Australasian Bus & Coach 396 August 2020

ABC

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

SOCIAL DISTANCING SE QLD BUS INCREASE NZ GO BUS SALE COMPLETES BUS SAFETY EARNS FUNDING SHARE ISSUE 396 August 2020 $5.95 inc GST

SYNERGY

Volgren’s Marcopolo connection still super-strong driven: bci mercedes-benz cruiser operator: red bus, nsw deliveries: dip

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e Bus solutions that increase your up-time and need less depot space.

Toshiba International Corporation Pty Ltd www.tic.toshiba.com.au/e-mobility Email: emobility-info@tic.toshiba.com.au 11A Gibbon Road Winston Hills NSW 2153 Australia Telephone: +612 8867 6200

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e Efficient e Bus fleet planning

Lower cost power connections

More asset uptime

Techno-economic modelling

Toshiba... improving transport electrification since 1875

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contents ISSUE 396 AUGUST 2020

08 in the know 6. editorial | ignition Border closures, lockdowns and conspiracy theories – not just shock terms any more. Now they’re ‘everday real’.

8. news | the front line We’ve gathered up all the key, hardhitting Australasian and international bus and coach news for you, to keep you in the loop.

20. column | BIC Our industry is part of Australia’s economic recovery story, says Michael Apps.

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In focus 26. In focus | bus 80

BRISBANE HERITAGE ‘BUS 80’ LANDS AT MUSEUM

Following its long-awaited refurbishment, iconic heritage ‘Bus 80’ is now on display undercover for the first time in its 72-year life, project organisers have announced.

28. In focus | custom expands

CUSTOM BUS PREMISES EXPANDS A new facility offering increased floorspace for key upgraded busmaking machinery at its western Sydney premises is allowing Custom Bus Group to better accommodate production demand for its latest bus models. We take a look.

30. coverstory | volgrenmarcopolo

LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP Nearly 10 years since Marcopolo purchased local bus-body

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EDITORIAL

Managing Editor: Fabian Cotter ph: 0451 194 600 e-mail: fcotter@bauer-media.com.au Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge Contributors: Michael Apps, Anjali Behl

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT:

PRODUCTION Senior Designer: Bea Barthelson Sub-Editor: Cat Fitzpatrick

Facebook – facebook.com/ABCBusnews YouTube – bit.ly/busandcoachtv Twitter – twitter.com/ABCmag

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MARKETING & EVENTS Marketing Manager: Andrew Amato ph: 03 9567 4145 e-mail: aamato@bauer-media.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS

58 manufacturing icon Volgren, the anniversary shines light on the massive global bus innovator truly making its mark in Australia. Fabian Cotter writes.

36. operator | red bus services

STAYING THE COURSE Even though operations have been largely affected by Covid-19, NSW company Red Bus Services remains optimistic for the future growth of the business, albeit in a new way.

Anjali Behl dropped them a line.

58. driven | bci-mb cruiser

EASY RIDER In business, an enduring collaboration usually proves two things: the relationship is strong and there is trust in the product or service. BCI built its first Mercedes-Benz-based coach almost a decade ago and this MB OC 500RF chassis Cruiser is the latest member to the BCI family. Paul Aldridge took it for a drive.

There’s a lot of work to get it right and we are really proud of what we’ve come up with.

Departments 45. bus marketplace | classifieds

FOR SALE! There’s hundreds of great vehicles and services listed here from some of the leading bus and coach companies on the planet. Have a look around and see what you might find in there!

54. factory facts | bus deliveries

MONTHLY RESULTS Here is the latest bus and coach supplier sales data collected and recorded for you to sink your teeth into. Check it out!

www.magshop.com.au e-mail: tbm@magshop.com.au ph: 1300 461 528 between 8am – 6pm (EST) Mon – Fri mail: Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW, 2001 Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $89* NZ: $A100.05 Overseas: $A122.50 (Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST

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ISSN 1324-8634 Member: Circulations Audit Board

Circulation 3,502

CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD

(CAB Audit, September 2019)

Largest circulating bus and coach magazine in Australasia CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD

DISTRIBUTION Distribution within Australia and New Zealand and beyond by paid subscription to the owners and managers of: • route buses • government bus operations • school buses • extended and day tour operations • express coaches • country and charter operations • bus and coach manufacturers • equipment suppliers • tourism attractions • railways management Notice: All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us.

Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holder.

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IGNITION

FABIAN COTTER

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid!

Is this short-term pain now with long-term gain ahead? Given new bus product, tech and players soon to hit our shores, for the bus world it is.

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wo hundred metres, easy. I saw this chap pottering towards me at night while I was out jogging, recently. Well, that’s a lie – it was more a slow walkie-shuffle thing from me, but I was out of breath and near heart-attack stage I think, so that’s got to count for some kind of health kick, I reckon, right?

Anyway, as we shuffled closer towards each other from respective uphills to ‘down the hills’, I noticed something unusual about this ‘medium collar’ office-type fellow as he approached in the distance: he was wearing a white mask.

To be clear, when I say unusual I mean pre-virus-topsy-turvy times. Now, of course, without a mask in some places it’s considered a crime against humanity, so with many of us ‘following the bouncing ball across the bottom of the TV screen’ just to help ease things up a bit even if we are unsure of their effectiveness and such, masks are a common sight.

But at 10.00pm in the leafy-green ‘burbs with absolutely no-one else but us two that happened to be on the same street, I still found it weird.

Closer and closer still, our paths would eventually pass. Like two ocean liners silently passing in the starry night, it was a close call but at least twice the advocated 1.5 metres social distancing we are told.

What got me was this: from that distance, time of night and stillness of breeze (and no, I didn’t get my Inspector Gadget pocket wind chimes out to tell), this guy could have easily run faster than the virus can waft around I’d have thought or – and get this – just crossed the road to totally avoid me. Simple, really.

That is, if you see me coming well in advance, even with like 25 metres to go, just cross the road, so why the mask in such a situation?

Other close-contact situations in shops or whatever, different deal and I’m sure everyone has their take on that, but when there’s ‘mega social distance’ and just two people outdoors on a still night, I just found it weird.

Ultimately, as he passed – a late-30s chap with briefcase in hand and semi-casual corporate clothes on – I got

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to see his face, or at least the top part.

The worried furrowed brow and the stressed-out eyes just said one thing: fear!

Hmmm… With all that’s going on and the media focus doggedly being on those who don’t wear masks, I’m hoping there’s equal attention shone on those who do yet whose mental states are disturbingly impacted in such a way that mere common-sense is almost heresy. Because it’s common-sense that always will be needed from all sides and interpretations of this pandemic.

NEWS JUST OUT At the time of print, some key bus developments have occurred. Firstly, as part of the Western Australia government’s statement this week endorsing hydrogen use, mining giant Fortescue has announced new player Hyzon will be supplying its coach transport needs with hydrogen fuel-cell buses instead of diesel-powered ones. Early days for the tech, but a big move nonetheless.

Secondly, Bustech has announced a partnership with North American electric bus giant Proterra to collaboratively make e-buses for the local Australian market.

We’ll have more about these next issue.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Inside this issue, ABC magazine No. 396 we take a good look in our coverstory at the now even deeper connection between iconic Aussie bus builder Volgren and its modern-day parent company Marcopolo, as the pairs nears its 10-year anniversary together.

Much thanks to all involved to make it happen and these things are all the more difficult to arrange and sort out when it’s a global mix of emails and different time zones, etc.

The companies share so much in common in terms of quality and innovative bus design and construction, yet are different enough at times to learn from – and benefit from – each other. We hope you enjoy that one.

In terms of operator profiling – and although it took a while to get out and massive apologies for it – we visit Red Bus Services on the NSW Central Coast to talk generations of bus family business and how this insanely weird pandemic situation has affected the Red Bus team of late.

Getting behind the wheel finally of the new BCI-Merc ‘Cruiser’ coach - which we first featured on our cover in November, 2019 – Paul Aldridge takes one for a spin down in lovely Melbourne to let us know how she handles on the road and how it feels in the hot seat. Another one we snuck in just before the first lockdown, so please don’t freak out about no masks and social distancing and whatnot. Muchos gracias…

From what we learned, the collaborative effort between BCI and Mercedes-Benz hasn’t just produced one great-looking Euro-style coach, but one that’s a real pleasure to drive, too.

And in our In Focus sections it’s good see the beautifully refurbished Bus 80 finally on display in Gatton in Queensland – at least until a new Brisbane-based home is finalised for her to be publically viewed – plus we update you on some new equipment, new product and expansion at Custom Denning’s Sydney premises.

And finally it’s great news hearing that a BusNSW safety initiative is sharing in some federal government funding, while there’ll be more buses on the road in South-east Queensland thanks to social distancing, plus Kinetic’s acquisition of NZ’s Go Bus is finally complete.

That’s pretty much it for the month, dear party people, as 2020 rolls on opening up multiple Pandora’s Boxes at once it seems and dealing out all sorts of juju from its unforseen bag of tricks.

Bring back the ‘old world’, I say – or at least never ever forget it and ensure you tell your kids and their kids about it. If they know ‘what it was’ then they’ll ‘know where to look’. Or something like that, anyway. ;) Until the next thrilling instalment…

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The future of zeroemission transport The E12 Full Electric Zero Emission Yutong is the world’s largest bus manufacturer – combining technology, design and reliability to deliver consistent quality and longevity in mind – to provide a transport experience you can trust.

The face of future public transport is the E12 Fully Electric Urban Bus – 100% compliant with the strictest of zero-emission standards to deliver a smooth, safe ride between every stop. The ultra-low floor design and fold-out wheelchair ramp ensures easy access for all passengers while built-in Yutong technologies protect against water, fire and shock hazards.

The future – coming to a street near you.

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drive comfort at every turn. Each vehicle is built with safety and

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NEWS

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ROAD SAFETY PROJECT FUNDING A BUSNSW project to improve road safety has been selected as one of 26 initiatives aimed at saving lives and reducing road trauma to share in AUD$5.9 million under Round 5 of the Australian government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), it’s been announced.

BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld says it was very pleasing to have a project selected as part of this important programme aimed at delivering safety benefits to the heavy vehicle industry, other road users and the community.

“The funding and support administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator provides a great opportunity for the bus and coach industry to promote road safety, particularly in regard to heavy vehicles,” Threlkeld said.

“One of the most common hazards in the bus and coach industry arises from on-road safety risks that result from a bus breakdown,” he explained.

“While breakdowns can occur in all motor vehicles, the hazards associated with bus breakdowns – where the vehicle is usually carrying public passengers and often schoolchildren – can be significant,” he added.

“The aim of the project is to address risks by producing practical guidance material for all parties in the supply chain

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associated with bus breakdowns, specifically bus drivers, operators, maintenance staff, emergency assistance providers and replacement bus drivers.

“While BusNSW will be the lead agency responsible for developing the guidance material, the project will provide regional, cross-jurisdictional and national safety benefits for the industry,” Threlkeld confirmed.

“The guidelines will be developed in close consultation with the Bus Industry Confederation and other state associations, who are members of the Bus Australia Network.

“They will be available to all members, which means they will assist approximately 3,500 bus operators and over 50,000 bus drivers throughout Australia,” he said.

A a B f a u t

“It is absolutely vital we continue to invest in critical initiatives that improve road safety.”

Above: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack.

Opposite, Below: McCormack says innovative projects delivering safety benefits to the heavy vehicle industry and other road users would be funded.

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campaigns and much-needed training and development,” he said.

“This includes funding for the recently launched Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds foundation to ramp up their work to improve the mental health of people in the heavy vehicle sector nationwide, from drivers right through to warehouse and distribution centre staff.

“Some of the technology-focused projects include testing

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FUNDING BOOST Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack says innovative projects delivering safety benefits to the heavy vehicle industry and other road users would be funded.

“Projects being funded this round target key areas such as developing or testing innovative new technologies, mental health support for drivers, educational

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next-generation base tyres and trialling new mobile cameras under the National Safety Camera Network initiative to allow real-time monitoring for critical safety concerns like load limit compliance and driver fatigue.

“Funding will also go to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Transafe WA to deliver targeted educational campaigns, which keep safety front of mind for road users while addressing key issues like how to share the road safely with heavy vehicles.

“The Australian government takes road safety seriously because no family should have to endure the utter devastation road crashes cause.

