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contents ISSUE 400 DECEMBER 2020

08 in the know

22. column | BIC

6. editorial | ignition Are we there yet? We are sooo close to year’s end and possibly a soothing respite to assess how bad it was. E-bus moves look pretty exciting in 2021, for sure. Editor Cotter says ‘Let’s ponder stuff, shall we?’

A 2020 review from BIC special guest,

THE YEAR IN SUMMARY

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.

chairman Wayne Patch.

in focus 24. In focus | qbic awards

QBIC 2020 BUS INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Although the 2020 Queensland Bus

Local manufacturing is alive and well in Western Australia’s capital city with Volgren’s 2,000th vehicle constructed at the company’s purpose-built manufacturing and service facility in Malaga, recently. 32. coverstory | bci citirider 12

Industry Council had postponed its big

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

annual conference this year due to the

Be it business or personal, in life our ‘journeys’ will be hallmarked with many ups and downs - just as it should and always will be. It’s the milestones along the way, though, that make said journey all the more special. BCI’s 2,000th Australiandelivered bus is one such moment, writes Fabian Cotter.

Covid-pandemic impact, it was able to hold a small gathering to celebrate its Industry Award winners, recently. 26. In focus | busways road safety pledge‘

BUSWAYS BACKS NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK Dual-state operator Busways encouraged all road users to ‘drive so others survive’ during National Road Safety Week (Nov 15 – 22), with its drivers in South Australia and New South Wales pledging to do so.

28. In focus | volgren Perth 2,000th bus

VOLGREN PERTH DELIVERS 2,000TH BUS

40. operator | kbhac mobile education centre bus

TELLING THEIR STORY

Bus operator CDC NSW has committed to a partnership in support of Australia’s

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EDITORIAL

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

PRODUCTION

Designer: Christie Webster Production Co-Ordinator: Cat Fitzpatrick

PRINTING

IVE Print

ADVERTISING

Group Sales Manager – Industry: Adrian Christian ph: 0423 761 784 e-mail: Adrian.Christian@aremedia.com.au Group Sales Manager – Transport: Peter Gatti ph: 0437 895 600 e-mail: Peter.Gatti@aremedia.com.au

VIC Sales: Matt Alexander ph: 00413 599 669 e-mail: Matt.Alexander@aremedia.com.au QLD Sales: Hollie Tinker ph: 0466 466 945 e-mail: Hollie.Tinker@aremedia.com.au SA/WA Sales: Nick Lenthall mobile: 0439 485 835 e-mail: Nick.Lenthall@aremedia.com.au

NSW Sales: Con Zarocostas mobile: 04357 594 238 e-mail: Con.Zarocostas@aremedia.com.au

MARKETING & EVENTS

Marketing Manager: Andrew Amato ph: 03 9567 4145 e-mail: Andrew.Amato@aremedia.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS

www.magshop.com.au e-mail: magshop@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

EXECUTIVE GROUP

Indigenous people’s ‘Stolen Generations

68. driven | hino rn8j

truth telling’, with a new mobile

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE

education centre bus. Fabian Cotter

reports. 46. Interview | peden + mead

MEET THE NEW BOSS With Mitch Peden taking over the reins from David Mead as general manager of Volvo Bus Australia, a new era for Volvo Buses coincides with exciting advancements in sustainability. We got in touch to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry ahead.

54. sponsored content | challenger bus & coach

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Building from the point of view of a driver and business owner, Challenger Bus and Coach is now offering a new range of high-quality vehicles designed specifically for Australia’s demanding conditions.

departments 58. 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! 64. factory facts | bus deliveries

MONTHLY RESULTS

Here are the latest bus and coach supplier sales data collected and recorded for you to sink your teeth into. To know who is who and who’s done what simply check it out!

Are Media Automotive CEO: Andrew Beecher GM – Industry: Graham Gardiner Group Finance Manager: Cain Murphy Commercial Director: Matt Rice Digital Director: Tim Kennington Operations Manager: Regina Fellner People & Culture Manager: Nicola Ramsay

PUBLISHED BY

Are Media Pty Limited ABN 18 053 273 546 73 Atherton Road, Oakleigh, Vic, 3166, Australia e-mail: abc@aremedia.com.au

For Are Media’s privacy policy please visit www.aremedia.com.au

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

Liar, liar! Pants on Fire... The problem with knowing an untruth when you read, hear or see it is that it’s really hard to call it out when the majority believes it.

appy 400th issue to us! Hooray! Happy 2,000th Australian-delivered bus to BCI! Yipee! Happy 2000th bus made at its Perth factory, to Volgren! Yahoooooo! If there were one word to sum up the image of ‘metaphoric fist-pump into the air while annoyingly loud music and gameshow-winning tinsel-y confetti and balloons rained down on stage of an obscure cable TV channel’s production studio’, I would most definitely type it [here]. Alas, at 4.59am such a word escapes me. Yet, one word that does come to mind with marginally less drama but entirely more believable impact is the word ‘celebrate’. And better still, most celebrations often commemorate a milestone of sorts, so right there is another one: ‘milestone’. So that’s two words. BOOM! There goes the neighbourhood. If the $2 shop coin hasn’t dropped just yet, let me unequivocally state that this issue of ABC – your favourite bus and coach

