Oct. 14, 2015 - Castrosua will deliver 300 buses to Iran
The Spanish group Castrosua strengthens its presence in the international markets with the signing of a contract for the initial delivery of 300 buses to Iran. Signed with Iran Group and Khadamat Tejarat Almas Nile company, the agreement was promoted by the Spanish government as part of the business mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The total exceeds 50 million euro. This agreement strengthens the Galician manufacturer's strategy of markets diversification and their international vocation outlined several years ago with the export of part of their production in the EU. The Iran's fleet of buses and coaches is aged due to the embargo in recent years and the precarious situation of local producers. With this in mind, Castrosua chose to approve their bodies under the rules of this country and it is therefore in the best position to start the mass production and distribution of vehicles in Iran.
October 14, 2015 - The SC5 by Sunsundegui on Volvo chassis
The Spanish bodybuilder Sunsundegui took part to the 2015 Coach and Bus Live (Birmingham, September 30 to October 1). They shared a stand with Volvo. Here they presented the 10-metres SC5 coach. A vehicle with a new design thanks to the aerodynamic lines outside and the interior most generous and robust. It is a 38-seater coach bodied on Volvo B8R Euro 6 chassis with stainless steel structure. Fitted with LED lights inside and outside, the vehicle has the front with Optikool technology and double VG10 colorless windows. These solutions reduce solar radiation inside the vehicle thus saving usury and maintenance of AC unit and the energy consumed since the air conditioning compressor works in less time. The S5 has a modular configuration to meet the increasing demands of customers.
Oct 9, 2015 - Van Hool TX range with Allison transmission
Allison Transmission has been specified by Van Hool for its TX range of coaches. The first vehicle equipped with Allison’s T525R transmission is a TX17 Altano 3-axle 13.20- metre coach powered by a PACCAR MX13-375/510 hp engine for Belgian coach operator, De Zigeuner. A TX17 coach will be available to test drive by booking at the Van Hool stand (601) at 2015 Kortrijk Busworld (October 16-21). While Allison has been Van Hool’s standard choice for exports to North America for decades, the TX17 is the first Van Hool coach equipped with an Allison transmission available for the European market. At Busworld 2015, Allison Transmission will display its recently expanded fully automatic transmission ranges for the first time in Europe.
Oct. 9, 2015 - The new Bandag U-AP 001 by Bridgestone

Bridgestone launches the new Bandag AP U-001, retread for all positions. Designed for city buses and vehicles for waste collection, Bandag U AP-001 provides a long mileage which allows savings operational cost and tire replacement. Remarkable are the performance in terms of durability, security in all seasons (M + S) and resistance to irregular wear. Bandag U-AP 001 also has an excellent ability to wet traction and during the whole winter season, thanks to the marking M + S and reduces the possibility of retention of the metalling in the grooves of the tread minimizing wear and the possibility of cutting thus prolonging the tire's life. The Bandag retreaded tires U-AP 001 are suitable to prolong the useful life of the corresponding Bridgestone U-AP 001, but can they also be used for the reconstruction of other patterns in sizes 245 / 70R19.5, 265 / 70R19.5, 305 / 70R19.5, 11R22.5, 12R22.5, 295 / 80R22.5, 275 / 70R22.5 and 305 / 70R22.5.
Oct. 9, 2015 - New Enviro400H City hybrid by ADL for London