“That is why it is absolutely vital we continue to invest in critical initiatives that improve road safety to save lives and reduce road trauma, including across our heavy vehicle sector.”

SAFE SYSTEM PRINCIPLES Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz says this latest round of funding built on the $17.3 million already provided for 62 grants under the HVSI programme over the past four years.

“We’ve seen some great projects across the country deliver transformative results thanks to HVSI funding and I am proud to see this game-changing program continue,” Buchholz said.

“Finding innovative ways to make safety front of mind for road users is key to supporting the Safe System principles – a holistic approach to road safety that underpins the National Road Safety Strategy agreed by all governments.”

MORE QLD BUSES TO HELP SOCIAL DISTANCING UNDER THE AUSPICES of a Queensland State Government Covid ‘travel plan’, more peak-hour buses and trains will be rolled out next month to support social distancing on south-east Queensland public transport, it’s been announced The latest phase of the Palaszczuk government’s Covid-19 Safe Public Transport Plan has put an extra 960 buses and 105 trains into service between Monday and Friday, from August 10, 2020.

Hand sanitiser is also being provided to commuters at busy train and bus stations under the plan, the government confirms.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says public transport patronage was down about 50 per cent compared to the same time last year, but numbers were expected to climb as university classes resumed and CBD offices re-opened.

“Public transport is safe in Queensland,” Bailey said.

“We have no community transmission here and active cases are in single digits, so our buses, trains, trams and ferries are safe.

“But now is not the time to become complacent.

“We expect more people to return to public transport over the next few weeks.

“We don’t expect those numbers to immediately climb back to where they were before Covid-19 arrived, but we still want to spread passengers out as much as we can, and these extra services will help do that.

“This boost to morning and afternoon

peak services will add almost 58,000 extra seats on buses and trains.

“The plan is to roll out the extra buses until the end of the school year and then assess patronage levels.

“If the demand is there, we will consider if these bus services should become permanent for the longer term.

“The good news for train commuters is the 21 weekly services we’re adding will become permanent additions to the timetable across seven lines,” he explained.

GREATER PEACE OF MIND Bailey says the latest phase of the Covid-19 Safe Public Transport Plan aims to give commuters more options and greater peace of mind on public transport.

“A few weeks ago, we started the Reboot Your Commute campaign to encourage people to start thinking differently about how, when and where they work,” he said.

“Even with people making changes to their daily commute, we’re still seeing about 330,000 daily passenger trips on the network, as of last week.

“That’s why we’re adding more bus and train services to extend peak commuting times, which will allow us to spread passenger loads out across the mornings and afternoons.”

Temporary hand sanitiser stations located at entry and exit points was being progressively rolled out at busy bus stops and all 152 train stations in south east Queensland from August 10, the government confirms.

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NEWS

FIRST MASS USE OF NEW E-BUS CHARGING TECH FOLLOWING Japanese technology giant Hitachi’s acquisition of European vehicle-charging specialist ABB on July 1, a newly formed company called Hitachi ABB Power Grids looks set to have Brisbane feature its latest “game-changing” Grid-eMotion Fleet EV charging system for first mass use anywhere, the company confirms.

Designed for large scale e-Mobility, Grid-eMotion Fleet is a full ‘grid-to-plug’ solution for large-scale public transport and commercial fleets, enabling operators to ‘charge more with less’, Hitachi ABB states.

As first reported by www.busnews. com.au two years ago, Brisbane City Council’s Registration of Interest announcement for the new Brisbane Metro bus project was always intended to attract some of the most advanced technology and designs to form its envisaged next-gen bus transport system.

With confirmation in late November 2019, it was spearheaded by a Hess-Volgren-ABB winning bid, and an eventually successful 18 months of ABB and Hitachi JV negotiations sees the latter now with an 80.1 per cent investment in ABB’s Power Grids business.

Under the leadership of Claudio Facchin as CEO and Toshikazu Nishino as executive vice president and chairman, Hitachi ABB Power Grids will expand Hitachi’s energy solutions business globally as a core part of the company’s Social 10

Innovation Business, it states.

As a step-change approach for public transport and commercial operators, Grid-eMotion Fleet ‘smart mobility’ solution enables operators to efficiently scale up their operations and is expected to contribute to sustainable society for millions living in urban areas, the company explains.

HOW IT WORKS This compact design clusters the entire e-mesh PowerStore charging system in one location, which eases maintenance and saves space at parking slots, Hitachi ABB describes.

It requires a significantly shorter installation period compared to traditional installations, it adds. In addition, the thermally insulated enclosures are modular and

Above and Below: This compact design clusters the entire e-mesh PowerStore charging system in one location, which eases maintenance and saves space at parking slots, Hitachi ABB describes.

therefore available in a range of ratings, capacities and layouts to comply with bespoke customer requirements and industry standards, it says.

As Hitachi ABB explains, the solution comes in standard containers that integrate the grid connection and charging systems all together.

Grid-eMotion Fleet uses DC technology and can connect to any type of power network, removing the complexities of integrating AC-DC chargers into a system, it says. Compared to a conventional connection to the AC grid, the pioneering solution brings a 60 per cent reduction in space required for large-scale EV fleet charging, whilst the depot cabling is reduced by 40 per cent, it confirms. The fast-to-install solution harnesses renewable energy through grid integration, smart mobility, digital energy management system and incorporates insights from data analytics, it states.

Grid-eMotion Fleet leverages Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ smart energy management solution e-mesh EMS to manage and enhance the complete charging infrastructure, calculate bus energy consumption and devise, plan and deliver effective services for passengers, it explains.

Digital analysis monitors the battery life data, route data, traffic simulation and depot control to ensure that efficient power use, energy storage and overnight charging is optimised, it adds.

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KINETIC COMPLETES NZ GO BUS ACQUISITION FOLLOWING customary consents and regulatory approvals, the transaction of New Zealand’s “largest and most dynamic bus operator” Go Bus into the Kinetic mass-transit fold has completed, the company has announced.

In a move that is said to make Kinetic the “region’s largest e-bus operator”, the Australasian public transport entity is signalling an exciting year ahead for bus transit in the region as proactive governments and transport authorities alike embrace innovative new ways to move people, it states.

The Melbourne-headquartered company recently welcomed Go Bus to its growing mass transit platform, which includes world-leading airport transit business SkyBus, urban and regional bus operations Surfside and Sunbus, and Sydney-based

bus and coach company Telfords.

With key government contracts to operate urban bus services in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch, and as the largest provider of school bus services in New Zealand, along with a luxury coach brand (Johnston’s), Go Bus bolsters Kinetic’s credentials as Australasia’s only dedicated mass transit bus operator across airport, urban, school and charter bus services, it explains.

With an owned-fleet of 2,800 buses, 49 depots and 4,000 people across its Australia and New Zealand operations, co-CEO Michael Sewards says Kinetic is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in bus mass transit across the region.

“We operate in every aspect of bus transport across major cities and regional communities and over 42 years we have worked with a diversity of government and private

partners to evolve our services to meet customer travel needs and government policy objectives,” Sewards said.

“We invest heavily in passenger experience with cross-application learning and research behind everything we do from the design of our vehicles to the regularity of services – and we challenge all stakeholders with an interest in the future of bus mass transit to increase their expectation of what bus operators should deliver in this area.”

Below: Under the Go Bus brand, Kinetic will operate a new fleet of electric buses for Auckland Transport.

Building Australian buses since 1991 Celebrating our 30th Anniversary, BCI offer operators an extensive range of vehicles, including the new designed Citirider urban bus, our Classmaster & Cruiser school buses, the innovative Zero Emissions low floor and a stock of Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz chassis with the BCI multi-purposed Body.

www.bcibus.com.au

Sales Enquiries: 1300 289 224

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NEWS

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SAFETY FOCUS FOR DAIMLER EUROPE A RECENT LIFTING of a driving ban for German bus companies during the coronavirus pandemic has emboldened Daimler’s push for enhanced driver and passenger safety – with a “high level of fresh air” and “space-enhancing seating variants” - more so now firmly in focus, the company has announced.

According to Daimler Buses, with the market for bus travel reviving again in some segments, it is ‘guaranteeing’ travel on a Mercedes-Benz or Setra bus will afford “the highest possible level of safety with excellent comfort”.

Head of Daimler Buses Till Oberwörder says he strives to keep things that way.

“The safety of passengers and drivers in our touring coaches is top priority for us.

That is why we are offering our customers numerous retrofit solutions to protect against infection for our Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses,” Oberwörder explained.

“By continuously further developing our vehicles with regard to safety and climate comfort, we are doing everything to ensure that passengers and drivers always arrive safely at their destination and in the best of health.”

FRESHER AIR PUSH In a Mercedes-Benz or Setra touring coach, fully automatic integral air conditioning or fully-functional roof-mounted air conditioning provide for an evenly distributed temperature – from the first to the last row of seats, Daimler states.

The vehicles have powerful climate control systems with high airflow, which develop their maximum efficiency when the doors and windows are closed, it says. Depending on the air conditioning system, a complete change of air under 12

a minute is possible, it claims.

Depending on the type of bus, the external temperature and the type of air conditioning, a 100 per cent level of fresh air in the passenger compartment is possible, it confirms.

For vehicles with passive ventilation elements, such as hinged windows and roof hatches, ventilation is via manual operation of these components, it adds.

Longer opening times of doors on regular-service buses at bus stops, for example, can also have a positive effect on the exchange of fresh air, it states.

touring coaches is “picking up pace”, it says.

Further measures include the optimisation of air conditioning filters and the definition of measures ensuring optimum ventilation of the vehicle when it is stationary.

The company’s engineers are working at full speed to increase the level of fresh air even further, and further reduce the concentration of critical air components in buses, which in future can also be equipped with sanitiser dispensers, Daimler outlines.

FILTER REPLACEMENT

GAME OF THRONES

Setra ComfortClass and Mercedes-Benz Tourismo buses are available with roof-mounted air conditioning. The low-maintenance and low-consumption systems are equipped with a high-performance condenser blower and enlarged air filters, which help remove dust and should be replaced every six months, Daimler advises.

With the three output categories – 32kW, 35kW and 39kW – the coaches provide the right climate control for every area of operation and each vehicle length, the company explains.

Besides its usual extensive passive and active safety features – such as active brake assist 4 (ABA 4), the new sideguard assist (SGA), autonomous intelligent cruise control (AICC), the driver-focussed attention assist (AtAs) and front collision guard (FCG) – the coaches include seats with comfortable seat backs and sprung seat cushions, low-vibration armrests, and individually adjustable luxury head restraints together with intuitive operation (with integrated seat belts and a defined impact zone).

BUS TRAVEL IDEAL ADDITIONAL MEASURES In order to give passengers and drivers even better protection in the further course of the Covid-19 pandemic, Daimler Buses offers retrofit solutions for driver protection screens made of glass and polycarbonate plastic, it says.

They are already available for the Mercedes-Benz Citaro and for the Setra LE business low-entry inter-city bus.

Preparation work for their installation in

Citing the Association of German Bus Operators (bdo), it explains that: “… travelling by bus is not only comfortable, but also a safe and clean travel option.

This is confirmed by studies from the TÜV testing organisation, as well as in figures from the German Federal Statistics Office.”

“TÜV continues to confirm this year after year: in Germany, coaches and buses are the safest means of transport,” says a declaration by the bdo, Daimler points out.

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IN CONTINUING to focus and adapt to the ‘changing nature’ of the Australian Bus and Coach industry, Volvo Bus Australia has made a slew of internal staff and role changes, the organisation has announced recently.

With previous roles at Volvo Bus that included regional service manager, regional sales manager and, most recently, working in the major accounts team previously headed by Robyn Thomson, Tony Lowrey is now senior manager, major accounts, effective July 1, 2020.

With a primary focus on major accounts in New South Wales and Victoria, Lowrey will be responsible for the management of large operators – both government and private, Volvo confirms.

Effective September 1, Christina Cortese will assume the role of senior manager, major accounts, with a primary focus on Western Australia, South Australia, the ACT and Queensland.

Cortese will be responsible for the management of large governmental and private operators and will also assume the

market responsibility for New Zealand, working alongside Volvo Bus distributor MTD. Meanwhile, having worked in the UD Trucks & Volvo real estate business control teams since April 2019, Svetlana Guerin is now in the Volvo Buses’ business control and finance team, while Ali Alali is now regional service manager, NSW (Metro).

