Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 372 i Australasian Bus & Coach

“It has been a fantastic team effort by everyone involved.” THE FIRST OF EIGHT new Volgren-bodied Volvo hybrid buses for Latrobe Valley Bus Lines (LVBL) – and the first full service hybrid in Australia - was launched in Moe, Victoria, recently, offering up to a 40 per cent fuel saving and cleaner Euro 6 emissions standards for the local community, it was announced recently. Innovative Gippsland transport company LVBL last year ordered eight of the buses for its Latrobe Valley fleet following a successful trial of a Volvo hybrid bus, it’s reported. The first of the new buses started work on Thursday, 16 August, sent out after an official launch ceremony in Moe. Dandenong-based bus body-building company Volgren is building the new Volvo Euro 6 buses on a hybrid chassis…

AN INCREASING NUMBER of bus and coach applications to have rear-wheel modifications approved has warranted their inclusion in industry feedback on a draft code to allow more Approved Vehicle Examiners (AVEs) to do so, according to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). As announced recently, the NHVR has opened consultation on a new modification code to fit non-standard rear-wheel components on heavy vehicles. NHVR Vehicle Safety and Performance manager Peter Austin said the new code (D3) would allow certification of some common modifications to heavy vehicle rear tyres and rims by Approved Vehicle Examiners (AVEs) rather than requiring approval from the NHVR. Speaking to ABC magazine, Peter Austin, NHVR Vehicle Safety and Performance manager, said: “While most rear-wheel modifications are made to trucks, we are seeing a growing number of…

VOLVO BUS has landed its largest ever order for all-electric buses and the largest in Sweden, with 30 units ordered for the city of Gothenburg, it’s reported recently. The city – Sweden’s second largest, situated on its west coast, with an approximate population of 580,000 in the urban area and about 1 million in the metro area – now, “takes the lead in the transition to electrically propelled urban bus traffic” in that country, it’s stated. The 30 all-electric Volvo buses from GS Buss, subsidiary of Göteborgs Spårvägar, and Public Transport Authority Västtrafik, will run on route 60 in Gothenburg from next European autumn. Västtrafik, the public transport provider in the Västra Götaland region, has high sustainability targets, it’s stated. Carbon dioxide emissions are to be cut by 80 per…

MIXING stylish European i8 coach looks with an ADRwidth-compliant product for local use based on the current successful i6 bodywork, the new i6S looks trim and taut and comes available in high-deck 3900mm height. At an official gala ceremony at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, recently, as the spiritual successor to the venerable i6 coach body that first launched in Australia in 2012, the I6S already had an ‘order intake’ of around 20 units, with six of them landed in Australia. “So far Dysons, Australia Wide Coaches, Sid Fogg’s, Compass Tours, Alston Coaches and Around Town Tours are the first ones to receive the new i6S,” explained Irizar Asia-Pacific general manager, Daniel Castro. “We hope to confirm many more orders after the launch; some remarkable operators are now shifting…

It’s been a big year for the Victorian bussies. A massive year, in fact. Buoyed by their ‘win’ in the tough Metro contracts battle, this year’s Conference was a good time to catch up and chat with a stack of cool people for an off-the-record natter about how things panned out – and what topics at this year’s event would be of interest. The implications and applications of ride-sharing, on-demand buses, and last-mile delivery seemed to be key points of interest, underwritten by that all-encompassing transition to electromobility – how, why, when, where and even more of the how again. With a display area of around 52 exhibitors, the Pullman Grand Ballroom morphed into a half-showroom, half-conference venue for the event. Kicking things off after delegate registration, this year’s official…

Visually, the distinctly shaped nose reminds one of a Transformer. IF childhood memories serve some of us well, a double-decker was the type of bus you saw in English movies and TV shows and a bus often thought of as a tourist mode of transport. Some successful operators run only double-deckers, ferrying tourists around the cities, sites and villages. Their height is definitely a distinct advantage to take in the sights and views. The drive today is the second Wrightbus vehicle in recent times; in the previous interview speaking with Tony Fairweather, managing director of Dandenong-based importer Patico Automotive, we asked who was Wrightbus and why Patico had chosen to add that company’s vehicles to its range of luxury and niche buses. Fairweather explained that Wrightbus is a UK-based family-owned…

WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE, back in the day. Or at least many of us have. Australian heat (think Outback), New Zealand cold (think Alps) – and anywhere totally inverted or in between those temperatures these days. Fluctuating temps and extremes at either end of the range can mar your customer’s bus or coach journey, no matter how short the distance of the trip. In fact, you want it to be so comfortable, in terms of ideal temperature inside, that getting aboard a vehicle or such actually becomes a place of sanctuary for them. You can’t beat nice, chill temps in the middle of a scorching summer, or cuddly warmth on a bus in the middle of a wet and icy windy winter. In this, our 2018 Air-conditioning Guide, we have…

