With around 300 exhibitors set to attend the 2018 Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham next week, there will be plenty for operators and technicians alike to sink their teeth into. CVW talks to Helen Conway, Event Director, to find out what’s new for visitors.
Q What can visitors expect to see from this year’s Euro Bus Expo?
A Staged in Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham, Euro Bus Expo is the largest dedicated coach, bus and minibus show to be held in Europe this year. Around 300 exhibitors will showcase a full spectrum of cutting-edge innovations.
From the latest vehicles and technology, to training and services, industry insiders can expect to have their fingers firmly on the passenger transport pulse. Alongside vehicle stands from all the major manufacturers, including some vehicles new to the UK this year, there will be a vast range of stands from suppliers showcasing their latest products.
In addition to this, there is a three-day free seminar programme, staged in the Master Class Theatre in the centre of the hall, where leading industry figures can be heard discussing the latest developments and future challenges facing the sector. Air Quality, Open Data and Bus Safety will be just a few of the items on the agenda.
Q Is there anything new this year we can look forward to?
A Among the launches will be Volvo’s all-new 9900 coach, and other passenger vehicles. A number of technology suppliers are also preparing to make announcements about new products, while all the major manufacturers are anticipated to be revealing enhancements to their current product lines.
Q What do you see as the most important recent trends in the bus and coach sector?
A As expected, air quality remains the big topic. The show will likely be used by some suppliers to make announcements on the introduction of retrofit equipment and aftermarket products to bring vehicles up to Euro VI standards. The march of new vehicle technologies continues and electric vehicles are expected to be prominent in the coach, bus and minibus sectors.
Q What can fleet operators expect to gain from visiting the show?
A Key to their visits will be the opportunity to meet face-to-face with vehicle manufacturers, dealers, financiers and other key suppliers. They will have the opportunity to see how technology can drive down costs across their business, and also better understand the total cost of ownership. The growth in app and cloud based maintenance systems, and their link with the DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme will be displayed, giving fleet operators a better understanding of whether the scheme is right for them.
Q What’s on offer for workshops and technicians responsible for the repair and maintenance of buses and coaches? Is there a specific workshop area?
A There will be vehicles on lifts, allowing inspection of the underside, and a range of providers of workshop equipment – pits, ramps, washing systems, separation collectors, rolling roads, fuelling and more will all be on show. There will also be representation by training bodies, while the subject of apprenticeships will be high on the agenda.
The Euro Bus Expo is coming to Birmingham’s NEC from 30th October – 1st November. To register and find out more, head to www.eurobusxpo.com