Alali has spent the past two years as RSM for Queensland and Northern Territory, Volvo explains.

Australian bus industry stalwart David Woodward will resume his role as national competency manager full time, with a focus on NSW face-to-face training, and performing training remotely using Volvo Buses new ‘Go To Training Portal’, Volvo says.

Whilst Woodward officially commenced the newly created role on 1 March, the original training calendar was disrupted due to Covid-19, and Woodward has instead focused his time on the continued support of the Metro Sydney customers, the company explains.

Above: Tony Lowrey is now senior manager, major accounts.

Finally, Volvo Bus Australia welcomed Kevin Benat to its team on August 1 as regional service manager, Queensland and Northern Territory.

With 14 years of mechanic experience in the heavy commercial vehicle trade and working in international markets, Benat has gained extensive industry experience and developed vital relationships with key stakeholders, Volvo states.

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VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA SEES STAFF CHANGES

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NEWS

BUSTECH APPOINTS AXALTA AS KEY SUPPLIER AUSTRALIAN body builder Bustech, now part of Australian Bus Corporation, has announced a strategic partnership with leading paint and coatings supplier Axalta.

This strategic partnership with Bustech – supplier of government bus and public transport private sector passenger vehicles – involves more than just the delivery of paint, Axalta states. The companies will work closely together to develop an innovative product portfolio and paint processes to ensure exceptional quality and timely delivery, it says.

“As a market leader in Australia, Axalta fits well with the requirements of Bustech, to be a partner that is tuned into delivering quality products and solutions to meet customer requirements,” said

Steven Brett, managing director, Axalta Australia and New Zealand.

“With more than 150 years of expertise in the paint and coatings industry, we can leverage our global experience to deliver local solutions to the Bustech team and its customers in Australia.”

Bustech, based at Burleigh Heads on Queensland’s Gold Coast, is Australia’s largest privately-owned bus manufacturer, it states.

Designing, engineering and manufacturing chassis and bodies for mass passenger vehicles, 95 per cent of all parts and components are sourced from local Australian suppliers, it explains.

Bustech is owned by the Australian Bus Corporation, which also owns Precision Buses based in Edinburgh Parks, South Australia.

Through this partnership Axalta

will also work with Precision Buses in its Adelaide facility replicating the model it has with Bustech, the company explains.

“Axalta’s experience in the commercial vehicle industry gives us great confidence that they will be able to provide the necessary products and support as we continue to build on the strong platform we have, positioning ourselves for future product development with our strategic partners,” said Bustech CEO Thinus Steyn.

Above: Through this partnership Axalta will also work with Precision Buses in its Adelaide facility replicating the model it has with Bustech, the company explains.

Workhorse Collision Repairs and Fleet Maintenance 02 8882-4700 workhorsetrucks.com.au

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NEWS

CNH INDUSTRIAL AND FIAT-CHRYSLER FACE DIESEL-EMISSIONS PROBE The diesel emissions scandal that plagued Volkswagen (VW) for much of the last decade looks like causing a world of pain for Iveco parent CNH Industrial (CNHI), along with Fiat-Chrysler Automobile (FCA), according to European and local media reports.

Alleged use of ‘defeat devices’ on Iveco, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep engines is the focus of raids in three European countries.

Reports from Germany put Fiat and Iveco commercial vehicle engines in the same ‘Dieselgate’ spotlight.

“CNH Industrial confirms that a number of the Group’s offices in Europe have been visited by investigators in the context of a request for assistance by magistrates in Germany,” the global firm said in a statement.

“The company immediately made itself available to the officials, providing its full cooperation.

“CNH Industrial is examining the relevant documentation in order to properly address any requests that the magistrates may have.”

Five years ago, when VW was the focus of legal action over its diesel defeat program, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) led the domestic regulatory reaction.

“This enforcement investigation 16

is a priority for the ACCC,” chairman Rod Sims said at the time.

“We are very concerned about the potential consumer and competition detriment from this alleged conduct.

“Using defeat devices is specifically prohibited under the Australian Design Rules, which are picked up as Australian Consumer Law (ACL) mandatory safety standards.”

RAIDING FOR EVIDENCE An ACCC spokesperson told ABC’s sister magazine ATN that it “cannot comment on any potential investigations”.

Without naming the two vehicle giants controlled ultimately by the Agnelli family, the European

Pictured: The raids seek to gather evidence on ‘defeat devices’ used to cheat diesel emissions testing, the marketing of vehicles and individual responsibility to the alleged actions.

Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) says investigators from Germany, Italy and Switzerland are searching three commercial properties, “...of a company located in Baden-Württemberg and Hesse in Germany, as well as in three locations in Italy’s Piedmont region and one location in the Swiss canton of Thurgau”.

The raids seek to gather evidence on ‘defeat devices’ used to cheat diesel emissions testing, the marketing of vehicles and individual responsibility to the alleged actions.

In addition, “UK authorities have ordered two companies in London to produce relevant documents”.

“Judicial authorities in Germany are conducting an in-depth fraud investigation on the use of more than 200,000 diesel ‘defeat devices’ in cars produced by an international automotive group and international commercial vehicle manufacturer, as well as their subsidiaries,” Eurojust states.

“The investigation is focused on the suspicion that diesel engines installed in several car models sold by the company would be equipped with an illegal defeat device.”

The organisation explains that whereas the vehicles meet the emissions standards under test conditions, the defeat device allegedly effectively shuts down the emissions control system in real drive conditions.

“Such defeat devices are illegal according to the European Union regulations in place,” it says.

“Vehicles with defeat devices are not approved for road usage in the EU and consumers with such devices installed in their cars face possible driving bans. In Germany, more than 200,000 vehicles are subject to the investigation, including larger vehicles, such as camper vans.

“The Prosecutor Office of Turin, Italy, is also investigating the crime of fraud in the framework of a parallel proceeding linked to the same case.”

ABC magazine has contacted Iveco Australia for comment as to whether bus engines are included.

ABC August 2020 busnews.com.au

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THE ENGINE OIL THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU Our customers depend on Shell Rimula to protect their bus and coach fleets in the harsh Australian conditions. From long distance coaches traveling through the centre of Australia, to stop/start driving of city buses, you can trust Shell Rimula.

Shell Rimula oils are formulated to safeguard engines against wear and acid corrosion, which can be harmful to engine and oil life.

Coupled with a comprehensive range to transmission, gearbox, hydraulic and differential oils as well as greases and coolants, our range of lubricants cover just about every application to keep your buses and coaches working as hard as you do.

To find out more about Shell Rimula and other quality lubricants call our technical team on 1300 134 205 or visit Shell.com.au/Rimula

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NEWS

THE WOT!?!

MORE MANAGEMENT CHANGES AT DAIMLER THE NEW HEAD of production Daimler Buses – and managing director production of EvoBus GmbH – is Michael Klein, as of August 1, the company has announced.

Previously head of customer services & parts (CSP) Daimler Buses, 56-year-old Klein replaces Dr. Marcus Nicolai, who decided to leave the company after 23 years of service, Daimler confirms.

With this development, the management of the CSP business Daimler Buses will be taken over

by Bernd Mack, who was previously head of international key account management and used vehicles in sales at Daimler Buses, it explains.

SOLID PATH “With Michael Klein a highly competent manager with a strategic mindset is taking over the lead of the global production activities of Daimler Buses,” said Till Oberwörder, head of Daimler Buses.

“In recent years he has managed the CSP business with absolute success, and in so doing made an important contribution to the business performance of Daimler Buses.

“His success is largely due to his entrepreneurial mindset and leadership culture,” Oberwörder added.

In further changes, after 35 years of service with Daimler, stalwart Ulrich Bastert will retire on September 30, 2020, to be replaced by Mirko Sgodda as the new head of marketing, sales and customer services at Daimler Buses on October 1, the company confirms.

Sgodda, 46 years old – and currently head of compliance trucks & buses – 18

began his Daimler career in 2002 and has worked in various sales functions across all Group brands since then.

Among many initiatives, he developed sales network strategies and successfully implemented commercial vehicle-specific product and service portfolios, Daimler says. From 2010 to 2013, Sgodda was responsible for sales network development at Daimler Central & Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia (DCAA) and was responsible for the market management of all group brands in more than 120 markets, it explains.

In 2013 he took over the ‘Business Development’ area at Mercedes-Benz Retail in Berlin as a member of the executive board. He has been the responsible compliance officer for the Daimler Trucks & Buses business units in the integrity & legal division in Stuttgart since 2017, the company states.

STAY IN YOUR LANE There’s not looking before crossing the road, but this takes a whole new level of biscuit. New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) displayed that city’s famous blunt attitude recently after a wedding party blocked traffic in Midtown to take photos. “ARE YOU A BUS?” it bellowed at them on Twitter after a TikTok of the road-hogging group surfaced online.

Answers on a postcard if you will.

LIGHTBULB MOMENT Just next door in New Jersey, NJ Transit has begun testing the use of ultraviolet-c (UVC) to disinfect its bus fleet from viruses such as Covid-19. Working with Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, the study will include electronically mapping the interior of different bus models to determine the best placement for the UVC source. It points out that passengers themselves will not be irradiated, in case bus drivers were getting any ideas.

Below: Michael Klein has taken on the roles of head of production Daimler Buses and managing director production of EvoBus GmbH.

POLES APART Hot on the heels of Dutch city Utrecht’s beefriendly bus stops, Polish capital Warsaw’s first environmentally friendly bus stop is now up and running, sporting a fetching sedum roof and anti-bird-crash glass. This is the first of 21 green stops that will be built by the end of the year.

With the claim that the lawn roof could lower temperatures inside the bus stop, maybe we should stick sedum on everything? Might need to be 10m deep, mind you, over here…

ABC August 2020 busnews.com.au

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BIC

MICHAEL APPS

A great opportunity Our industry is part of Australia’s economic recovery story.

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Michael Apps BIC executive director PO Box 6171, Kingston ACT 2604 p: 02 6247 5990 f: 02 6273 1035 e: admin@bic.asn.au

have no desire to add to the social or political commentary currently circulating the ‘epicentres’ of Covid-19 across the globe (and most recently on our own home turf). I will, however, make an obvious observation. Despite what has gone before, the Victorian government has pivoted and is trying (some may argue not efficiently) to get the state back to health. As I write this column, Victoria is barely into its first 24-hours of an expected six-week ‘lockdown’. We all need to acknowledge that times are especially tough for our colleagues and associates in Victoria and be ready to support our bus and coach friends now and after they emerge from their current predicament.

I think it is important to recognise that this pandemic came close to shutting down the entire ‘moving people’ task across Australia. Within a matter of days of the pandemic being declared on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organisation, BIC was aware of a number of businesses already making decisions to completely close or suspend business.

By March 23, Australia was in Stage 1 of its emergency response (social gathering restrictions) and, two days later, closed its international borders. In the past few months we have had so many state-border closures, opens and re-closures that one cannot help but muse how we ever managed to get along, for long enough, to federate our states.

It is my observation over these past few months that industry has proven its resilience, its capacity to bare the burden and its ability to be flexible and provide

“The bureaucratic process can be slow, but I am confident that we are well placed to negotiate some good stuff for us ‘busies’.”

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clever and sensible solutions. The ‘federation’ of our own bus associations – the Bus Australia Network – is a fine example of what can happen when we all pull together, share our knowledge-base and resources to find the solutions.

Working with governments and regulators is at times challenging, but the Bus Australia Network has set a fast pace to provide information to governments to help them landscape a transport position as part of their emergency response plans and to ensure the industry is on the economic-recovery agenda.

In recent weeks, the BIC has been on the phone, digital face-timing and putting the pen to paper to garner federal, state and local government support for industry in their economic recovery plans. There are three significant areas that we have advocated to governments: 1) bus infrastructure projects from shovel-ready to major works; 2) tourism restart to encourage Australians to travel across the continent, not over it; and 3) diversification and innovative technology in our manufacturing and supply sector.

The response that we have had from all levels of government across a range of jurisdictions has been extremely supportive of our ideas. A number of politicians and bureaucrats are enthusiastic to hold discussions on how we might progress these initial ‘economic boosters’ into action. The bureaucratic process can be slow, but I am confident that we are well placed to negotiate some good stuff for us ‘busies’.