“The Australian bus and coach industry continues its strong form with 108 sales recorded” While not matching last month’s peak of 120, the Australian bus and coach industry continues its strong form with 108 sales recorded, a third consecutive 100-plus month. In fact, figures have not dropped below 90 since February now; touch wood. Volvo again accounted for nearly half the chassis market, falling just short of half a century. Scania followed on 28; another consistent month for the Swede, which nearly matches its year’s best of 30. BCI had a productive month with 12, while Yutong also hit double figures. Volgren also just missed out on 50 reported deliveries but continued its strong local production. By virtue of building their own bodies, BCI and Yutong matched their chassis sales…

Got a cool, crazy or candid picture of busie people doing busie things – or even if they are not busie things, but fun – that you’d like to share on our social page? Then feel free to pop them along to fabian.cotter@bauertrader.com.au…

“Council is seeking the design, build and supply of a pilot vehicle...” BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL - Australia’s largest local government authority, by population at 1.2 million - has commenced its global search for a partner to design, deliver and commission an innovative, world-class public transport fleet of 60 high-capacity Metro vehicles as part of its Brisbane Metro project. The registration link is now live. The Brisbane Metro project represents the next step in public transport for Brisbane, Australia, according to the council. With two Metro routes operating every three minutes during peak periods, it will introduce turn-up-and-go services across Brisbane’s existing busway network, linking the suburbs with the inner city, it’s stated. The Brisbane Metro project represents the next step in public transport for Brisbane, Australia, according to the council.…

“The MAN bus market share in New Zealand reached 95 per cent during Dernaj’s time.” AFTER STARTING his career with MAN Truck and Bus as a diesel technician apprentice, regional sales manager John Dernaj commemorated his 50 years of service with the company recently, with increased NZ market share a highlight, it’s reported. It all started on 15 June, 1967, in Sydney before Dernaj moved across to MAN Truck & Bus assembly as a technical adviser in the assembly and installation of engines into vehicles at Kurri Kurri, near Newcastle, three years later. Dernaj was then promoted to technical manager in 1975 in the research and development team, looking after ADR conversions for MAN Truck & Bus in Sydney. The early ’80s saw him transferred to MAN New Zealand as…

COMFORTDELGRO Corporation Limited (CDC) has – pending regulatory approval – increased its stakes in the lucrative Australian public transport and bus operator sectors with a A$110 million acquisition of FCL Holdings Pty Limited - which runs Forest Coach Lines in Northern Sydney and regional New South Wales, it’s reported. It has also acquired depot land and bus assets totalling A$24.45 million separately as part of an aggressive expansion plan. The A$110 million acquisition of FCL Holdings Pty Limited, which runs Forest Coach Lines - Sydney’s oldest privately run family bus and coach operator, contributes to the group’s second biggest investment in Australia, behind only the 2008 purchase of the Kefford Group for A$149.2 million, it’s stated. The group will also be acquiring two freehold depot sites – the Terrey Hills…

LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR for Bonluck buses – Bus and Coach Sales Australasia (BCSA) – and Optare’s bus distributor – Bus Corp Oceania (BCO) – have announced a mutually beneficial business link to provide national sales and service coverage for each other’s product, it’s reported recently. As part of the arrangement, BCO will become the Bonluck dealer for NSW, Victoria, SA, WA and New Zealand, while BCSA will become the dealer for Optare in Queensland and Northern NSW, handling sales and service for the brand there. BCSA’s directors Rodd Hood and Athol McKinnon say they are enthused by the tie-up with BCO and Optare, as well as BCO becoming the Bonluck dealer across Southern Australia. “Optare is such an exciting and innovative brand with so many clever features, including their lightweight designs,…

YOU SHOULD have seen the look on the fish-market shop assistant’s face. He was incredulous. In front of him stood part owner of Cooma Coaches, Trevor Heise, who had just picked up his new set of wheels: an MAN (that’s pronounced ‘emay-en’ - always) 500hp+ Euro 6c three-axle powerhouse under a very special body: the 1000th unit from premier Australian bus builder Coach Design (CD), parked conspicuously outside. You see, it’s a little bit of a tradition that when Mr Heise ventures through these parts around Ballina, NSW, he stops at a very particular fish market to buy a very particular selection of seafood. About $350 worth of fresh cooked Banana prawns. Not the biggest ones, mind you. The ones sized juuuust under those because, and as it would soon…

WELL, FEW WOULD have picked this one. But, then again, in the Australasian bus world it’s quite fair to say that crazy, unforeseen things can and often do happen. And, truth be told, that’s probably a large part of the beauty of it. With the Dunn Group – of Telfords Bus & Coach fame – buying Custom (nee: Custom Coaches, nee: Custom Bus) from administrator Worrell’s earlier this year, its place as an iconic, historic and ‘much loved by many’ local body builder is pretty much the bus manufacturing industry feel-good story of the year. Or quite possibly of the decade. Too much of a stretch? Perhaps – but it all depends on where you sit. If you are an outside observer just happy to see the brand name still…

Volvo again accounted for nearly half the chassis market, falling just short of half a century. Scania followed on 28; another consistent month for the Swede, which nearly matches its year’s best of 30. BCI had a productive month with 12, while Yutong also hit double figures. % SALES AIR-CONDITIONER BY No surprises in the air-conditioner market as Thermo King was credited by the manufacturers with the most deliveries, albeit its 50 was short on its previous high of 68. Spheros, Yutong and Hispacold all followed, respectively.…