magazine, no doubt - has a ‘celebratory milestones’ theme running throughout its blood. Aside from our mere ‘quadrup-ology’ (is that even a word? It’s 2020; that’s the way it is now) we have Perth-based Bus and Coach International (BCI) celebrating its 2,000th Australian-delivered bus, so congratulations to them. As it approaches its 30-year anniversary in 2021, we thought it fitting to have a chat and see what the future holds for the crew. Also celebrating a similar milestone this issue is Australia’s largest bus body builder Volgren, whose Malaga, Perth, factory has produced its 2,000th bus, with the specific unit being delivered to the WA Public Transport Authority’s Transperth division. They had a wee BBQ recently to celebrate the occasion and we were gutted that lingering travel restrictions at the time meant we couldn’t pop over to say g’day and wish them well in person, but we hope by having them in this issue we are forgiven. Hmmm... celebrations. Milestones... Hmmm... Come to think about it, we have another form of celebration this issue, though it’s more a congratulations. We have an exclusive interview with new Volvo Bus Australia 6

boss Mitch Peden, who is taking over the ‘acting’ part of the role that vice president, Asia-Pacific Region, David Mead was covering. Mitch was stuck in Malaysia at the time and in tough lockdown restrictions, but that was nothing a solid teleconference call couldn’t fix. We chat to both on pages 46–52.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE While we are at, it Issue 400 of ABC also includes a great story about the CDC NSW-backed bus that’s retro-fitted as a mobile education centre for the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation. The organisation was set to help those and educate others about the Stolen Generation of Aboriginal kids, and the impact of that and the plights and stories of all those involved. Plus the bus is decked out really well inside and it’s always good to see how buses can be repurposed for all sorts of other uses than what they would have been originally intended to do. Top stuff! As for reviews, we test drive a Hino RN8J with Custom Adventurer body – which in concept is the same combination as our previous coverstory, but this one is specifically for school runs under the new TfNSW Panel 3 requirements. We’ll have the video of that drive up online soon, too, so make sure you check it out via our website www.busnews.com.au in our test drive section from the homepage. Gee, what else? Hmmm... Oh, there’s also the winners of the Queensland Bus Industry Council’s 2020 Industry Awards, which was good to see take place even at a time much of the country was at different stages of restrictions, with the winners honoured for all their hard work and achievement. And good to see that Transit Systems has put in the largest e-bus order to date in Oz, with 31 units soon to be on Sydney metro roads under its Region 6 contract.

chunk of the ‘reported’ initial batch of 50. Cool. Someone recently phoned me about something and brought it up excitedly. I must have sounded too nonplussed because they were flummoxed as to why I wasn’t equally thrilled. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely interesting news, but you have to remember that not only I, but much of our industry as a whole, has been monitoring this tech and the forced inevitablity of such an EV transition for many, many years. So while the mainstream public might find it new and exciting, it’s all kind of like old news to me. Cool news, but just ... old. I guess it’s like when government X touts its ‘major’ e-bus aspirations and immediately claims its capital being world leading in that regard straight away. Er... I don’t mean to by cynical and rude, but, um ... not without the charging infrastructure and proper costings and tests conducted you aren’t. I guess to the general public the claim sounds validated and plausible, but from what I can see in cities like Gothenburg in Sweden, or Shenzhen in China, I’m pretty sure we have a long ways to go. Fair play to the spirit of it all, however. But until true-to-scale global city EV standards are achieved, I’ll just quietly mumble BS under my breath for now, thanks. And no-one would hear or listen, so no harm done. ;) What was that infamous quote again: “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth”? Let’s hope that isn’t the case here. Until the next thrilling instalment...

ARE WE THERE YET? Speaking of which, that Transit Systems news was part of a bigger announcement from the NSW state government about its aim to have its entire 8,000-bus fleet swapped out to electric versions by 2030, with the Transit Systems order the largest

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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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NEWS

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST ORDER OF E-BUSES PLACED TO DATE BUS OPERATOR Transit Systems – part of the Australia’s multi-modal Sealink public transport group – has placed the largest order for electric buses nationwide thus far, with 31 units out of an initial 50 announced by the NSW state government, recently. As part of the NSW Zero Emission strategy, which aims to replace the entire 8,000-bus fleet with electric-powered vehicles by 2030, the Transit Systems allotment of Gemilang-bodied BYD e-chassis buses are set to arrive progressively at their Sydney depots from February 2021, the operator confirms. The order comes following the ongoing and successful electric bus trial with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), which has seen the fleet of four zero-emission electric buses rack up more than 300,000 kilometres during 18 months, it states. Group CEO of SeaLink Travel Group Clint Feuerherdt says creating zero-emission public 8

transport solutions is a priority. “We continue to benchmark the commitment of the transport minister in NSW, and the dedication of TfNSW in delivering more sustainable services to the community,” said Feuerherdt. “There is no doubt they are leading the charge when it comes to delivering a zero-emission network,” he added. Feuerherdt says some drivers now prefer operating an electric bus, and customers have really enjoyed riding them. “Some of the compliments we have received include that it was the most comfortable public transport journey they’d ever taken.” “We have also received feedback that indicates customers would be more likely to travel on public transport knowing that it is an electric bus.” The 31 new electric buses will be made by Nexport, BYD and Gemilang Australia.

trial e-bus performance results to date include: • The zero-emission buses have the same general specification

“Some of the compliments we have received include that it was the most comfortable public transport journey they’d ever taken.”

E-BUS PERFORMANCE According to Transit Systems, its

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as existing two-door city buses in Sydney • After a full day of on-route service, which is generally between 150–200km and around 11–12 hours in service, e-buses are returning to the depot with approximately 50 per cent charge remaining in the batteries • Buses have achieved up to 16 hours in service time between charges with no issues • Regenerative braking delivers around 30–40 per cent additional charge to batteries in a day • This figure results from the local operating environment, which includes real driving conditions such as heavy traffic congestion, slow average speeds and stop-start conditions • After experiencing the e-buses, they are generally favoured over diesel and CNG buses by drivers.