The most recent announcement (July 22) from the Morrison government to form the National Covid-19 Commission Advisory Board (formerly the Coordination Commission) has been charged with looking at business initiatives to support a “supply-side” economic approach to Covid-19 recovery. I think the main game is to create jobs – and lots of them – and in order to do this the Morrison government will be looking at opportunities for relaxing tax on business (make it less costly to run a business) and to ‘de-regulate’ the regulated (cut the red tape).

This ‘supply-side’ approach presents a great opportunity for industry broadly to reap some benefits.

Our manufacturing and supply sector are expert producers and suppliers of goods and services in our industry. It is also important to note that our supply sector goes well beyond just the building of buses and coaches and offers a unique labour skill set and innovation in technology and safety.

I hope after reading this column you are on board with me in acknowledging that the businesses in our industry are strong, highly skilled and we are unique providers of automotive vehicles, purveyors of people movement, engineers of safety and high-tech solutions. Together we can all be part of Australia’s economic recovery.

Keep safe and well. Keep informed at the Industry Hub: ozebus.com.au/covid.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

LOCKED & LOADED Key partners – including ATN publisher Bauer Media Group – have been locked in for 2021 Brisbane Truck Show.

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he Brisbane Truck Show has renewed long-term partnerships with National Transport Insurance (NTI), BP Australia and Bauer Media Group ahead of the launch of the highly anticipated 2021 event.

The southern hemisphere’s largest automotive business event will return to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Thursday, May 13 to Sunday, May 16, 2021.

The show is presented by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), whose founding members held the first event in 1968, prior to formalising their association two years later. Following last year’s show, HVIA was presented with two prestigious awards at the Australian Event Awards, with the Brisbane Truck Show named Australia’s Best Corporate Event and Best Exhibition or Tradeshow.

HVIA chief executive Todd Hacking says the accolades only serve to inspire more energy to further improve the show.

“We are delighted with the enthusiasm of our members and other exhibitors to confirm their participation; I think everyone is chomping at the bit for the opportunity to get together in person and it is a privilege for us to play hosts for that reunion,” he said.

“We are delighted to welcome back BP Australia as Gold Partner, and to announce that our organisation’s Principal Partner, National Transport Insurance (NTI), has stepped up into the role of Platinum Partner for the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show.

“NTI has been an amazing partner for our organisation and for the show, but that is nothing on the breadth of their contribution right across industry for over 30 years.”

Hacking says the renewed partnership with Bauer Media Group – publisher of Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) – adds further evidence of its commitment to

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supporting Australian transport.

“As publisher of market-leading titles ATN, Deals on Wheels, Earthmovers & Excavators, Farms & Farm Machinery, and Owner//Driver and their accompanying online titles, Bauer Media Group is connected deeply into the heart of our industry.”

Graham Gardiner, Bauer Media Group’s general manager – industry, says the publisher is delighted to once again partner with HVIA as the exclusive Official Media Partner for the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show.

“Through our comprehensive suite of print, digital, and video and broadcast TV platforms, Bauer Media Group provides unprecedented opportunities for exhibitors to promote their show presence to the key target industries of transport, agriculture and construction, before, during and after the show.

“That includes the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show Official Program containing a full preview of the show and exhibitors, plus maps and other important details,” he said.

Hacking adds that Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week will be back for 2021. He says the creation of the new umbrella event formalised something that has been happening for years alongside the BTS. “Our exhibitors have long been holding launch events, customer dinners, dealer conferences, drive days, factory tours and much more in tandem with the truck show,” he said.

“The reaction to last year’s expansion into South Bank Parklands was fantastic.

“All of that success is a reflection on the leadership shown by so many of our exhibitors who did such an amazing job showcasing the values of their companies and our industry to the broader community.”

Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week is underpinned by a set of themes that exhibitors chose to represent the values of industry: safety, innovation, sustainability, knowledge, careers and community.

For all the latest information visit www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au.

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INNOVATION - SUSTAINABILITY - SAFETY - KNOWLEDGE - CAREERS - COMMUNITY

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Bauer Media publishes across six key platforms to maximise audience reach, engagement and response.

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For more infomation, visit industry.bauer-media.com.au

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IN FOCUS

BUS 80

BRISBANE HERITAGE ‘BUS 80’ LANDS AT MUSEUM Following its long-awaited refurbishment, iconic heritage ‘Bus 80’ is now on display undercover for the first time in its 72-year life, project organisers have announced.

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US 80 was relocated by Barnes Auto Co on Sunday, July 12, 2020 to Gatton – a rural town in the Lockyer Valley of Queensland – where it stayed overnight in the Gatton Bus Service depot, courtesy of owner Jim Hill. It was then driven

by Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS) members to the Queensland Transport Museum. Here it will remain until July 2021.

“Having one of our heritage bus fleet on public display for the first time is an important milestone for our organisation, as we are actively working to establish our own museum in Brisbane, which will be known 26

as the Brisbane Transport Museum,” said QOCS president Nick Wilson.

“We currently have our eye on a World War II aircraft hangar at Eagle Farm, known as Hangar 7, which is owned by the Brisbane City Council and currently undergoing refurbishment for use as a museum.

“We believe this is the ideal location to establish a transport museum, as it is a large undercover area with vast historical significance to Brisbane,” he said.

Aside from the Brisbane Tramway Museum at Ferny Grove, there is currently no dedicated transport museum in Brisbane to celebrate and recognise the Brisbane City Council’s (BCC) 95-year involvement

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with the city’s transportation needs, Wilson explains.

QOCS is seeking to fill this void and is hoping that Council’s Hangar 7 premises will eventually be home to the Brisbane Transport Museum, he adds.

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LONG JOURNEY As one of Brisbane City Council’s first purpose-built buses – a 72-year-old diesel-powered British AEC Regal III – it recently debuted to the public in action with a ‘sentimental spin around the city’ last July 10, as ABC reported earlier.

According to sources at the time, the restoration was funded by an AUD$19,000

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Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant.

Bus 80 – with a Commonwealth Engineering body built in Sydney – was one of 12 diesel-powered buses brought into service in 1948, QOCS explains.

“Between October 1947 and April 1948, the Brisbane City Council began consolidating the bus system in Brisbane by compulsorily acquiring 20 private operators,” Wilson said.

The bus began operating from the BCC’s Light Street depot in Fortitude Valley in June 1948, and remained in service until September 1971.

SOUND SUPPORT Queensland State Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey MP unveiled the restoration alongside BCC chair of the public and active transport committee Cr Murphy, in July.

Wilson says QOCS was grateful the Queensland government funding allowed Bus 80 to have another lease of life.

Acacia Ridge-based firm Coachworks conducted the

Having one of our heritage bus fleet on public display for the first time is an important milestone for our organisation. restoration, which began in May. Coachworks general manager Scott Isaacs says it was an enjoyable project to work on as the coronavirus lockdown created uncertainty in the transport industry.

A not-for-profit organisation

dedicated to preserving Brisbane’s bus history, QOCS’s plan is to one day feature Bus 80 and its fleet of 16 other vintage buses in a proposed Brisbane Transport Museum at Council’s Hangar 7 facility at Eagle Farm, it states.

Above: The restoration was funded by an AUD$19,000 Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant.

Left: The bus began operating in June, 1948, and remained in service until September, 1971.

Opposite, Above: It’s been a long road, but historic Brisbane Bus 80 is now on display in the Queensland Transport Museum until July 2021.

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IN FOCUS

CUSTOM EXPANDS

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CUSTOM BUS PREMISES EXPANDS A new facility offering increased floorspace for key upgraded bus-making machinery at its western Sydney premises is allowing Custom Bus Group to better accommodate production demand for its latest bus models.

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ith its latest Denning Adventurer schoolcharter bus recently released, and its green-emissions electric Element plus ‘Element H2’ (you heard it first!) hydrogen fuel-cell bus soon to be revealed, Custom has maximised any pandemic downtime to completely refurbish it St Marys location, install new advanced equipment and improve its quality processes and procedures, it states.

According to the company, the production facility is almost unrecognisable from what it was four months ago, having added four completely new lines with three full bays per line.

New cranes have been installed; mezzanine areas built to improve efficiency; fencing and caging has been installed around robot welders for safety; floors have 28

been painted; bays have been lined with new gantries and fitted with gas supply, air reels and racking containing the critical quick-turnover parts required for each specific section, it explains.

Custom Denning’s manufacturing manager Danny Mottley said: “We manufacture all the steel components for our production line here on site, and pack them into stillage kits for delivery to our production facility.

“We do all our own in-house cutting, laser cutting, CNC bending, aluminium welding, TIG welding and mandrel tube bending for stanchions, seat frames and square tubing as well.

“From the smallest of parts to the largest, it’s great to see it all manufactured right here, and then come together to create an entire bus – it’s fantastic!

“I am also excited about us doing our own

powder coating, which should be up and running in a couple of months and, with more good things to come, I can’t wait!”

Mottley explained.

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REFINED SYSTEMS Whilst the refurbishments were taking place the company simultaneously worked on the implementation of new work processes; tighter controls; increased quality measures; and the installation of a completely new parts system that interacts with all the various business units, which it says merges “...all divisions as one to further solidify the company”.

Custom Denning managing director Scott Dunn envisaged such an expansion and, as early as late 2019, he purchased additional space – also at St Marys – to alleviate anticipated production line congestion as business increased to offer the group further

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expansion avenues, Custom says.

The new facility houses new CNC routers, CNC benders, folders, laser cutters, tube cutters, robot welders, and a soon-to-be-installed powder coating works, the company confirms.

As it explains, Custom Denning is slowly increasing its self-reliance by gradually bringing increasing work that was once outsourced now under one roof.

COMMUNITY BOOST Purchase of the new site has enabled Custom Denning to broaden its range of specialised products, leading to an increase of skilled labour required, additional training, and further employment opportunities for Western Sydney, the company says.

Contributing to the local community has always been important to Dunn and he believes strongly in local manufacturing, local production and contributing to Australia’s long term sustainability, the company states.

Custom attainted ‘Australian Made’ certification in 2019, it confirms.

NEW MODELS Tapping into a manufacturing pedigree dating to 1955 and pitched as ‘Aussie built for local conditions’, Custom Denning’s recently released Adventurer school-charter bus is described as a game-changer by national sales manager Mick Neskes.

“We’re extremely proud of the Adventurer,” Neskes said. “It’s in our heritage to design the buses that move Australia and, for us, that means producing a combination of technology and toughness.”

From the chassis up, the Adventurer has taken the lessons of reliability and toughness from the past and combined them with today’s technology, he explains.

It’s suitable for a variety of chassis makes; the 57-seat Category 4 school bus is available on a Volvo, Scania, MAN, Mercedes-Benz or Hino chassis.

The shorter, 43-seat Category 3 Adventurer is available on a Volvo, MAN, Mercedes or Hino chassis.

MODULAR EASE Neskes says the Adventurer’s

It’s in our heritage to design the buses that move Australia and, for us, that means producing a combination of technology and toughness. modular components set a new benchmark.

“We have recently carried out extensive renovations throughout the factory, adding new methodologies to our operation. We have changed our procedures, so that we are more efficient, and have improved our already high levels of quality,” he said.

“Our modernised engineering process and improved design allows us now to build multiple upper body sections extremely quickly, and being “non chassis specific” means commonality of parts, regardless of chassis utilised,” he explained.

“This increases efficiencies for all involved, but most importantly, for the bus operators!

“It means the downtime is reduced if the vehicle needs a window or panel replacing. We can hold hundreds of parts, and we can supply customers with consignment stock, and they pay for it as they use it.”

Custom Denning says the Adventurer was designed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, which simulates real-world wear and tear using a computer model to find the perfect design.

The FEA analysis covers: mechanical stress, mechanical vibration, metal fatigue, motion, heat transfer, fluid flow and electrostatics.

Above: Custom Bus Group has refurbished its St Marys facility to expand throughput and improve processes.

Left: Finite Element Analysis software has been used to simulate wear and tear to improve component design.

Opposite: Custom Denning’s new Adventurer school-charter bus has been described as a ‘game changer’. busnews.com.au August 2020 ABC

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COVERSTORY

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VOLGREN-MARCOPOLO

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LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP Nearly 10 years since Marcopolo purchased local bus-body manufacturing icon Volgren, the anniversary shines light on the massive global bus innovator truly making its mark in Australia.

