The recent Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney gave the industry a chance to show off the best of its developments since the last in-person Expo in 2019.
Last month’s Australasian Bus & Coach Expo marked a massive return to in-person events for the local industry.
The three-day event in early October was run by BusNSW at the Sydney Showgrounds. It gave industry members the prime chance to show technological developments made since the last in-person Expo in 2019.
The main theme of the event was the zero-emissions transition, with the majority of vehicles on display being battery electric buses or products. A small number also showcased the newest developments in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, while impressive advancements of diesel buses and coaches provided a variable product range on display at the Expo.
When it came to manufacturers, the likes of Bus & Coach International (BCI), with a remarkable story of how it transported its three electric vehicles up from Melbourne to Sydney, and Volvo Bus Australia and its striking BZL Electric chassis, greeted attendees and summarised the zero-emissions intentions of the industry.
As visitors walked further around the vast Showgrounds, this evolution was made even clearer.
Bus Stop Sales’s green theme was made evident at its stall as its showcased a range of King Long and Isuzu products. Whether it be electric or diesel, Bus Stop’s products clearly have the environment in mind.
BLK Auto’s rapid variation of its products in recent years was evident when visiting its Expo stall. Battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell or diesel – you name it and BLK Auto had it on show. A highlight was its new HDrive bus that sat front and centre at its stall.
New age companies like Ebusco proved that international zero-emissions technology has well and truly arrived in Australia. The Dutch company showed its new model, filled with incredible technology when it comes to accessibility and sustainability.
Foton Mobility took the other side of the zero-emissions equation, showcasing its quality hydrogen fuel cell products. Whether it be buses or trucks, Foton’s ability to produce hydrogen vehicles sets it up well for the future.
International members converged on MAN Truck & Bus’s stand, especially when it came to the unveiling of its new Lion’s E LF chassis in Australia. It sits proudly alongside MAN’s other high-quality chassis offerings.
RELATED ARTICLE: Bus & Cooach Expo makes a worthy return in Sydney
Hino partnered with Toyota for its Expo stall to give the industry the chance to experience Toyota’s new hydrogen fuel cell bus. With a hydrogen car also on display next to the bus, it signals exciting times for Toyota and Hino moving forward.
For Scania, it was all about green energy. Whether it be generators, motors, buses or coaches, Scania’s space was dedicated to loyal customers like the South Australian government and Melbourne’s Dyson Group.
The Expo gave Yutong and VDI Australia a prime chance to unveil its latest electric bus model. Alongside the C12E was Yutong’s typical range of high-quality vehicles, ranging from its longer buses to its smaller D7.
 |
|
MAN’s new Australian electric chassis
|
Nexport was yet another company showcasing exciting zero-emissions technology. Its new-age electric vehicles position it well for the future of Australia’s bus and coach industry.
In the diesel space, Challenger Bus & Coach and Irizar both showed off quality. With Euro 6 models proving an evolution for both brands, these vehicles looked as shiny and wonderful as ever.
When it came to technology, Siemens brought along its primary bus and coach charger to give the industry a taste of what is to come. Sepura’s new broadband communications device is an exciting way of providing an alternative option that also streamlines device efficiency.
After combining with Brisbane’s Royans group, Coachworks now has greater access to increasing its span over the industry.
In the parts sector, both ZF and SMC Corporation had a wide variety of products ready to show the industry ways to improve day-to-day operations. Webasto’s battery solutions looked right at home alongside local manufacturers like ARCC.
In the air-conditioning game, both Denso and Coachair mixed their best diesel systems with the latest developments in the lightweight electric unit space. Sege and StyleRide both had a buffet of comfortable seating options ready to display, while Camira’s fabrics continue to shine as the global company celebrates its 200th anniversary. It all made for a remarkable Expo with the most exciting development of technology seen yet.