ZEB SPECS As Transit Systems explains, the total battery capacity on the vehicles is 362kW. The vehicles’ performance has shown to be 0.8kWh/km, of which the vehicle regenerates approximately 30–40 per cent of its battery capacity through normal braking during service operations, depending on traffic conditions. With ViriCity software technology installed, Transit Systems can remotely monitor real-time data and historical data to assist in all aspects of the electric bus operation, it confirms. The electric buses all feature next-stop passenger information systems, which provide audio and visual route and location information for customers. The next-stop systems will be fitted and progressively rolled out to all new buses in the Transit Systems Region 6 fleet.

BUS DRIVER RESILIENCE SAFETY GRANT TRANSIT SYSTEMS bus drivers are to receive heavy-vehicle safety support thanks to the operator’s allotment from a $5.5 million federal governmentbacked grant issued via the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), it was announced recently. Known as the Driver Resilience Training Program, Transit Systems bus drivers Australia-wide will have access to the scheme that is part of the NHVR’s 2020 Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. SeaLink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt, which owns Transit Systems, says the funding would help support the organisation to further improve heavy vehicle safety. “Safety is our number-one priority as Australia’s largest multi-modal land and marine transport company; it’s a responsibility we address and incorporate in our operations every single day,” Feuerherdt explained. “Our drivers are on the roads, connecting our community each and every day – and it’s not just about how well they drive, it’s factoring in other drivers, or challenging conditions.

ADVERTISING Opposite:: The 31 new electric buses will be made by Nexport, BYD and Gemilang Australia – for use in Transit Systems’ NSW Region 6 contract role.

“We are proud to deliver this additional training program to our team, and with

a network of 3,500 buses and 114 ferries we know that the information and skills will be a great asset to our teams, and the communities we service,” he said.

THE WINNING BIDS NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the funding was part of $5.5 million being distributed across the country. “Heavy vehicle safety is everyone’s responsibility and through local safety programs we can make our roads safer for all road users,” Petroccitto said. “Twenty-six recipients from across Australia will be supported to roll out programs targeting heavy vehicle safety. “From road safety education to truckie physical and mental health, to the investigation of braking technologies, tyres and pavement wear, these diverse projects will all make a big difference to safety. “The NHVR is looking forward to working with the winning bids to ensure the projects deliver safety outcomes for all road users.” For more information visit: www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi Above:“Twenty-six recipients from across Australia will be supported to roll out programs targeting heavy vehicle safety,” said NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto.

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NEWS

2021 SYDNEY BUS AND COACH EXPO A NEW WEBSITE heralds the highly anticipated 2021 Sydney Bus and Coach Expo, which has been set for September 29–30 in The Dome and Halls of the Sydney Showgrounds, in Sydney Olympic Park, organiser BusNSW confirms. Executive director of BusNSW Matt Threlkeld says he is expecting keen exhibitor interest, with the expo returning in 2021 to Sydney after five years. “Preparations are well underway and BusNSW has commenced discussions with its partners and other industry suppliers wishing to exhibit at the Covid Safe event. “The last Expo in Sydney in 2016 was deemed a world-class exhibition and one of the best ever undertaken in Australia. “In 2021 we are hoping to build on that success with an increased number of displays covering more than 14,000 square metres, all under the one roof. “We will again have free entry and a focus on the exhibition to maximise attendance by key decision makers representing bus and coach operators, large and small. “With over 2,000 attendees 10

in 2016 and five years between shows in Sydney, the 2021 show provides an exceptional opportunity for industry suppliers to display new products and technology.”

Above and below:: The Sydney Bus and Coach Expo will be back on September 29-30, 2021.

to come,” Threlkeld said. Suppliers, operators and industry stakeholders can keep informed in the lead-up to the event via a new website: www. busandcoachexpo.com.au.

ZERO EMISSIONS The event is being held at a time when public transport is a high priority for state and federal governments and there is a strong focus on transitioning to zero-emission bus fleets, BusNSW explains. An industry gala dinner will be held in conjunction with the Expo on the Wednesday night of 30 September. As an aside, BusNSW clarifies that future Australasia Bus and Coach Expos will alternate between Sydney and Melbourne every two years with the Sydney Expo being managed by BusNSW and the Melbourne Expo managed by BusVic.

WEBSITE LIVE “We are pleased to launch a new brand for the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo, which will provide an identity for the event for years

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VIC GOVERNMENT THREE-YEAR ‘ZEB’ TRIAL CALL THE VICTORIAN state government will invest $20 million via its 2020/21 Budget in a state-wide trial to investigate solutions to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet and create a pipeline of local job opportunities, it has announced. The zero emissions bus (ZEB) trial will run over three years, trialling different technologies on buses right across the state – with an expression of interest for companies to begin soon, it explains. According to the government, it is delivering clean, sustainable public transport to keep Victorians moving, with a trial of ZEBs to start in the coming months. The trial will support the Victorian economy with a boost to the transport equipment manufacturing and electricity supply sectors, driving the local development of skills and innovation and contributing to regional economies where some manufacturers are established.

Achieving zero emissions across the bus fleet is critical to Victoria meeting its legislated commitment of zero net emissions by 2050 – and bus operators across the state are already playing their part in investigating this technology, it explains. There are currently 40 hybrid buses operating in Melbourne and eight in the Latrobe Valley, and Victoria’s first fully electric bus is also being trialled – which, in 300 days on the road, has saved 61 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, the government states. The electric bus is currently in its second trial phase – now running on Route 251 between the city and Northland Shopping Centre, clocking up more than 32,900 kilometres and travelling nearly 1,000 kilometres on just two charges, demonstrating the efficiency and range of its 324kW lithium-phosphate batteries, it confirms. Minister for public transport Ben Carroll said: “Our buses get thousands

Above: Achieving zero emissions across the bus fleet is critical to Victoria meeting its legislated commitment of zero net emissions by 2050, it states.

of Victorians where they need to go. This investment will ensure a cleaner trip for our planet – and deliver hundreds of long-term jobs in the technology of the future. “We want Victoria to become a global leader in smart, sustainable transport solutions – backing our local manufacturing industry and the thousands of Victorians it employs.” Minister for energy, environment and climate change Lily D’Ambrosio stated: “Electrification of transport is critical for tackling climate change and creating new jobs in low-carbon industries.”