AIRPORT TRANSFER OPERATOR SkyBus has ordered 15 new MAN-chassis, low-floor Optimus buses from Volgren in response to increased growth, the company reports recently. The 12.5m buses will be built on a MAN RC2 chassis and will go into build during October, 2018, with the first buses expected to be delivered by February 2019. The order from SkyBus is in response to “increased growth” and a “commitment to ensure more Victorians have options for getting to and from Melbourne’s airports affordably,” according to SkyBus. SkyBus CEO Adam Begg said: “SkyBus is responding to increased growth and demand by maintaining a modern fleet of buses and adding more routes to suburbs and key regional hubs across Victoria.” “These 15 new Volgren buses will make a significant contribution to our fleet and an…

“We’ve been working toward this for the past 10 years.” A LEADING KIWI BUS OPERATOR, Tranzit Group NZ, has started its highly anticipated electric double-deck bus programme, with delivery of the first 10 of 32 over the next four years underway in Wellington, it’s reported. According to the company, the launch of New Zealand’s first fully electric bus fleet in Wellington is the result of a decade of research and development by Tranzit Group. “It’s a special day for us, Wellington and New Zealand,” said Tranzit Group managing director Paul Snelgrove. “New Zealand now has the chance to see the future of public transport, and it’s a game-changer. In our 90-plus years in service as a bus operator, we saw that bringing this technology to New Zealand was not only…

A FOCUS ON global futuristic public transport and clean energy will hallmark a re-invented Busworld Asia show – seven years after the last one – now rebranded as Busworld China and to be held in Shanghai, March 11-13, 2019, it’s reported. Busworld Kortrijk (Europe) started in 1971 and was held every two years in Belgium. With more than 40 years’ experience, it is the oldest, biggest and most famous bus and coach exhibition, it states. In 2001, Busworld went worldwide and it now has five sister exhibitions: Turkey; India (29-31 August, 2018); Russia; South East Asia; Latin America – and soon China in 2019. Only a few months ago did the latest Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) Electric Vehicle Outlook 2018 state that a massive 84 per cent of all…

“The pressure on diesel is mounting; public opinion has turned.” A LEADING commercial vehicles manufacturer has - in collaboration with energy and petrochemical supplier Shell – confirmed it will only display a full offering of alternative electric, CNG and LNG vehicles at the forthcoming 67th IAA Commercial Vehicles Hannover, 2018, in Germany, this September 20 – 27, it’s reported. Iveco’s stand will feature applications ranging from passenger transport to long-distance haulage, showcasing a ‘low emission area’ focusing on Iveco’s expertise in alternative fuels and drivetrain technologies. As well as its commercial vehicle products, Iveco will partner with Shell, which shares the belief that “de-carbonisation of the transport sector requires a range of fuels and technologies,” it’s claimed. The “forward-looking brand” will hold a round table discussion on ‘The energy transition…

A LOT HAS HAPPENED in five years, in terms of electric vehicle development. Why five years? Why not 10? Or 35, or even more? Indeed, why not? Scientists have dabbled with experiments and advances in battery production and electricity maximisation since Benjamin Franklin first zapped himself via his kite during his famous thunderstorm experiment in 1752. Yet arguably the magnitude of such advances only dawned on mainstream society throughout the years once it proffered a practical and tangible enhancement to the way we lived. Lightbulbs being a doozy of an example, and many are just appreciating now the often largely unappreciated work of Nikola Tesla about 150 years after Benji-boy Franklin. Global environmental concern for the planet and carbon emissions in the modern era has seen the majority of those…

“The company has invested heavily back into itself” ELECTRIC HYBRID air-con units, double-deck units, lightweight units, new gas and fuel-saving technologies are just some of the landmark new trials and advances that Thermo King Bus Australia is working on, says national sales manager Jamie Dunlop. Thermo King Bus Australia was formed in 2013, although Queensland Thermo King (QTK) – the parent company – had the bus-selling master dealership for Australia for a number of years before the rebranding, Thermo King Bus Australia identifies Thermo King as its, “national bus and coach air-conditioning specialist. Thermo King Bus Australia now has a national sales, service and parts presence in Australia with over 40 staff including technicians, sales, parts and administration dedicated to bus air-conditioning,” said Dunlop. The company not only services and…

“... emphasis on the integration and interplay of innovative air-conditioning components” VALEO THERMAL BUS SYSTEMS – which acquired the well-known bus industry brand of Spheros – has a long tradition of heating, venting and air-conditioning (HVAC) prowess. As a leading developer and manufacturer of heating and air-conditioning systems, roof hatches and intelligent control systems, Valeo is partner to the international bus industry. Global expert teams develop and manufacture advanced technology in order to actively shape the future of sustainable mobility, the company states. The demands placed on HVAC systems are more complex and differentiated than ever, and present a new challenge to manufacturers. Rather than limiting itself to the development of individual components, Valeo place “emphasis on the integration and interplay of innovative air-conditioning components, including newly developed control software,…