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY VOLGREN/MARCOPOLO

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razilian bus manufacturer Marcopolo is closing in on a significant milestone – yet it has nothing to do with bus numbers on Rio de Janeiro roads or even South American sales figures. In just over a year it will be a decade since the company extended its global footprint to Australia, purchasing a stake in Volgren.

Marcopolo acquired 75 per cent of Volgren in 2012; since April 2017, it has owned 100 per cent of the company and remains best known in Australian bus circles as a parent company. There’s much more to the Marcopolo story than that, however.

The company is one of the largest bus body manufacturers in the world employing more than 14,300 people in 16 different factories and generating an average production capacity of 240 units per day. Across sites in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Egypt, South Africa, India, China, as well as Brazil and Australia, it produced 15,740 units last year. To put that in context, Volgren manufactured approximately 500 buses in 2019, the company explains.

Established in 1949, Marcopolo today has one of most varied product portfolios, from mini buses to double deckers, running on the roads of more than 100 countries, it adds.

Marcopolo CEO James Bellini says while the companies are vastly different in size, Volgren and Marcopolo share historical parallels.

“Volgren has a similar background to Marcopolo’s. Both companies started as

Above: Marcopolo CEO James Bellini Opposite: Marcopolo generates an average production capacity of 240 units per day.

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COVERSTORY

VOLGREN-MARCOPOLO

family companies decades ago and made their way to the top providing the best products and solutions to operators, drivers and passengers,” Bellini stated.

“Like Volgren, we work closely with multiple chassis manufacturers: Volvo, Scania, Mercedes, MAN, Iveco, BYD and [the Brazilian OEM] Agrale.”

The differences, though, are arguably more interesting than the resemblances.

The company posted a consolidated net revenue figure of R$4.314,5 billion (A$1.16 billion) for 2019. It has the kind of financial resources that

an Australian vehicle manufacturer could arguably only ever dream of, and it invests heavily in research and development. And not just into improved bus construction, it says.

ANTI-VIRUS Marcopolo’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic is perhaps the best, and certainly the most, immediately relevant example.

“Marcopolo was the first bus body producer to launch biosafety initiatives in Brazil. We believe that we are dictating trends among customers in the face of this ‘new

normal’ way of life,” said Bellini.

In fact, Marcopolo Next – the company’s innovation division – has launched a full suite of safety products as part of its BioSafe initiative. Among them is a UV-C light sterilisation solution, antimicrobial materials and driver protection kits, but the most striking invention, and potentially the most valuable, is a disinfectant mist called FIP Onboard.

As reported earlier on ABC magazine’s website www.busnews. com.au, FIP stands for ‘Fog In Place’ and the product works by releasing a cloud of nanoparticles, totally non-toxic to humans, into a closed vehicle, Marcopolo states. It sanitises the entire bus interior without leaving moisture behind in a matter of minutes, it adds.

According to the company, tests certified by Caxias do Sul University in southern Brazil have demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness and it will likely be applicable in buses throughout the world, but also – possibly – in trams and trains, and even schools, hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and sporting grounds.

BUS BUILDING This is just one of numerous 32

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Marcopolo was the first bus body producer to launch biosafety initiatives in Brazil.

promising projects that Marcopolo Next is involved in, the company confirms. Yet the larger company’s central area of expertise remains manufacturing. And in that context, it is now well-established in Latin America and continues to receive massive orders from operators across the region, it says.

Director of international business and strategy at Marcopolo André Armaganijan says the company has just finalised a shipment to Transantiago.

“It’s more than 300 buses for the Chilean market,” said Armaganijan.

Transantiago is the integrated public transport system – one of the most sophisticated on the continent – that services the metropolitan area of

Santiago, the capital city of Chile.

Marcopolo is the largest provider of buses to that network.

Armaganijan explains Chile is an important market for numerous reasons, among them their leadership in considering zero-emission technology as part of their fleet mix.

“There is a growing demand for zero-emission buses in many Latin American countries. Chile is leading the introduction of electric buses. Interest from governments varies across the countries but it will definitely continue to grow,” Armaganijan said.

“We are well-placed to meet market demands for fully electric buses and adapt our product to different technologies such as hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell and opportunity charge type vehicles,” he added.

Top: Marcopolo today has one of most varied product portfolios, from mini buses to double-deckers, running on the roads of more than 100 countries.

Above, Right: Marcopolo director of strategy and international business André Vidal Armaganija.

Opposite, Below: Marcopolo works closely with a range of chassis manufacturers, including Volvo.

OTHER CONTINENTS Bellini says Africa is also a high-priority market for the company at the moment. In addition to owning a facility in South Africa, Marcopolo is investing heavily in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Ethiopia.

“We are now finishing production of 130 Marcopolo Torinos for Angola’s public busnews.com.au August 2020 ABC

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COVERSTORY

VOLGREN-MARCOPOLO

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CURRENT CHALLENGES A focus on employee safety and high service levels for customers has never been more important than it is right now for Volgren.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the Victorian state government’s Stage 4 restrictions introduced in August, 2020, have created challenging conditions for the country’s largest bus body manufacturer, it says.

Classified as an essential business, Volgren continues to operate all three of its sites without interruption, but remains vigilant about safety and finding new ways to respond to the pandemic, it explains.

Since early March, Volgren implemented a number of company-wide changes, including no face-to-face meetings onsite with external company representatives and suppliers, splitting up teams and creating rotating rosters for office staff, enforcing social distance measures from lunch rooms to the boardroom and maintaining strong hygiene practices throughout the business, it says.

Thiago Deiro, CEO of Volgren said: “We have four priorities guiding our decisions during this time of uncertainty: to keep our employees safe; to ensure the highest levels of service to our customers and partners; to be more agile and innovative; and to do our part in preventing the spread of the virus.

“We’re grateful that our manufacturing operations are classified essential and we remain open as critical suppliers, maintaining our day-to-day operations.

“Our office, our technical and customer support staff are fully available for our customers, chassis partners and our suppliers.”

In addition to introducing Marcopolo’s dry fogging technology (FIP On Board) into the Australian market to make passenger travel safe during the pandemic, Volgren has also developed a ‘contactless cash payment system’ to remove any contact between the driver and the passenger and a range of air-con filter brackets – to accommodate a wider range of air grille doors and filters, it explains.

“Embedding biosafety measures into public transport is an important step towards restoring passenger confidence and will preserve the safety of the travelling public.”

“Covid-19 has created challenges for many sectors. Public transport and student transport have been especially impacted.

“We believe that the measures developed under Marcopolo BioSafe and our own initiatives can play a role in helping Australia’s bus industry recover economically by making commuters and school children comfortable returning to bus travel,” Thiago said.

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transport system, all fitted with BioSafe technology.”

In many ways, Australia is the final piece to the Brazilian giant’s southern hemisphere puzzle. Bellini says it’s a crucial region for the company, and they are making a concerted effort to build a closer relationship between Volgren and its parent.

“For Marcopolo the Australian market is also very important and we want to be recognised as a premium brand there,” he said.

“Both companies are constantly learning from each other. The Marcopolo Group has a lot to offer in terms of improving processes, products, components, innovation, knowledge and technology.”

Thiago Deiro, a long-time Marcopolo executive, became Volgren’s CEO in 2019 and has brought several fellow Brazilians into leadership positions at the Australian company. Bellini says the appointments have helped to deepen the connection between Australia and South America.

“The talent coming from Brazil has created links between Marcopolo headquarters and Volgren. In the coming years, the team will begin

The quality of Volgren’s products set it apart and we want to make sure Volgren products remain the best in this region. importing Marcopolo technology into the Australian market while expanding Volgren’s export reach,” Bellini explained.

“Volgren has already been successful in cracking tough export markets like Japan, and we can see Australian-built products coming to Brazil as well as group facilities in other parts of the world.”

Bellini says they will measure their success as the Australian manufacturer’s owner on how well they balance Volgren’s existing culture with the introduction of new ideas and new efficiency measures from Brazil.

“When Thiago officially began at Volgren he spoke about the feeling of ownership that Volgren employees have. He said Volgren people considered the company their second home. We want to hold onto this culture. Happy and invested people do good work and create excellent products.

“The quality of Volgren’s products set it apart and we want to make sure Volgren products remain the best in this region,” Bellini concluded.

Above: Marcopolo’s New G7 Paradiso 1600 Low Driver.

Left: The growing demand for zero-emission buses in many Latin American countries is reflected in the recent delivery of 300 new buses to Chile.

Opposite, Top: Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro.

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OPERATOR

RED BUS SERVICES

Adapting to the ‘new normal’ is the how the team at one of the oldest bus companies in New South Wales, Red Bus Services, plans to emerge from the other side of the pandemic. Even though operations have been largely affected by Covid-19, depot and fleet manager John Shore remains optimistic for the future growth of Red Bus, albeit in a new way.

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STAYING THE COURSE WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES BEN HOSKING

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our generations of family history is behind the success of one of the oldest bus operators in Australia, Red Bus Services. The company operates commuter and school transport routes linking New South

Wales Central Coast communities – from Gosford to Lake Haven, Bateau Bay, Ourimbah and Wyong.

In 1939, the family of present-day owners purchased the bus service trading as The Red Bus Company – Tuggerah Lakes Motor. The new

owners, the Sloman family, renamed the business to The Entrance Red Bus Service. In 1946, the family purchased a service running between Gosford and East Springfield, and renamed it Gosford Bus Service. The names of both businesses, Gosford Bus Service and The busnews.com.au August 2020 ABC

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OPERATOR

RED BUS SERVICES

ABOUT RED BUS SERVICES Red Bus offers coach and bus charter services from Central Coast, Sydney, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, it states. It caters to a range of events, including school excursions and shuttles, educational tours and trips, private functions, day tours and extended tours, after school care and vacation care trips, leisure and senior groups trips, corporate events, and airport, hotel and cruise transfers, it adds.

In July, 2006, Red Bus Services became the first private bus company outside of the Sydney Metropolitan region to enter into a contract with the state government to operate services to NSW’s Central Coast region, it confirms.

“The original philosophy – to provide a good service for all passengers and a friendly, safe environment for all employees - still continues. A testament to that is the number of employees that have been with the company for most of their working years,” Shore said.

Entrance Red Bus Service, remained in use until the late 1990s, when both were rebranded as Red Bus Services and all operations consolidated at the Bateau Bay depot, which continues to serve as the main depot to date.

“The company has always been a family concern, with the present-day owners being fourth-generation descendants of the Sloman family, many of whom are involved with the day-to-day operations,” Red Bus depot and fleet manager John Shore said.

38

With a staff of more than 160, Red Bus currently operates a fleet of 92 buses and 10 coaches, it states. The fleet livery used to be red and cream until the Transport for NSW white and blue livery was adapted in 2010. Most of the company’s services operate seven days per week, with some services operating at a frequency of up to 20 minutes.

“The majority of our fleet is Iveco Metro low-floor buses; we also run

some Hino school buses, and a mixture of BCI and Higer charter buses,” explained Shore.

“At the moment, our preference is Iveco because it’s Australian-made, but that could change in the near future with new government regulations. All our vehicles are maintained in-house by our body repair and maintenance teams.”

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Red Bus remains committed to

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We encounter similar challenges to what most other operators in the industry face, such as ensuring we are up-to-date with changing legislation.

ensuring it is a safe place to work and a safe form of transport for the community, Shore says.

“We have introduced all measures required by the Australian Department of Health and are taking advice from Bus Industry Confederation, BusNSW and Transport for NSW,” he confirmed.

“We are proud to be registered by the NSW government as a Covid-safe business. We have

implemented new cleaning and disinfecting policies, protocols, and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of our employees and our customers.

“Red Bus is monitoring the situation closely and keeping up-to-date with the impacts of government decisions about policy, healthcare and border protection. Along with following advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

(DFAT) and Australia’s chief medical officer, we’re working closely with Transport for NSW and BusNSW and preparing a pandemic plan in the event of a major outbreak in Australia.

“Covid-19 has definitely affected public transport because Transport for NSW itself is advising people not to take public transport and use their cars instead, so of course that affects the commuter side of the business. Our patronage has dropped considerably, but we are continuing to operate because we are an essential service. Many of our vulnerable community members, who have no other option but the bus to move around, would be greatly affected if we did not operate.

“The charter business has also been heavily affected by the pandemic and we have seen a reduction in turnover. We have got some charter vehicles, but passenger numbers are down because people aren’t travelling.