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NEWS

BUSTECH PARTNERS WITH SAGE FOR TELEMATICS

CURRENTLY COLLABORATING to create integrated platform solutions for existing and new bus fleets, it is key that vehicles in operation present the next level of telematic data for performance measurement and vehicle optimisation, say Bustech and Sage of their joint program. With the transition to zero-emission buses (ZEBs) well underway, Sage’s IoT data-capture device, Sage Edge, has been installed onto buses and vehicle infrastructure such as bus stops. Data captured by the device provides a range of information to benefit drivers, operators and passengers alike, such as real-time traffic condition updates and traffic event notifications, Sage explains. Passengers will ultimately have access to in-vehicle infotainment services and real-time service updates, such as vehicle arrival time, seat availability and security alerts, it says. COMPREHENSIVE DATA Transport network operators will obtain a dashboard view of vehicle placement on the grid; real-time and trend data on passenger numbers on services and waiting time at bus stops; as well as vehicle performance telematics data, such as mileage wear on components, suspension, vehicle speed and powertrain health, assisting with predictive maintenance scheduling decreasing vehicle downtime, it’s claimed. 12

Infrastructure award in the Intelligent Transport Systems Australia National Awards,. Sage Automation’s general manager for transport, Damian Hewitt, says the solution is a natural next step in the evolution of a smarter transport system. “This partnership with Bustech Group will see learnings from the broader transport industry launch the bus sector into the future with data supporting improved passenger experience, vehicle performance and fleet efficiency.” Details and results of the local trial will be announced in early 2021.

A trial of the home-grown solution is already underway and scheduled to roll-out across states with Bustech Group spokesperson Christian Reynolds saying he could not be happier with the platform. “We are looking forward to demonstrating the value of the solution, which will see the bus industry embracing i4.0 technology to deliver tangible benefits to passengers, operators and communities,” Reynolds explained. “We are seeing more and more requests for integrated solutions for product performance; it’s no longer just about a vehicle, it’s about truly integrated solutions for mobility transit. “With the bus at its heart, the opportunity to create a holistic multi-modal transport solution as part of an intelligent transport system is exciting to be a part of,” he said. AWARD WINNER In a coming together of leading Australian capability, Bustech Group opted to draw on the smarts of Sage Automation. The company has earned a reputation for disrupting the transport industry in recent years through advancements in traffic data capture, autonomous vehicle trials and intelligent traffic systems, it explains. In November, 2020, the Edge device won the Smart Transport

ABOUT BUSTECH Bustech Group is an Australian bus group designed for a connected world – delivering integrated, low-emission mass mobility solutions enabled by technology, it states. With an emphasis on sovereign capacity and mutually beneficial local supplier partnerships, Bustech operates a micro factory model that drives local economic growth whilst reducing our environmental footprint. Bustech says it, “…believes the future of mass transit is a connected ecosystem with buses at the heart; and we are committed to enabling the next generation of connected transit.”

Above: Data captured by the device will provide valuable information to drivers, operators and passengers, such as updates on traffic conditions.

ABOUT SAGE Sage develops and delivers technologies that create accessible, integrated transport solutions and Smart Cities of the future, it explains. These solutions include end-to-end transport projects, congestion management, autonomous shuttles, intermodal transport, data analytics, smart city innovations, and operations and maintenance, it adds.

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NEWS

HYZON HYDROGEN ‘SUPERBUS’ CONCEPT ADVANCES NEW HYDROGEN fuel-cell bus player Hyzon – in partnership with Australian industrial technology company Warpforge – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Transit Group (ATG) to bring its ‘Superbus’ concept hitting local roads even closer, it’s reported recently. Deployment of the first Superbus aims to realise longer driving ranges, reduced manufacturing costs, improved safety features and emission-free driving, Hyzon states. ATG ultimately plans to 14

decarbonise its 950-strong bus fleet across Australia and deploy the Superbus across ATG operated bus routes, it adds. Under the collaboration ATG will operate the Superbus, which encompasses innovative composite material capabilities made possible through the recent co-development agreement between Hyzon and Warpforge, the companies confirm. Hyzon and Warpforge announced their collaboration in October to develop the

prototype Superbus at Warpforge’s facilities in Perth, Western Australia – with work commencing in 2021. Through this new partnership with ATG, the companies will work together to introduce the vehicle into an ATG operated bus route in Western Australia, Hyzon states.

Above: BusWest is part of a 950-strong bus fleet ATG is planning to decarbonise, the company states.

PROVEN FUEL CELL The Superbus will be powered by Hyzon’s proven PEM fuel cell designs, which have already been used in hundreds of commercial vehicles

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internationally, and which provide industry-leading efficiency, leading to lower hydrogen consumption in operation, and therefore lower cost of operation, Hyzon explains. Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial component of the future energy landscape, including in the bus sector, as it offers the most attractive green solution for high utilisation heavy vehicles, it explains. The global heavy transport and equipment sector is fast becoming a key target for the implementation of clean energy alternatives, it adds. Hyzon Motors co-founder and CEO Craig Knight said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with ATG, with operations across Australia and a 950-strong bus fleet presenting an exciting opportunity for Hyzon and Warpforge to

introduce our pioneering technology into the Australian bus market for the first time. “We see this agreement as an important step in our journey to decarbonise the country’s bus fleets, the urgency of which is reflected in the recent Transport for NSW Expression of Interest targeting Zero Emission Bus trials that will ultimately lead to the replacement of the 8,000 transit buses in NSW.”

