The COVID clouds have cleared and the Australian bus and coach sector is once again flourishing. Alongside traditional options, the focus is on the cutting edge of technological developments
To many in the industry, this is the same old Bus Search Buyer’s Guide that is loved and adored each year as an annual tool on the ‘what’s what’ and ‘who’s who’ in our sector. Many of the names that you are set to flick through won’t come as a surprise. But unlike before, the Bus Search for 2023 features a whole new raft of manufacturers and brands that have leapt upon the zero-emissions bus and made innovative vehicles that makes the Australian industry more exciting and varied than it has ever been.
The Bus Search Buyer’s Guide acts as a bookmark of each year in a fabled and historically mesmerising history. At the turn of every 12 months, the latest chassis, bodies and completely built vehicles go on display to see just how much everything has changed. The 2023 version is a significant milestone in the Guide’s history.
See below for individual manufacturer specifications and the latest editorial updates
Individual Specs
ARCC
After spending much of 2022 working on its new partnerships with Macquarie Bank and Origin Energy, ARCC will continue to emphasise industry connections to provide turn key solutions for customers. Murley says ARCC’s collaboration with these industry bodies starts from the ethical capture of energy through to the provision of infrastructure, finance solutions and ongoing maintenance through support services.
BLK Auto
BLK Auto’s immediate focus turns towards New South Wales, as the brand wants to be approved by Transport for NSW’s Panel 4 to provide its buses to operators in both Sydney and NSW.
BUS STOP
With the EVolution low and high floor chassis options both being released in 2022, Bus Stop Sales is set to grow its zero-emissions capabilities even more in 2023 and beyond. White says maintaining the partnership with Volgren in supplying a complete electric EVolution low floor model to the Australian market remains critical.
BusTech
After the model was tested successfully with a variety of chargers, the ZDI-450 is ready to hit Australian roads. It’s been delivered to customers and is set to continue being delivered in 2023.
Challenger
After a whirlwind finish to 2022, Challenger will spend the new year delivering on the quality vehicles it has in build. While the brand does this, it also has some new vehicles in the works for 2023.
Daimler: Mercedes
McKenzie’s Tourist Services has become a Victorian public transport institution. The operator credits its fleet of Mercedes-Benz buses as a major factor in its success.
Foton Mobility
Foton Mobility stresses it won’t be limiting its fleet to just the two bus models for the immediate future. Abel is already teasing some exciting news for 2023 and beyond.
Hino
For Hino in 2023, it will continue promoting its Poncho bus as a viable option for on-demand and flexible transport services in Australia.
Irizar
Although Irizar will take its two main products into 2023, the brand will also begin some new projects in 2023.
Man-Penske
Geaboc is the first to admit that 2022 was a difficult year for the Australian industry. With supply chain issues running rampant, the MAN Bus & Coach head says the company did its best in trying circumstances.
Nexport
For Nexport, 2023 will give the brand a chance to continue promoting its new range of buses. The completely new second generation fleet will take off in the local market, with Nexport looking to roll out the four unique bus options onto Australian roads. It may not be the first time Nexport has introduced an electric bus to the country, but it still makes for exciting times.
Scania
Scania is running home hot in 2022, providing for an exciting 2023. Once Scania’s latest generation full battery electric bus chassis begin receiving bodies Gurney says his team will be excited to begin the testing phase in South Australia. Alongside this testing stage, to determine suitability for route work in Adelaide, Scania is keen to continue investing in biodiesel for other bus models.
VDI/Yutong
As part of Yutong Australia’s low-emissions transition, 2023 will be filled with new updates and models. Riccardi says VDI Australia has started already with a new Euro 6 version of the C12 range. The release of the C12 Euro 6 model is already planned for early next year.
Volgren
Volgren has numerous new body options ready to launch in 2023, starting with its Optimus product. The bodybuilder is primed to launch a hydrogen version of the model by the middle of 2023 to match the recently released battery electric product.
Volvo
Despite a deep catalogue of chassis, Volvo Bus Australia has a new product ready to sell down under. The B13R Euro 6 model will finish bodybuild and expect its first delivery to customers in 2023. It’s already on sale for Australian customers to order.Latest Editorial Content
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Yutong continues heavy transition
Yutong is in the midst of upgrading many of its existing range of bus options. 2023 will be no different as the brand has eyes on a greener future range for Australian customers.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Scania offers multiple fuel solutions for cleaner buses
Scania Australia is heavily invested in diversifying its low-emission fuel options for the bus and coach market, ranging from battery electric chassis to the potential for biodiesel
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Nexport develops electric innovations
With the most electric buses on the road in Australia, Nexport continues to focus on safety, investing in technology and developing world-class innovation for zero-emissions transportation
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Hino continues to pack a punch with its Poncho
Hino is leading the way with its Poncho when it comes to on-demand transport. The unique bus will continue pushing the future of flexible transport services in 2023.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Foton Mobility juggles new energy options
Foton Mobility has had a busy year spent releasing its two new zero-emissions bus options. It has hinted that it won’t slow its momentum as it heads optimistically into 2023.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Coachair celebrates twin releases
2022 saw Coachair celebrate its return to the Bus & Coach Expo with the release of two air-conditioning units. The new models have laid a platform for a successful 2023 for the manufacturer.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Adding the Mercedes-Benz touch for operators
McKenzie’s Tourist Services has become a Victorian public transport institution. The operator credits its fleet of Mercedes-Benz buses as a major factor in its success.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Challenger builds on success
With its two high-quality coaches, Challenger Bus & Coach has excelled in 2022. It’s now using this momentum to deliver its V10 and V12 vehicles to more customers in 2023.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: BusTech Group celebrates electric release
BusTech Group recently unveiled its latest electric ZDI-450 model. It is now finding new ways to make its fleet greener in 2023 and beyond.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Bus Stop continues expanding product range
Bus Stop Sales dove into zero-emissions technology in 2022 as it released two new King Long electric products. The vehicle seller is now looking into further evolving its growing bus and coach catalogue.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: ARCC future proofs fleets
Australian manufacturer ARCC is set to release its versatile zero-emissions bus offering into the local market in 2023 with easy conversion between full electric and hydrogen-electric configurations
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Irizar keeps confirming its bus and coach quality
Following another year of growth, Irizar Asia Pacific is looking into how it can continue evolving as a brand in 2023.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: Volvo deepens catalogue heading into 2023
Volvo Bus Australia is coming off the back of a massive year. Following the release of its first electric chassis down under, Volvo is rolling out more new models in 2023
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: MAN continues leading with electric
MAN will continue showcasing the best of its diesel engine technology. Yet it’s a new electric chassis that is set to steal the show in 2023.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search Volgren continues constant evolution
Volgren Australia is intent on solidifying its reputation in the local market. It’s turning to zero-emissions options to build its technological capabilities in 2023 and beyond.
Bus Search Buyers Guide
Bus Search: BLK Auto broadens its product range horizons
BLK Auto has rapidly expanded its catalogue to include buses and coaches in many sectors. It’ll now take its latest technology and evolve it further in 2023.
Bus Search Buyers Guide