Top (L-R): Four generations are behind the success of Red Bus Services; Redbus has been registered by the NSW government as a Covid-safe business as it continues to operate during the pandemic to provide an essential service.

Above, Left: Red Bus currently operates a fleet of 92 buses and 10 coaches.

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OPERATOR

RED BUS SERVICES

Our plan is to get back to some sort of normality and make our charter business stronger and keep making our services stronger and better for the people to travel.

Above: John Shore says despite the difficulties arising from the pandemic, Red Bus Services has managed to retail all of its staff.

Opposite, Above and Below: All Redbus’ vehicles are maintained in-house by its body repair and maintenance teams; The majority of the Redbus feet is Iveco Metro low-floor buses, rounded out with some Hino, BCI and Higer.

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In NSW the mood is very subdued in general. People are not out and about.”

Like most public transport businesses, Red Bus is spreading the message of good hygiene and ‘stay at home if unwell’ to keep its staff and travellers safe. It is encouraging people to use their Opal cards or contactless payment methods and avoid using cash where possible. From March 25 this year, not all buses would continue accepting cash fares for

travel, the company announced at the time.

UPHILL ROAD Many companies are feeling the Covid-19 pinch, even as things are getting back to normal in most states except Victoria.

However, there are other challenges, mostly regulatory and compliance, that operators deal with on a day-to-day basis.

It is no different for Red Bus. “We encounter similar challenges to what most other operators in the industry face,

such as ensuring we are up-to-date with changing legislation so that we are compliant in areas of Chain of Responsibility, Heavy Vehicle National Law, Safe Work, WHS, Fair Work Australia and other legal aspects,” Shore said.

“We have just been granted an extension with TfNSW for Region 7 Outer Metropolitan Bus Service contract until June 30, 2021. So we will begin negotiating another contract later in the year. Hopefully, this contract will be a commercial

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contract for a period of up to five to seven years, so that we can invest in the future and continue to assist our community in providing mobility solutions.”

THE OUTLOOK “Our plan is to get back to some sort of normality and make our charter business stronger and keep making our services stronger and better for the people to travel. Most of our staff have become used to the ‘new normal’ situation brought on by the pandemic.

Some of our people have struggled with different bits of it, but overall we’ve

all got our head around that it’s the new normal and we’ve got to live with it,” Shore said.

“We haven’t had to make many tough decisions with staff numbers as our team has been very accommodating, using their leave so we can keep our people employed. It’s been very amicable between staff and management up ‘til now, which is great.

“I don’t think we’ll ever get back to normal as it used to be until there is some sort of a vaccine or a cure to battle the virus, so it’s going to be the new normal from now on.”

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Lou Riccardi | 0411 426 148 nswsales@yutong.com.au

y uto ng. co m . a u

Yutong is the world’s largest bus manufacturer – combining technology, design and reliability to deliver consistent quality and drive comfort at every turn. Each vehicle is built with safety and longevity in mind – to provide a transport experience you can trust.

18/8/20 3:45 pm

BUS STOP

BUS STOP NEW & USED BUS & COACH STOCK

Use your $150,000 IAWO incentive for immediate tax deductions SCH OO BUS L

NEW KING LONG 45 SEATER SCHOOL BUS

New 2020 King Long 10m 45 seater school bus, 45 fixed cloth seats with seatbelts. Cummins (UK) turbo diesel, ZF 6 speed automatic transmission. Fully independent front suspension with ECAS2 suspension with raise, lower and kneel functions.

Inspect Today – Call Now

Use your $150,000 IAWO incentive for immediate tax deductions

New King Long 39 seater Cummins UK 6.7L ISBe 250HP, ZF 6 speed automatic, Independent front suspension, 39 fixed high back cloth seats with seatbelts. $POA – Perfect School Bus

New King Long 41 seater Cummins UK 6.7L ISBe 285HP, ZF 6 speed automatic, independent front suspension, 41 reclining high back leather seats with seatbelts. $POA – Perfect Tour Bus

New Yutong 35-39 seater coach 2020 models just arrived, choice of 35 - 39 fixed or reclining seats. 250HP Cummins, Allison auto.

Ready to go – Call Now!

NEW Yutong 57 seater Coach New 2020 models arrived. Leather or cloth fixed seats, heat/cool air conditioning option, 360HP Cummins, Allison auto.

Immediate Delivery!

Quality Used Buses Available Now

2015 Isuzu I-Bus 34 seater 4 cylinder turbo diesel, automatic, 34 fixed seats with seat belts.

Just Traded $POA

2017 BCI Roadmaster 57 seater Cummins 6 cylinder diesel, automatic, 57 fixed cloth seats with seatbelts, ex-school bus.

Just Arrived $POA

BUS STOP QLD/NT/WA PETE WHITE 0410 644 828 JON BARR 0409 069 772 BUS STOP NSW DICK WHITE 0419 271 444 BUS STOP VIC/SA/TAS GUY PEX 0498 028 245 PETER SIMPSON 0488 644 111 BUS STOP TAS MARTIN EAST 0491 279 651

ABC 396.als - Base Edition 47

2012 Mitsubishi Rosa 25 seater Auto 4.9 litre turbo diesel engine, automatic, 24 fixed low back vinyl seats with seatbelts, A/C, P/S, very clean and tidy buses.

Choice of 2 From $50,000 plus GST

2015 Isuzu I-Bus 26 seater 4 cylinder turbo diesel, AMT auto, 25 fixed seats with seatbelts, low klms Choice 2 From $80,000 plus GST

ABC-FP-5204582-TS-396

TOP QUALITY NEW AND USED BUSES & COACHES

L ODE M W NE

busstopsales.com.au AUSTRALIA WIDE

Head office 07 3277 2115

17/8/20 2:41 pm

2006 MERCEDES BENZ 0500

2015 IVECO EURORIDER

6sp manual, 12.5m Coach Design body, 48 lap sash seat belted recliners, 2 door, rear toilet, 5 x LCD monitors, tachograph, many extras, one owner, travelled approx.

960,000klm

Cursor 330hp, ZF automatic inc retarder, Irizar 13.2m body, 52 recliners in leather, toilet, A/C, underfloor bins, travelled only 102,000klm

$85,000+GST

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-395

2 X 2015 IVECO EURORIDER Cursor 330hp,ZF automatic inc retarder, Marcopolo 12.5m body,57 lap sash seat belted seats,A/C,underfloor bins,travelled 245,000klm

Reduced to $175,000+GST each

Reduced to $215,000+GST

2 X 2015 SCANIA K440EB Opticuise,13.5M Coach Concepts body, 50 Styleride lap sash leather recliners, tachograph, 2 door, mid toilet, many extras, one fitted with a Wheelchair lift, travelled approx.

400 to 440,000klm

2016 BCI CLASSMASTER

2015 BONLUCK “PRESIDENT 2”

2011 SCANIA K440EB Opticruise inc retarder, Coach Concepts 13.5m body,50 lap sash seat belted seats in leather, 2 door, mid toilet, Thermo King A/C, full service history, travelled approx. 750,000klm

10.8m, Cummins ISL320, Allison automatic inc retarder, 36 leather reclining seats, Guide seat, toilet, underfloor bins, A/C, USB ports, many extras, travelled approx. 334,000klm

$215,000+GST

$165,000+GST

$145,000+GST

2 X 2013 SCANIA K440

2006 DENNING PHOENIX 4X2

2010 BCI PROMA DELUXE Cummins isb185hp, Allison automatic inc retarder, 33 lap sash seat belted recliners, heat cool A/C, underfloor bins, school lights, travelled approx.

272,000klm

Opticruise inc retarder, Coach Concepts 14.5m body, 58 lap sash seat belted seats in leather, guide seat, Thermo King A/C, 2 door, mid toilet, Hanover sign,tachograph,full service history, travelled approx.

780,000klm

Reduced to $59,000+GST

Reduced to $220,000+GST each

from $380,000+GST each

Cummins ISB300hp, Allison automatic inc retarder, 57 lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, underfloor bins, DVD, just repainted all over white, travelled approx.

302,0000klm very clean

Reduced to

Cat C7 300hp, Allison auto inc retarder, 53 lap sash seat belted recliners, DVD, underfloor bins, Thermo King A/C, travelled approx. 720,000klm, full service history.

Reduced to $110,000+GST

2010 MERCEDES BENZ 1830

2013 QUALITY BUS & COACH

6sp manual, Mills Tui body, 50 lap sash seat belted recliners, toilet, Thermo King A/C, underfloor bins, DVD, travelled approx 260,000klm

Cummins ISL320, ZF automatic transmission inc retarder, 53 lap sash seat belted seats in leather, underfloor bins, Coachair A/C, travelled approx. 125,000klm

$95,000+GST

$75,000+GST

2014 MERCEDES BENZ 0500R

4 X 2011/12 HIGER “T SERIES”

automatic,12.5m Irizar Century body, 65 (3 for 2) fixed coach seats including lap sash seat belts, A/C, underfloor bins, 8 camera surveillance, travelled only 113,000klm

Cummins ISB300, automatic, 57 lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, underfloor bins, travelled approx. 180-220,000klm

$175,000+GST

$85,000+GST each

PLUS MANY MORE, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT www.roddhoodsbusandcoachsales.com Mobile: 0417 699 980 - Email: rodd.hood@bigpond.com.au LICENSED MOTOR DEALER 3341258

Over 34 years experience in the bus and coach industry

Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne - PH (03) 8376 7121

ST O IN

2016 YUTONG Goanna

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar optional, Great little mini-bus.

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP AUTO A/C.

GREAT VALUE. CALL NOW

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NEW

D12

D9

57 Seats, Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more features.

39 Seats, Cummins ISB6, 250hp, School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more features.

GREAT VALUE. CALL NOW

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yutong.com.au

IN

A premium vehicle that looks as good on the outside as it does in. Here, passengers receive more spacious luggage compartments, reduced noise ride comfort and high-end audio/visuals, while the driver enjoys greater manoeuvrability and performance. The T12 also features customisable seating options to suit your needs.

Exceptional ride comfort with Mercedes Benz engine with reduced noise 11.97L displacement and up to 1850N/m torque Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD Optimised ZF automatic Seats 53 Coach transmission and rear axle ratio Seats 57 School Bous 3 11m capacity luggage Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift compartments

USED

D7

CK

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom

NEW

ST O

$315,990 + GST & ORC Including Wheelchair Lift

CK

NEW

IN

LI ST MIT O E CK D

Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne

Lou Riccardi | 0411426 148 | vicsales@yutong.com.au

24 Grasslands Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3064

48

ABC AUGUST 2020 busnews.com.au

ABC 396 47-48 REV.indd 48

18/8/20 4:30 pm

ABC SALES

& MAINTENANCE

Australian Owned and Operated Supplier of Yutong Buses and Coaches

QUEENSLAND / NORTHERN TERRITORY / NORTHERN NSW

$275,000

$230,000

$95,000

$60,000

1x 2018 MINING D12 EX DEMO MINING SPECS MINING SPECS EQUIPMENT, fire suppressor, tyre monitor, Seat belt Alarm system.

1x 2017 YUTONG D7 ZK6760DAA 82,00kms, Cummins isb4 4.5l, Euro5 103kw Allison 21006sp, auto, a/c.

$96,000

1x 2010 HIGER BOSS 45+1 Leather recline,cummins isl 250 hp engine, allison 6 sp auto, thermoking heat/cool a/c, alloy bull bar, windscreen stone guard.

1x 2017 YUTONG D9 ZK6930H 35 seater + toilet, diesel euro 5- Cummins IBS 6.7litre.

250hp, heat and cooling system.

1x 2015 YUTONG D7 ZK6760DAA 144,00kms, Cummins ISB4 4.5l, Euro5 103kw, Allison 21006sp, auto, a/c.

$65,000

1x 2013 HIGER MUNRO 28+1 seater, cummins isf 3.8 litre turbo engine, allison 6 sp auto, leather seats, spider mirrors, windscreen stone guard, front nudge bar.

Barry Henderson: qldsales@yutong.com.au  0427 750 885 David Green: sales@abccoachsales.com.au  0418 253 422

ABC 396.als - Base Edition 49

17/8/20 2:10 pm

Looking for a new car?

Find which car is right for you.

At WhichCar our team of motoring experts know that buying a new car can be daunting, so we’ve made it easy.

From finding a car that suits your lifestyle, to comparing different models and booking a test drive, we’ll help you at every step.