HIGH CALIBRE Warpforge executive chairman Brian Maloney said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with an organisation of the calibre of ATG with 20 years of experience in providing bus transport solutions nationwide and look forward to developing this partnership as we collaborate on introducing the Superbus into Australian bus routes. “Furthermore, by building the

Superbus here in Perth, this will also mean greater local job creation in the manufacturing and technology space,” he added. “Progressive bus operators, such as ATG, are essential partners as we seek to disrupt the global mobility market with this next-generation zero emission solution.” ATG managing director Ben Doolan added: “As a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious provider of transport solutions, we view hydrogen as the optimum approach to decarbonising the hard-to-abate bus sector. “ATG is excited to collaborate with Hyzon and Warpforge in this exciting Superbus venture as we look to decarbonise our entire fleet of nearly 1000 buses and become a clear leader in green mobility services.”

busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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NEWS

YUTONG TO SUPPLY RECORD 741 E-BUSES An online signing ceremony for Qatar’s electric bus strategy on November 30, 2020, was attended by Qatar’s prime minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, minister of transport and communications HE Jassim bin Saif Ahmed AI-Sulaiti, the Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian, the commercial counselor ofeconomic and commercial office of the embassy of PRC in Qatar Yang Song, CEO of Mowasalat Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani, deputy CEO of QFZA Abdulla Al-Misnad and CEO of Yutong Group Tang Yuxiang. Yutong Bus signed the framework agreement with QFZA and Mowasalat to establish a KD factory in Qatar as the Qatar government continues to promote the development of its electric bus infrastructure, it explains.

ABC-QV-5164982-TS-400

IN RECEIVING what is touted as ‘the largest electric bus order in history’, Yutong will provide a massive 741 e-buses – out of an overall 1,002 bus total – for use during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the State of Qatar, the company confirms. The epic order from Mowasalat – the Qatari public transport company providing commuting services for the 2020 football extravaganza – amounts to about CNY1.8 billion (around AUS$370 million) for the 1,002 buses. Of that unit total, 741 buses will be electric – making it the largest order of EV buses ever, Yutong states. A key part of the deal is Yutong Bus signing a ‘framework agreement’ with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and Mowasalat to establish a KD factory in Qatar, it should be noted.

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Above: Qatar 2022 World Cup will utilise the largest ever number of ‘environmentally friendly’ electric buses for this event.

THE CUP Qatar 2022 – scheduled for November 21 to December 18, 2022 – will be the first World Cup event to adopt the largest number of ‘environmentally friendly’ electric buses with zero emissions, and Yutong Bus says it is honoured to be part of the mission of making it a green, sustainable sporting event. “Yutong Bus will continue to work closely with local partners to accelerate the public transportation system build-up with green energy solution,” said Shen Hui, GM of Yutong Bus in the Middle East. “The KD factory for EV buses with QFZA and Mowasalat will realise localised design and manufacturing of EV buses in Qatar, offering more experience and technologies to aid the sustainable development of local public transportation,” he added. For Yutong Bus, Qatar 2022 will be yet another major international sporting event for which the company has provided service and support following the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as well as multiple international conferences such as APEC meetings, it confirms. With the ability and experience to service major international events, along with an extraordinary quality of products, Yutong Bus once again wins the trust from clients, it states. As an innovator in the international ‘new energy’ bus field, Yutong Bus says it has, “… taken the lead in the research and development of bus energy conservation and new energy exploration.”

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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NEWS

GREAT OCEAN ROAD TO GET AUS$272.4 MILLION UPGRADE

VICTORIA’S iconic and internationally renowned Great Ocean Road – a favoured destination and ‘experience’ for tourist bus and coach operators and travellers Australia-wide – is to receive key upgrades worth AUD$272.4 million. With its strict Melbourne Metro lockdown restrictions lifting somewhat recently – and given the state and national economies’ impact from it – tourism will prove key to recovery for many businesses and thus the road improvements will be ensuring, “…journeys are safer and more reliable with a major investment into road and bridge upgrades,” the government said. Minister for roads and road safety Ben Carroll announced that the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will include the $272.4 million for upgrading the Great Ocean Road and its inland routes, as well as key roads that support the dairy industry in the south west region. This includes $140 million to upgrade and improve the resilience of the Great Ocean Road so it can continue carrying millions of people 18

each year as Victoria’s number one tourist route, the government explains. Upgrades will include vital works to ensure the road remains strong – such as rebuilding road pavement, bridge strengthening, geotechnical works, and safety upgrades, it says. Additionally, $115 million will be invested into upgrading the inland routes between the Great Ocean Road and the Princes Highway West, which are vital connections for the tourism and freight industries, as well as local communities, it states.

All pics: The $272.4 million allocated in the latest Budget is for upgrading the Great Ocean Road and its inland routes, as well as key roads that support the dairy industry in the south west region.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? These upgrades will include pavement widening and rebuilding works so roads are stronger and smoother, as well as the construction of retaining walls to reduce the risk of landslips, it says. Interestingly, $17.4 million will also be invested in priority roads supporting the Barwon South West Dairy Supply Chain – including rebuilding, resurfacing and widening these routes.

ABC December 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!?! HOT STUFF

There were alarming scenes in New York recently where a man was filmed climbing on top of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus and firing a flamethrower. It turns out that Brooklyn-based rapper Dupree G.O.D. was shooting a clip for a music video, but failed to ask either MTA, city officials or the 25 passengers inside the bus if waving a flamethrower around was cool with them. “We don’t even need to say how absurd, dangerous and just plain stupid this was,” MTA spokesman Tim Minton told the New York Post. Awkward.