Arriva London recently announced that they will be the first operator to take delivery of the brand new Enviro400H City hybrid bus from Alexander Dennis. The first 19 buses will enter service with Arriva London’s new contract on route 78. In the London specification, the 10.4m, two-door City will be capable of carrying 90 passengers. November is the planned entry into service date of the first Enviro400H City. ADL’s new version of their market-leading Enviro400 double deck was unveiled at the Coach & Bus Live, held in Birmingham. "The striking new bus is lighter, more fuel efficient and will generate fewer CO2 emissions than any vehicle in its class," said Colin Robertson, CEO of British bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL). He added: “Significantly, our new flagship double deck takes us towards 900 hybrid buses built by ADL for the UK market, all of which incorporate the BAE Systems HybriDrive® propulsion system. Together we have forged a powerful technology alliance with BAE Systems that is changing the face of public transport and steadily introducing greener, cleaner vehicles in towns and cities that are striving to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. “The contribution of low-emission buses should not be under-estimated and, on the wider front, BAE Systems - like ADL - is in the vanguard of that movement globally. The first of our new Enviro400H City buses for London is, in fact, the 5,000th BAE Systems’ HybriDrive series system to go into service worldwide, which is a remarkable achievement for BAE Systems and their various build partners.”
Oct. 6, 2015 - EU bus registrations rose by 23.1% in August 2015
Following the latest data of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), registrations of new buses and coaches over 3.5 t in the EU increased by 23,1% in August 2015 compared to August 2014, totalling 3,329 units. The UK (+117.5%), Germany (+28.6%), Italy (+19.9%) and France (+13.3%) positively contributed to the overall expansion, while Spain (-54.3%) performed less well than in August 2014. Over eight months in 2015, the EU market increased (+16.5%), totalling 24,978 new buses and coaches. Demand was primarily driven by Spain (+42.3%) and the UK (+25.9%), followed by France (+18.7%) and Italy (+15.1%).
October 5, 2015 - Optare MetroCity buses for APH
Seven more Optare MetroCity buses have been added to the fleet of APH, a multi-award winning company for airport parking and airport hotels. The buses are operating between APH’s Award Winning car parks and airport terminal buildings at both Manchester and Gatwick Airport. The four 10.1m and three 10.8m Euro 5, MetroCity buses seat up to 24 and are fitted with luggage racks and feature a full vinyl wrap. APH run an all Optare low-floor fleet and the MetroCity buses were purchased as part of a fleet replacement programme replacing existing Solo and Tempo buses. Nick Caunter, Managing Director of APH, said, "In keeping with our green philosophy we chose the Optare MetroCity for its impressive fuel economy and emissions performance.”
Sept. 29, 2015 - Irizar's previews at Kortijk Busworld
Irizar will partecipate to the Kortijk Busworld with a stand of more than 1,000 square metres (hall 4, stand 405). The Spanish coach builder will unveil here the i8 coach. This new model dedicated to the long routes and occasional services is supported by a dynamic aesthetic revolution and with state-of-the-art technology. Another Irizar's preview is the i3 LE, the first low entry bus in integral version. On show at the main entrance of the fair, the vehicle will be powered by a DAF biodiesel engine. In addition, Irizar will present the i6 coach, the i2e 100% electric urban bus and the i4. All the exhibited buses are integral and are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies in safety, efficiency, and energy storage, charging, fleet maintenance, entertainment systems.
Sept. 24, 2015 - Further 62 Otokar Vectio C RHD buses to Malta
Otokar Europe delivered the third and final tranche of 62 units to Malta, bringing the total of Otokar new midi-buses up to 142 on the island. The 142 Vectio C RHD buses are operated by Malta Public Transport (MTP). The Vectio C RHD specifically designed for the Maltese road conditions is 9.6 m. long with a capacity of 25 seated passengers, 37 standing and a wheelchair platform fitted with 4 foldable seats. The vehicle has a low entry structure, a double inward swinging door at the front fitted with wheelchair ramp and a single central door. The on-board equipment includes a surveillance system and an efficient air conditioning system for the hot summers in Malta. The Vectio C is powered by an Euro 6 Cummins ISB6.7 E6 engine (187kW, 250 HP). Independent front suspension and Allison T280R automatic transmission provide also comfort during long drives.
Sept. 29, 2015 - It's almost Coach & Bus Live 2015
It's time of Coach & Bus Live 2015. The showcase for the UK’s coach, bus, mini/midi vehicle and passenger transport technology sectors, opens for business on Wednesday 30 September at the NEC Birmingham. The two day event boasts 215 sector leading exhibitors, offering everything from the latest vehicles, accessories and workshop equipment, to IT solutions, legislation updates and essential business services. Over 6,000 key industry buyers and decision makers, including operators, suppliers, local authority and community transport providers from across the UK, are expected to attend. Exhibitor show highlights, previewing some of the new innovations and launches for 2015, are available at www.coachandbuslive.com/exhibitor-show-highlights-2015.
Sept. 28, 2015 - MAN at 2015 Kortijk Busworld

MAN will take part to the 2015 Busworld in Kortijk (hall 2, stand 204) showing a variety of models and innovations dedicated to fuel efficiency and safety of the MAN Truck & Bus range. For the urban range, in the spotlight will be the MAN Lion's City, a vehicle further improved in the past three years with the optimization of weight, further ease of maintenance, increased passenger capacity and reduced fuel consumption. MAN will also present the new doors for city buses. As for intercity buses, it will be on show for the first time the MAN Lion's Intercity. Offered as well as for intercity services, long distance transport and school services, it is characterized by its striking and aerodynamic design, its qualities of driving and, in particular, the low fuel consumption and low life cycle cost. MAN will also present in Kortrijk the special versions by the Bus Modification Center (BMC). As the NEOPLAN Cityliner fitted with lounge to encourage dialogue and communication during the trip and a lighting and audio distribution developed specifically for the vehicle. Or the NEOPLAN Skyliner double-decker with bistro, fully equipped large kitchen, 18 Exclusive Plus seats and two opposing double seats with height-adjustable tables at the lower deck. At Busworld, the NEOPLAN Tourliner will be awarded with the IBC Comfort Award 2015 for its high level of comfort. In the outdoor area will be available for test a luxury 5-star coach with 32 VIP seats, monitors, fridge from 56 liters and kitchen.
Sept. 26, 2015 - Iveco Bus supports the All Blacks champions

Iveco Bus supports the rugby world champions All Blacks during the 8th Rugby World Cup that is taking place in England since September 18. The fleets of vehicles available until October 31 are a Magelys PRO and three Daily Minibus Hi-Matic, used both for the logistical support and for the VIP clients of the team. The Magelys Pro is 12.8 meters and is powered by an Iveco Cursor 9 engine (400 hp) matched to a ZF AS-Tronic automatic transmission. To increase the comfort of the players, the bus has been customized with 46 seats (instead of 57). The on-board equipment includes reclining leather seats, wi-fi, coffee machine, GPS Navigator, double microphone amplifier, USB on each seat and 220 V sockets for the two-seats. The three Daily Minibus are the first that Irisbus delivery in the version with Hi-Matic automatic transmission in eight speeds, designed to ensure maximum performance and minimum operating costs. The three Daily Minibus are Tourys model powered by F1C 3.0L engine (170 hp) and fitted with 19 reclining seats, lowered luggage compartment with a maximum capacity of 2.5 cubic meters and new floor coatings in imitation parquet. To celebrate this partnership, Iveco and the All Blacks created a joint logo representing the stylized grille of a vehicle with, in the middle, the silver fern of the All Blacks, the team symbol. All vehicles are customized with a special black livery, the official color of the team.