Visit whichcar.com.au ABC 396.als - Base Edition 50

17/8/20 2:10 pm

WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154

Bookings for next issue close on Sept 18th 2020

Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane CK

NEW

USED

IN

ST O

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NEW

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP AUTO A/C.

GREAT VALUE. CALL NOW

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D12

D9

57 Seats, Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more features.

39 Seats, Cummins ISB6, 250hp, School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more features.

GREAT VALUE. CALL NOW

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yutong.com.au

IN

ST O

A premium vehicle that looks as good on the outside as it does in. Here, passengers receive more spacious luggage compartments, reduced noise ride comfort and high-end audio/visuals, while the driver enjoys greater manoeuvrability and performance. The T12 also features customisable seating options to suit your needs.

Exceptional ride comfort with Mercedes Benz engine with reduced noise 11.97L displacement and up to 1850N/m torque Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD Optimised ZF automatic Seats 53 Coach transmission and rear axle ratio Seats 57 School Bous 11m3 capacity luggage Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift compartments

NEW

CK

NEW

IN

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom

Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane Yutong Bus Centre Cairns

2016 YUTONG Goanna

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar optional, Great little mini-bus.

CK

$295,990 + GST & ORC 57x Seater School Bus

D7

Barry Henderson | 0427 750 885 | qldsales@yutong.com.au David Green | 0418 253 422 | david@abccoachsales.com.au

CONTACT Phil 03 5623 5377 admin@warragulbuslines.com.au

2015 IVECO MARCO POLO

2000 MERCEDES 0405

P&D Body, 57 Seatbelts, Automatic

Volgren body, Lowfloor, 2-door, AC

Auto Bus Body, Auto, 53 Seatbelt seats, Air Conditioned.

$43,000 + GST

$32,000 + GST

$65,000 + GST

$175,000 + GST

2010 MITSUBISHI ROSA DELUXE

2013 HIGER

2002 IVECO

2006 HINO RK260

T-Series, 12m, A/C, 57 Seatbelts

Custom CB50 body, 61 seats, Manual, Thermoking. 480,000km

P&D body, 57 seats, Manual.

295,000 KMS

$98,000 + GST

$50,000 + GST

$58,000 + GST

57 Seatbelts, Automatic, Air Conditioned.

Manual, 390,000km

$28,000 + GST

busnews.com.au AUGUST 2020 ABC

ABC 396 49-53.indd 51

ABC-HH-5171496-TS-395

1999 VOLVO B7

2000 VOLVO B7

51

18/8/20 4:26 pm

D I G I TA L E D I T I O N Get Australasian Bus & Coach on your iPad or tablet

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ABC 396.als - Base Edition 52

17/8/20 2:10 pm

WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154

Bookings for next issue close on Sept 18th 2020

FOR SALE Like ABC on Facebook for a unique mix of bus news, reviews, events & entertainment visit facebook.com/ABCBusnews

2013/14 MERCEDES BENZ 0500RF IRIZAR I6 287,000 kms, 3 axle with steerable tag, 500 litres (2 tanks), one owner, 52+ driver + hostess seat capacity, auto heating and cooling, 7 security camera. Located in NSW. $260,000 + GST

Like ABC on Facebook for a unique mix of bus news, reviews, events & entertainment visit facebook.com/ABCBusnews 2008 HIGER 298,000 kms, fully rebuilt engine, 2 axle, 200 litres, 37+ driver seat capacity, reverse & saloon camera, reading lights, curtains. Located in NSW. $48,000 + GST

0414 295 367

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ACCIDENT REPAIRS We pride ourselves on understanding the important needs that arise from accidents, from transporting incapacitated vehicles and speedy quotations, to insurance company requirements and minimising the downtime of your vehicle during the repair process.

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P: (07) 3344 4544 E: info@coachworks.com.au W: www.coachworks.com.au ABC-QH-5164872-CS-396

busnews.com.au AUGUST 2020 ABC

ABC 396 49-53.indd 53

53

18/8/20 4:26 pm

DELIVERIES

JULY 2020

Deliveries still resilient despite monthly dip July sees a decrease on historically high end-of-financial-year June figures, exclusive ABC data reveals.

B

us and coach deliveries dropped back below the triple-figure mark in July, but still hold a buoyant line in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, settling on 91 for the month.

The result, down from 146 in June, continues the rise-and-fall rollercoaster trend of the past six months, with no two months of consecutive increases or decreases, but steers clear of the yearly low of 80.

The chassis sector was largely propped up by Volvo, which rebounded from consecutive low months of 28 deliveries to post 40. Conversely, Scania reported a decrease, down from 46 to a yearly low of 16. Alongside it on 16 was Mercedes-Benz, the only other maker to reach double figures.

There was a general decrease across the board for most body builders, though Volgren maintained its status at the top with 33. Custom Bus had a notable month-on-month increase from one reported delivery last month to 10 in July.

A long tail saw in this sector 10 other makers with three or fewer deliveries.

After a bumper month of 88 in June, air-conditioning market leader Thermo King dropped to its lowest yearly total of 42, though it remains well ahead of the chasing pack.

Hispacold returned to double figures for the month to claim second place.

New South Wales returned to the top of the state chart, occupying 37 per cent of the market. Little separates Victoria and Queensland with 20 and 18 per cent, respectively.

Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for July. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, with their involvement at their discretion.

The result, down from 146 in June, continues the rise-and-fall rollercoaster trend of the past six months.

54

ABC August 2020 busnews.com.au

ABC 396.als - Base Edition 54

17/8/20 1:43 pm

S

T 2 A

VOLGREN 33 ABC* 14 CUSTOM 10 IRIZAR 9 YUTONG 8 COACH DESIGN 3 EXPRESS COACHES 3 BCI 2 CHALLENGER 2 COACH CONCEPTS 2 BONLUCK 1 COACHWORKS 1 MARCOPOLO 1 OMNIBUS 1 SCANIA HIGER 1

5% 6%

SA

3% TAS

37% NSW

ACT

11%

SALES BY BODY There was a general decrease across the board for most body builders, though Volgren maintained its status at the top with 33. Custom Bus had a notable month-on-month increase from one reported delivery last month to 10 in July. A long tail saw in this sector 10 other makers with three or fewer deliveries.

%

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

After a bumper month of 88 in June, air-conditioning market leader Thermo King dropped to its lowest yearly total of 42, though it remains well ahead of the chasing pack. Hispacold returned to double figures for the month to claim second place.

WA

Thermo King Hispacold Coachair Cling-Yutong Denso

Percentage by

REGION

42 11 9 8 8

Spheros N/A Konvekta MCC Valeo/Spheros

7 3 1 1 1

18% QLD

20%

VOLVO 40

VIC

MERC-BENZ 16 SCANIA 16 YUTONG 8 ABC (Bustech) 4 CHALLENGER 2

Sales by chassis

MAN 2 BONLUCK 1

The chassis sector was largely propped up by Volvo, which rebounded from consecutive low months of 28 deliveries to post 40. Conversely, Scania reported a hefty decrease, down from 46 to a yearly low of 16.

Alongside it on 16 was Mercedes-Benz, the only other maker to reach double figures.

HINO 1 IVECO 1

busnews.com.au August 2020 ABC

ABC 396.als - Base Edition 55

55

17/8/20 1:43 pm

JULY 2020

ENGINES

TRANSMISSIO

UNITS

DELIVERIES

CHASSIS

AUST BUS CORP*

Kinetic (Surfside Buslines)

QLD

1

Bustech XDI

Bustech

340

R

Euro 5

A

(*Bustech/Precision/Elphinstone)

MetroTas

TAS

3

Bustech XDI

Elphinstone

300

R

Euro 6

A

BONLUCK

MIA Passenger Express

NSW

1

Cooper

Bonluck

210

R

Euro 5

A

CHALLENGER

Victorian School Bus Operator

VIC

2

V10 GT

Challenger

300

R

N/A

AS

HINO

N/A

WA

1

FD240

Omnibus

240

F

Euro 5

PS

IVECO

Cavanaghs

NSW

1

Euromidi CC150

Express

250

F

Euro 5

A

MAN

Walter's Passenger Service

VIC

1

RR8 19.320 IC

Coach Design

320

R

Euro 5

A

Outback Aussie Tours

QLD

1

15.290 4X4 BUS

Coachworks

290

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

OC500RF E6 1939

BCI

388

R

Euro 6

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500RF E5 1936

Irizar

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

OC500RF E5 1936

Irizar

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500LE E6

Custom

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

O500RS

Irizar

348

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

O500RS

Irizar

348

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

QLD

1

OC500RF E5 1936

Irizar

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500LE E6

Custom

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

QLD

1

O500RS

Irizar

348

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

OC500RF E5 1936

Coach Concepts

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

R

Euro 5

A

Christians Bus Co

VIC

2

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Design

310

R

Euro 5

A

Dept. of Public Transport Infra

SA

5

K 320 UB4X2

Precision Buses

320

R

Euro 6

A

Edwards Coaches

NSW

1

K 310 IB4X2

Express Coaches

310

R

Euro 5

A

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION

MERC-BENZ

SCANIA

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

A: Automatic M: Manual AS: Auto-Shif O: Opticruise

Hornibrook Bus Lines

QLD

1

K 320 UB4X2

Volgren

320

R

Euro 6

A

VIC

1

K 440 EB6X2*4

Coach Concepts

440

R

Euro 5

N/A

Transport Canberra Operations

ACT

5

K 320 UB4X2

Precision Buses

320

R

Euro 6

A

VIC

1

K 310 IB4X2

Scania Higer A30

310

R

Euro 5

A

NSW

3

B8R

Irizar

330

R

Euro 5

A

Busways Transit Systems Authorities

NSW

7

B8RLE

Volgren

320

R

Euro 6

A

Interline Bus Services

NSW

2

B8RLE

Custom

320

R

Euro 6

A

Reg Osborn

NSW

1

B8R

Express

330

R

Euro 5

A

CDC Victoria

YUTONG

HP*

Lake Brothers W Christian (Terang)

VOLVO

(Model)

BODY BUILDER

VIC

4

B8RLE

Volgren

330

R

Euro 5

A

CDC NSW

NSW

1

B8R

Volgren

320

R

Euro 6

A

CDC NSW

NSW

1

B8R

Marcopolo

330

R

Euro 5

A

Busabout Wagga

NSW

6

B8RLE

Custom

330

R

Euro 5

A

Brisbane City Council

QLD

6

B8RLE Art

Volgren

320

R

Euro 6

A

Perth Transport Authorities

WA

9

B8RLE

Volgren

320

R

Euro 6

A

N/A

QLD

1

T12

Yutong

350

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

QLD

1

T12

Yutong

350

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

QLD

1

T12

Yutong

350

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

QLD

1

T12

Yutong

350

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

T12

Yutong

350

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

NSW

1

D12

Yutong

360

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

VIC

1

D9

Yutong

250

R

Euro 5

A

N/A

QLD

1

D7

Yutong

160

F

Euro 5

A

*Austr

TOTAL DELIVERIES 91 56

ABC August 2020 busnews.com.au

ABC 396.als - Base Edition 56

17/8/20 1:43 pm

NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION

Emissions standard

A: Automatic M: Manual AS: Auto-Shift O: Opticruise

AXLES

TRANSMISSION

BODY LENGTH

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

52

–

–

–

–

X

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

52

–

–

–

–

X

TRANS MAKE

(metres)