BOOZE BUS

MOSCOW LAUNCHES 500TH E-BUS RUSSIA’S largest and capital city Moscow has emerged as a European leader in the number of electric buses in use, having recently launched its 500th e-bus running on routes, the Moscow Department of Transport (MDOT) confirmed recently. Last month marked only 24 months since Moscow’s route e-bus use started. Its 500th e-bus milestone means the city now has one of the largest fleets of passenger electric buses in the world, it explains. Purchases of vehicles continue, it should be noted, and by the end of 2020 another 100 electric buses will arrive in Moscow, MDOT confirms. The electric buses are produced by Russian companies in the Moscow region and the city of Neftekamsk (1,250 km from Moscow). In addition, next year the city will launch the Moscow-based production of electric buses – where the plan is to assemble about 400 electric buses in the city per year.

THE BUS According to the department, the Moscow e-bus is capable of accommodating 85 passengers and it has more than 30 seats. Thanks to 20

the completely low floor level, the presence of a ramp, a storage area and a place for visually impaired passengers with guide dogs, it is convenient for everyone, including low-mobility passengers, it states. The electric buses from the last delivery were produced according to the revised technical specifications, it explains. They have separate climate control for the driver and passengers, an automated passenger counting system and all-round cameras, it confirms. Outside the electric buses speakers are installed to inform visually impaired passengers about the direction of travel, MDOT explains.

Above: Following its 500th e-bus, next year the city will launch the Moscow-based production of electric buses – where the plan is to assemble about 400 electric buses in the city per year.

And that isn’t the only bus-related escapade to liven up New York in the past month – there were also reports that a man impersonating an NYC cop stole wine from a hotel before commandeering a bus. Joseph McGreevy, 61, dressed in full cop gear, commandeered a bus and told the driver to go in the opposite direction from its destination. The driver, presumably suspicious as to why the police had resorted to both drinking on duty and catching the bus, flagged down a real cop en route, who arrested the imposter. McGreevy was subsequently charged with criminal impersonation, obstruction of government administration and petit larceny for the stolen wine. That’s one expensive ride home!

COVID SAFE

With COVID restrictions limiting the size of gatherings, a converted US school bus is providing an alternative wedding venue for couples in Japan. Operating in the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido, the bus acts as a mobile ceremony, driving the newlyweds and a small wedding party past the homes of friends and family. “Even though there aren’t many guests, it feels like the event is being celebrated,” one bride told Japanese news site Mainichi Shimbun. Good to see that buses are helping bring people together at such a difficult time.

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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AUSTRALIA WIDE

busstopsales.com.au 7/12/20 2:34 pm

BIC

MICHAEL APPS

The year in summary A 2020 view from BIC chairman Wayne Patch

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

he start of 2020 and the Covid-19 crisis certainly presented some significant challenges for the industry. I do not believe that any association, bus operator or transport government agency had in place an incident management plan for a worldwide pandemic – a pandemic that would very nearly shut down the entire moving people task. Within a matter of days of the pandemic being declared, BIC was aware of a number of businesses already making decisions to completely close or suspend business. By the end of March, the federal government had moved Australia into Stage 2 (border closure). Industry and governments went into overdrive, all trying to determine ‘the rules’ in this new, almost incomprehensible environment. I would like to particularly acknowledge the efforts of the Bus Australia Network – all working together to assemble informative and state-specific issues and solutions for bus and coach businesses Australiawide. In those early stages of Covid-19, the task of the Bus Australia Network was enormous when considering that the Australian government was setting the national emergency response agenda for adoption by the states. Not an easy task to assemble and disseminate a wide perspective of state-centric transport protocols to fit a national approach. The pace was fast in those early weeks of crisis control and there were significant challenges in keeping up with the rapid changes to the emergency response plans coming from the federal government. BIC undertook a wide consultation of industry to

“I believe that we will see emerging markets and new business opportunities to tap into in 2021 and beyond.” ensure that the range of business issues could be accurately and very quickly conveyed to federal and state/territory governments to help them landscape a passenger transport position. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and the prime minister and cabinet worked closely with BIC to gain insights into the realities of providing Covid-safe passenger transport in metro/outer and rural/regional services, school, coach and charter. On April 2, BIC also commenced a comprehensive campaign for the bus and coach industry across 22

all levels of government and portfolios for tourism, transport, treasury, employment and small business. Over a period of three months, BIC distributed six major industry papers to inform governments, the National Covid-19 Coordination Commission and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry about the Covid-19 crisis impacting bus and coach operations and the manufacture and supply chain. Importantly, these industry papers also outlined a suite of stimulus recommendations for industry and a number of economic recovery programs in which bus and coach operators, and the bus manufacture and supply chain, could play an active part. I acknowledge that the LDTCE market has suffered significant losses and many businesses are on the cliff-edge. BIC has been working with the Tourism Restart Taskforce, appointed by the federal government and administered by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Many of the issues raised by BIC and the Bus Australia Network have been taken up in various reports and recommendations provided by the taskforce to the federal government. A special thank you to industry’s appointed Coach Tourism Taskforce comprised of Paul Crowther, Richard Dawes, Damien Lee and Geoff Vickers. Their tremendous efforts in working with BIC to provide the case for our coach tourism sector has been invaluable. BIC will continue to fight hard for this sector. We are on the approach to the road out of this covid crisis. Industry needs to acknowledge that we have in fact weathered this storm so far (some better than others). I believe that we will see emerging markets and new business opportunities to tap into in 2021 and beyond. We need to acknowledge that the businesses in our industry are, in fact, strong and inventive. We are highly skilled as unique providers of automotive vehicles, purveyors of people movement, engineers of safety and high-tech solutions. I would also like to touch briefly on other matters outside of Covid-19. Through this year, BIC has also conducted ‘business as usual’ with the BIC Work Program. Of particular note in the current program, BIC has ongoing participation in a number of major reviews, including: accessible transport standards, equivalent access, national transport regulatory reform, heavy vehicle national law, road vehicle standards, road safety, heavy vehicle accreditation and heavy vehicle charging. These are all significant reform agendas being undertaken by the federal government and many are tabled for review by the Transport Infrastructure Council in 2021. BIC will continue to be diligent in representing the interests of its members and the whole of industry in 2021. The BIC team wishes all of industry a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

