
StyleRide had its brand new Practico range ready to test out, while Klinefire began signing up customers to its new training portal.
The new LED Boarding Communication System from Ventura was an attention-grabber, while Sege and McConnell each provided the best seats to sit and rest your feet.
In the air-conditioning game, Denso, Thermo King and Coachair mixed their best diesel systems with the latest developments in the lightweight electric unit space while Camira’s fabrics continued to highlight the effect new technology has on designs.
Telematics and technology were once again a focus, now even more advanced and with more options. Webfleet, Consat, E-T-A and Triple D Software had the best of the best on display.
With tech-talks and demonstrations every 15 minutes, the free barista-made coffee stands allowed us to take in the industry one step at a time.
Glowing reviews swept in from exhibitors and attendees alike, the 2024 Brisbane event providing the ultimate background for some of the biggest conversations in the bus and coach industry.
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