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

–

Styleride

N

–

Styleride

N

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

Euro 5

A

Allison

2

8.5

Spheros

33

–

–

–

X

–

–

Fainsa

Y

N/A

AS

Cummins

2

10.5

Thermo King

45

–

–

–

–

–

X

Fansia

Y

Euro 5

PS

Hino

2

10

Thermo King

43

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y Y

Euro 5

A

Allison

2

10.5

Thermoking

43

–

–

–

–

–

X

Styleride

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

McConnell

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

X

–

–

X

–

X –

Styleride

Y

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

12.5

Thermo King

–

48

–

–

X

–

–

SEGE

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Hispacold

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

SEGE

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Hispacold

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

DENSO

–

–

51

–

–

X

–

Custom

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.5

N/A

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

N/A

N/A

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.5

N/A

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

N/A

N/A

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Hispacold

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Denso

–

–

51

–

–

X

–

Custom

N N/A

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.5

N/A

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

N/A

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

MCC

–

53

–

–

X

–

–

Sege

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Thermo King

–

–

45

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Thermo King

–

–

45

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

–

–

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Thermo King

–

45

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Thermo King

–

–

45

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

13.5

Thermo King

–

–

45

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.5

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

12.5

Hispacold

–

–

42

–

–

X

–

Styleride

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

N/A

Thermo King

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y N

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

13

Coachair

–

–

44

–

–

X

–

McConnell

Euro 5

N/A

Scania

3

13.5

Thermo King

–

52

–

X

–

–

–

McConnell

Y

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

12.5

Thermo King

–

–

41

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.3

Konvekta

57

–

–

–

–

–

–

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Hispacold

–

49

–

X

–

–

X

Sege

Y

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermoking

–

–

44

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 6

A

Voith

2

10-12.9

Coachair

–

–

50

–

–

X

–

Custom

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Coachair

57

–

–

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Coachair

–

–

41

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Coachair

–

–

57

–

–

–

X

McConnell

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Valeo / Spheros

–

–

57

–

–

–

X

Marcopolo

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Denso

–

–

53

–

–

X

–

Custom

N

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Spheros

–

–

x

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 6

A

ZF

2

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

–

41

–

–

X

–

McConnell

N

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

–

53

–

–

–

X

N/A

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

–

53

–

–

–

X

N/A

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

–

53

–

–

–

X

N/A

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

–

53

–

–

–

X

N/A

Y

Euro 5

A

ZF

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

–

53

–

–

–

X

N/A

Y

Euro 5

A

Allison

2

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

–

57

–

–

–

X

N/A

Y

Euro 5

A

Allison

2

10

Cling-Yutong

–

–

39

–

–

–

X

N/A

Y

Euro 5

A

Allison

2

8

Cling-Yutong

28

–

–

–

X

–

–

N/A

Y

*Australian Bus Corporation (ABC) comprises Bustech (16), Precision Buses (10) and Elphinstone (2). Volgren’s count includes two units from its partnership with Supportrans.

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BCI-MB CRUISER

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EASY RIDER

In business, an enduring collaboration usually proves two things: the relationship is strong and there is trust in the product or service. BCI built its first Mercedes-Benz-based coach almost a decade ago and this MB OC 500RF chassis Cruiser is the latest member to the BCI family.

WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE

S

peaking with BCI Bus and Coach Victoria state manager Cameron Millen, you soon get the idea this latest coach collaboration was never going to be anything but a new design using the Mercedes-Benz technology BCI trusts.

We first saw this latest BCI Cruiser at the 2019 BusVic Bus Expo [and doesn’t that time seem a lifetime away now? – Ed], an event where, as a visitor, you get to see the latest and greatest bus product showcased in one spot while also giving bus builders a chance to show their wares; come up with something a bit different or great looking, and they get that all-important attention.

This new BCI Cruiser coach body is painted in a silver Mercedes-Benz car colour and, under the showroom lights at the expo, it certainly looked accomplished, stylish and impressive.

fuel efficient product and certainly feedback from the marketplace when anyone drives the product is that everyone is impressed.”

Hmmm… So with all the changes, has the target market changed?

“The BCI coach body could suit everyone from a school bus to the high-end coach user, so two-axle, three-axle. We’ve got two models, a school bus version and a coach version. This one is the coach version, so you go from school bus right up to three-axle 14.5-metre coach.

This particular chassis is a high-end coach chassis and it would be ideal for a V/Line or that type of application,” Millen answered.

EURO LOOK When asked which features BCI is proud of with this new coach, Millen explained: “I think the fact that we’ve designed this from the ground up so this is a completely brand new model. We had three or four designers come in and present and then we chose

Opposite: A European look has been aimed for: a striking combination of silver paintwork with black highlights and mirrors.

Below: The driver’s area has been changed, with a newly designed dash and the option for a mini fridge.

FEEDBACK TICK Millen says this is an entirely new coach body with a long list of new features.

“We’ve been building the same model for five years and a couple of years ago we all sat together and looked at what design improvements we could make to come up with a new model,” he said.

“This new build has been designed specifically around the Mercedes chassis, but we’ve also taken on board the customer feedback we’ve had over the years and we’ve integrated the feedback into this model, from enhancements and things like that, to really improve it.”

Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty Ltd national sales manager for Bus and Coach Grant Simmonds added: “With the RF chassis we’ve grown our market share considerably with this product. We’ve got various Euro emissions and horsepower ranges. We’ve got a Euro 5 12-litre engine, then we’ve got the Euro 6 new-generation engine, which comes with 7.7-litre up to 10.7-litre. So, it’s a versatile, very

A couple of years ago we all sat together and looked at what design improvements we could make.

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one. From there it went to engineering and was engineered, but I think we’ve achieved that European look we wanted, it’s quite stylish. We’ve gone all the lower skirt panels of fiberglass composite, which are lightweight as well as very strong - even with a sledgehammer you can’t break them!”

The brochure states the new model is “easier to fix and more resistant to damage caused by impact”, so the new model is more than just improved looks. Quicker and cheaper repairs are always welcomed by operators.

“I think these fibreglass skirt panels are the big gun, opposed to all-aluminium skirt panels,” Millen pointed out.

“The big difference is, when you crash into an aluminium panel you’ve got to replace it, whereas with these it’s very hard to break, and if you do break them, it’s fibreglass, so you can repair them quite easily.

“We first introduced these panels about three or four years ago on some Trainlink Coaches. So the first lot of buses we put out had aluminium panels and we were constantly replacing panels; we couldn’t keep up with the supply. Now, on the second lot of buses we did for the same operator, we put in these panels and we haven’t had to replace a single panel yet.”

The BCI coach body is built on a ferritic stainless steel frame made of 4003 stainless steel made in Finland. Millen explained that by using the stainless framework, BCI can go from a 50 by 50 frame to a 40 by 40 frame so the internals of the buses are a little bit wider as well.

“Importantly, this steel has more strength and it’s lighter because we need to use less material to get the required strength,” he added.

60

DRIVER’S WORLD With all the changes and upgrades externally, has the driver also benefited from the new build?

“So we’ve changed the whole driver’s area; it’s got a whole brand new dash,” Millen said.

“And you’ll see a lot of it when you drive it. [It’s] very driver friendly with the option to have a fridge in the dash area. It’s very much a coach-looking dash, [which has been] ergonomically designed. A lot of this design comes out of Europe. You’ll see when you drive it, it’s a very nice feel.”

Due to the overseas components, the expected turnaround build time for this model is about five months from when BCI receives the chassis in the factory, which is shorter than it could have been.

“The warranty as standard we offer three-year/300,000 [km] for the complete chassis, so it’s not just the drive train, it includes the electrics complete chassis,” explained Simmonds.

“Servicing all depends on the mileage, so for that we have various categories. It differs for short haul and long haul. Depending on

the mileage, you can get extended service intervals, so it can be 60,000 or even up to 120,000 [km] depending on the application.”

What’s next for BCI in this constantly evolving market?

“What we’re looking at for the future builds in the next 12 months is going to be adding digital, electronic mirrors. We’re going to trial some very shortly. I have seen them in Europe; they work really well, but I’ve never driven a bus with them on. So we’ll get some feedback from operators.

We see it as a real feature; for one, the quality of the vision is a lot better at night in rainy conditions and also the savings of

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not damaging mirrors is another bonus,” Millen said.

NO COMPROMISE “We do manufacture in China, but we don’t build buses for China,” explained Millen.

“Everything’s built for export. We only build for Australia on our own chassis or the Mercedes chassis.

When it comes to designing the bus, it’s purpose designed for that chassis, so you’re not putting it on multiple chassis types where things are all slightly different, [which] may compromise the build. Everything’s been designed around that Mercedes chassis. We work closely with our engineers just to make sure we get it all right. There’s a lot of work to get it right and we are really proud of what we’ve come up with.”

The passion and commitment that goes into a new design is evident when you speak with people like Millen and Simmonds. There’s so much background trial, error and collaboration involved to get a company like BCI to a point where

it is proud to exhibit its “new family member” at the BusVic Expo and see what operators and critics alike think. Now off for the drive…

TEST DRIVE Today’s drive of the BCI coach body with Mercedes-Benz OC 500RF chassis was a mix of city driving and country rolling hills to get a feel for the coach in a mix of conditions its likely to drive in. Setting off from BCI headquarters in Hallam, Victoria, we headed out to the highway through urban Hallam in medium traffic.

Straight away the quietness internally is impressive; there’s no doubt this coach is well insulated and sound proofed - the plug door is doing its job well. The steering was just right – not too light, not too heavy, with a nice feel. At all speeds this doesn’t change – it keeps at a perfect constant.

The driver’s cabin has good vision. The changed windscreen sits lower than the previous model and there were no complaints with visibility. The blind spot mirror

The new front of the coach certainly has the desired European look BCI sought. works well, providing a wide field of view and plenty of glass for clear, unobstructed vision. The driver’s seat was comfortable with a fold-down armrest. What was a very nice driver inclusion was the 12.3-inch (31.2cm) media screen with an optional navigation system, including access to Googlemaps. How did we all survive before Googlemaps? As standard there are four cameras at the front, left and right side, and rear for 360-degree vision.

It would be easy to be fooled by the smoothness of this coach into thinking that the power of the motor and the torque aren’t as great as they actually are. The added bonus of great soundproofing, incorporated with specifically coach-designed rear axles and

Above: Stainless steel has been used for the bus framework, to achieve a lighter vehicle.

Opposite, Above and Below: For passenger comfort there is VIP reclining leather Sege seats with armrests, folding trays and USB ports; There’s 10.3 cubic metres of storage for luggage.

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Specs MODEL: BCI Cruiser coach CHASSIS: Mercedes-Benz 0500RF LENGTH: 12.3m ENGINE OUTPUT: MercedesBenz OM470LA Euro 6 291kW (390hp)@1,800 rpm TRANSMISSION: Automated Mercedes-Benz GO250-8 Powershift eight-speed with Voith secondary water retarder BODY: BCI SEATS: Sege; two-axle max. 57 seats/three-axle max. 63 seats STORAGE: 10.3 cubic metres AIRCON: Thermo King STEERING: ZF Servocom 8098 SAFETY SYSTEMS: Standard – ABS, ASR, EBS/BAS, fire detection system in the engine compartment; Options – LDWS, AEBS, TPM, axle load display

There’s a lot of work to get it right and we are really proud of what we’ve come up with.

transmission all combine for one super-quiet, impressive drive. The automated Mercedes-Benz GO250-8 Powershift eight-speed with Voith secondary water retarder, for the 291kW (390hp)@1,800rpm, is the perfect match for this coach. As a driver, few wouldn’t be wanting any more than what’s offered.

As standard, the OC 500RF comes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system 62

Top: Power comes from the MercedesBenz OM470LA Euro 6 engine.

Above: Even from behind, this is a greatlooking coach.

(ASR), electronic stability program (ESP) and electronic braking system with brake assist (EBS/BAS) and is available with an optional lane-departure warning system (LDWS) and advanced emergency braking system (AEBS). The integrated hydraulic Mercedes-Benz retarder system is outstanding, This is a constant standout in the Mercedes-Benz platforms and a feature that certainly will positively affect both driver fatigue and reduction of brake pad servicing intervals.

The new front of the coach certainly has the desired European look that BCI sought, with a striking combination of silver paintwork and black highlights with mirrors and some chrome work trim features.

Not only is the front great visually, there’s a two-door, flip open hatch with easy access to headlights, pressure regulator for the door, horn and spare tyre.

As Millen mentioned earlier, both the front and rear of the new BCI coach body have been completely

redesigned. From the rear the shaped panelling and integrated perforated mesh grilles in the engine compartment hatch means even from behind this is a great-looking new coach.

For passenger comfort there is VIP reclining leather Sege seats with armrests and folding trays. These have the all-important USB ports that no high-end coach could be without these days.

A smart look is the LED strip lighting on both the roof and floor; the blue and white lights evoke the internal design of an aircraft - great for night-time travel, especially on models with the toilet included.

Both for looks and driveability, the BCI-Mercedes Cruiser coach OC 500RF didn’t disappoint. This coach, although obviously luxurious, didn’t have every bell and whistle option included, but it was still an impressive vehicle. Great European looks, an affordable price point and Mercedes-Benz reliability make for one great collaboration and a job well done by BCI.

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