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7/12/20 2:34 pm

IN FOCUS

QBIC AWARDS

QBIC 2020 BUS INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Although the 2020 Queensland Bus Industry Council had postponed its big annual conference this year due to the Covid-pandemic impact, it was able to hold a small gathering to celebrate its Industry Award winners, recently.

eld in November at the Norman Hotels Longhorn Room, QBIC was keen to acknowledge its “great achievers and contributors” and to “…present our awards to the winners in the year that they were recognised for their achievements and contributions to our industry,” rather than carrying them over to QBIC’s 2021 conference. As the bus organisation explains, each year its Queensland achievers and contributors “…raise the bar and standard on what they have done, what they achieved and how they have contributed to our great industry,” explained QBIC executive director and association secretary David Tape. “And I am sure that next year will be no different,” he added.

Right: Each year QBIC’s achievers and contributors, “…raise the bar and standard on what they have done,” like Gary Stewart (left) from Keolis Downer/Hornibrook Bus Lines.

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Contributors raise the bar and standard on what they have done, what they achieved and how they have contributed to our great industry. THE WINNERS This year, QBIC acknowledged the following award recipients, with awards presented by Translink deputy director-general Matthew Longland and QBIC president Frank Oliveri. • The Manmeet Sharma Perpetual Professional Driver Award – Gary Stewart (Keolis Downer/Hornibrook Bus Lines) • Outstanding Contribution – Rolf Mitchell (Keolis Downer/ Hornibrook Bus Lines) • Achiever of the Year Award – Lachlan Craike (Caboolture Bus Lines) • Outstanding Employer Award – Volvo Bus Australia • Supplier of the Year Award – Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus • Environmental & Innovation Award – CAVBUS Logan Coaches

• Apprentice of the Year Award – Jarrod Palethorpe (Keolis Downer/Hornibrook Bus Lines) • Executive Directors Award – Scott Campbell (Transdev Queensland Bus)

LONG SERVICE QBIC also again acknowledged members for their long service and dedication to the bus and coach industry in the state (see table below). Overall, the council says it was great to catch up with industry colleagues over a relaxed lunch and it again thanks Matthew Longland (deputy director-general Translink) and Graham Davis (general manager Passenger Transport Services Translink) for taking time to attend and being part of the QBIC 2020 awards ceremony.

CELEBRATING LONG SERVICE The following members achieved the indicated milestones below: COMPANY

YEARS OF SERVICE

Purser’s Coaches

40 years

Southern Cross Transit

40 years

Barton’s Buses

30 years

Carbridge Pty Ltd

30 years

Eurombah Creek Bus Committee

30 Years

H.I.S Australia Pty Ltd

30 Years

Hubbards Coaches

30 Years

Purple Turtle Disability Transport Pty Ltd

30 Years

Outstanding Contribution – Rolf Mitchell (Keolis Downer/Hornibrook Bus Lines)

Brisbane Charter Bus Pty Ltd

20 Years

Right, Top:

Gary J Pagel

20 Years

Apprentice of the Year Award – Jarrod Palethorpe (Keolis Downer/Hornibrook Bus Lines)

Westside Bus Company

20 Years

Right, Below:

L J Creevey

20 Years

Above:

Outstanding Employer Award – Volvo Bus Australia busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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IN FOCUS

BUSWAYS ROAD SAFETY PLEDGE

n addition to Busways reminding road users to be vigilant when behind the wheel, it advocates doing so “especially around large vehicles like buses”. Busways’ drivers took the pledge in November – and with more than 1,300 bus drivers, the company is on board with the national campaign as an opportunity to remind all drivers and other road users of the influence they have on our roads, it states. “Safety is always top priority for our workforce,” Busways managing director Byron Rowe said. “While we hold responsibility ourselves, it’s important other road users remember that buses are large heavy vehicles that can’t stop quickly. All road users, pedestrians and passengers have a part to play when it comes to road safety. “When incidents occur, the mental 26

and physical toll it can have on bus drivers and the public can be colossal, depending on the severity of the incident. “Education campaigns and programs such as National Road Safety Week and Busways’ Driver Training Program are core to building our safety culture,” Rowe explained. “The reality is that many road safety incidents are preventable if people pay attention on the road and respect road rules around heavy vehicles.”

THE STATS During 2015 to 2019, 34 people were killed and 295 seriously injured in heavy bus crashes across NSW, the company reminds. Of the 34 people killed, 13 were pedestrians – our most vulnerable road users, it adds. Eleven were drivers, six were passengers, three were

motorcyclists and one was a pedal cyclist, it explains. Most fatalities and serious injuries occurred in metropolitan areas where pedestrians make up nearly half of all lives lost in heavy bus crashes, Busways states. National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative highlighting the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it; people can take the pledge ‘drive so others survive’ with daily themes reinforcing various important messages about safe driving, it says.

