After a three year wait, the bus and coach industry is eagerly anticipating the return of its principal trade event, Euro Bus Expo, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November. The major exhibition, which needs no introduction to the industry it serves, is set to return with a renewed vigour and spotlights on innovation, decarbonisation, and the future of passenger transport.
This year’s event is set to be the most important yet, with new features designed to showcase ground-breaking product and service developments spanning the entire supply chain, not least the latest buses, coaches, midi- and mini- vehicles.
With strong support from leading manufacturers, converters and dealers, the show is expected to bring together 130+ vehicles from marques including Alexander Dennis (which will be displaying its double-deck hydrogen fuel cell-electric Enviro400FCEV), BASE Coach Sales, Equipmake, G M Coachwork, Ilesbus, Irizar UK, London Hire, MAN Truck & Bus, Nu-Track, Pelican Bus and Coach, PHVC Minibus & Fleet Suppliers, Scania (Great Britain) Ltd, Stanford Coachworks, Switch Mobility, Treka Bus and Volvo Group (UK) Ltd.
Following the success of its debut at Coach & Bus UK 2019, the Zero Emission Zone will give visitors the opportunity to experience fleets of the future first-hand. The Zone will highlight the latest vehicles designed to entirely decarbonise passenger travel, to support the UK’s goal to reach net zero by 2050.
Alexander Dennis, Equipmake, London Hire, Pelican Bus and Coach, Switch Mobility and Volvo Group are just some of the big names that will be demonstrating vehicles in the dedicated Zone – with more to be announced soon.
Visitors will also be able to experience one of the Yutong battery-electric models from Pelican Bus and Coach, and the latest range from Switch Mobility. These demonstrations will not only showcase the carbon neutral credentials of the vehicles, but also the very latest features designed to improve the passenger experience, encourage use of public transport, and lower operating costs.
An anticipated 270 exhibitors will be showcasing everything needed to run a fleet of buses, coaches, midi- and mini- vehicles. With developments ongoing up and down the supply chain, innovation will be a big theme this year.
Of course, innovation isn’t limited to technology. To highlight the latest great ideas driving the sector forward – benefitting operating businesses and passengers alike – the trade event will see the introduction of the Innovation Challenge (first debuted at Coach & Bus UK 2019). Visitors will be voting for their favourite new initiatives, with exhibitors taking the stage in the Masterclass Theatre to pitch their new products and services.
As well as helping to launch thousands of new vehicles and products onto the market, Euro Bus Expo is renowned for its free seminar programme. The Masterclass Theatre will once again host a range of expert speakers who will share the latest need-to-know information and perspectives from across the sector. Leading industry bodies and operators will discuss the latest hot topics in a variety of keynotes, presentations, and panel discussions.
Euro Bus Expo attracts 9,000 professionals, and this year will be no exception as the industry comes together for its first major gathering in over 3 years.