TAKING THE PLEDGE “By participating in this important campaign, we’re encouraging our drivers to take the pledge and drive so others survive,” Rowe said. “The National Road Safety Week message is simple: slow down, look out for others [and] make safe decisions so

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no one is injured or killed. “This includes being safe around buses and not cutting in front of them as they are heavy vehicles that can’t stop quickly. “Motorists should also be aware of the flashing lights on the back of the bus; they alert them to when children might be crossing the road or when the bus is looking to pull away from the kerb,” he added.

TOP TIPS Busways recommendations for safety around buses include: • Leave a safe distance – motorists should leave a safe distance between them and the bus. Buses take longer to stop, so by cutting in front of it, the motorist minimises the distance between them and the bus. • Don’t sit in the buses’ blind spots where they might not see you! Typical blind spots include along the entire passenger side of the vehicle; directly behind the vehicle; at the front of the vehicle; and beside the driver’s door. All road users – including cyclists, motorbike

riders and pedestrians – are reminded to be mindful of this. • Give buses plenty of room to move – buses need room to turn corners or navigate other obstacles like roundabouts, so do not overtake a turning vehicle. • Remember to slow to 40km/h when bus lights flash – flashing lights warn motorists that school children may be crossing the road, or when they’re trying to pull away from the kerb. • Motorists should always give way to a bus where possible. National Road Safety Week is from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) group, partnering transport and road safety organisations with government. For further information visit: https://roadsafetyweek.com.au.

ABOUT BUSWAYS Busways is a family owned and operated company with more than 78 years’ experience in the

When incidents occur, the mental and physical toll it can have on bus drivers and the public can be colossal. transport industry, operating services across NSW including western Sydney, the central coast, the mid-north noast and Adelaide’s outer south network, it confirms. The company began as a single-person operation and has grown into a transportation business with a team in excess of 1,756 people across 18 depots. The company provides school and route bus services, as well as expertise in transport operations, scheduling, asset management, marketing and communications and customer experience, it states. With more than 890 buses in the fleet, 26 million passengers travel on a Busways journey every year, it explains.

Above: Busways’ more than 1,300 bus drivers across Victoria and NSW signed the pledge to improve road safety. Opposite: “By participating in this important campaign, we’re encouraging our drivers to take the pledge and drive so others survive,” Busways managing director Byron Rowe said.

busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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IN FOCUS

VOLGREN 2,000TH BUS

VOLGREN PERTH DELIVERS 2,000TH BUS Local manufacturing is alive and well in Western Australia’s capital city with Volgren’s 2,000th vehicle constructed at the company’s purpose-built manufacturing and service facility in Malaga, recently.

olgren, Australia’s largest bus body builder, supplied the low-floor Optimus city bus, which typifies close to 1,800 of those buses delivered to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) over two decades, it says. Regional sales and contract manager for Volgren Perth, Peter McCrory, says that they have become an important cog in the local economy. “More than 60 people are currently employed at Malaga, of which nine employees worked on the very first bus delivered to PTA in 1999,” he explained. “Our association with PTA is the longest bus supply agreement in the country and 28

one that we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a partnership that’s seen roughly two vehicles built per week for 21 years.” McCrory says Volgren is committed to investing in the state’s skilled workforce – and since its last contract was awarded in 2018 it has increased local fabrications. “The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded Australians of the importance of being able to manufacture a full range of essential equipment and supplies in our own backyard – and the value of geographically close supply chains,” McCrory stated. “Our buses for PTA are built with 85 per cent local (Australian) content, of which over half of materials and services comes from WA suppliers.

“We recently completed a project to bring a large amount of aluminium and steel fabrication from a supplier close to our head office in Victoria to Perth. “In time we hope to create a strong and sustainable local supply chain around the Malaga precinct,” he added. “Volgren Perth directly supports over 100 local businesses and indirectly supports another 29. We are currently spending approximately $7m a year with these suppliers and helping to support 150 jobs in the WA economy outside of Volgren.”

BETTER BUSES McCrory says local production and products aren’t just good for jobs – they

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Volgren Perth directly supports over 100 local businesses and indirectly supports another 29. also lead to demonstrably better buses. “Volgren buses are now completing 18 to 20 years of service and are being sold at auction to continue their life with other companies, operators and private citizens,” McCrory explained. “The fact that some of the first vehicles supplied to the PTA are still in operation – or are only now being retired – spoke volumes about the quality of his company’s engineering and overall product.” McCrory says quality means Western Australian taxpayers save in the long run. “The value we provide to the PTA comes from an unrivalled whole-of-life bus cost. We are proud to offer a bus that, with its advanced engineering and unique Co-bolt

design, ultimately delivers savings to the people of Western Australia.” That longstanding reputation for quality hasn’t stopped Volgren from looking to the future – and to major changes to the way buses are built, the company says. In July 2020, the Western Australian government announced it would trial Transperth’s first all-electric buses. Volgren will build the bodies on Volvo chassis. “Zero-emission buses are the future and we have to be involved now to assure our competitiveness and meet our customer demands going forward,” he said. The first trial buses will start travelling on the Joondalup CAT service in 2022, Volgren explains.

Opposite: The low-floor Optimus city bus was delivered to WA’s PTA. Top: There are over 60 people currently employed at Malaga, nine of which worked on PTA’s first Volgren bus in 1999. Above Left + Right: Volgren has a strong focus on building locally and sustainably. busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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EVENT NEWS

SHOW TIME This is everything we have been waiting for – the year of the biennial Brisbane Truck Show, Australia’s largest business-to-business event.

ow did you see in the New Year? Has there ever been one we’ve looked forward to more? Yet, it’s like none we have ever celebrated. Did you make a New Year’s resolution? How about ‘in 2021 I am not going to miss the Brisbane Truck Show’? For all the good intentions about giving up junk food, exercising more, spending more time with your partner/ kids/mum/dog, this one is fully within your powers to pull together. We could talk about how good it’s going to be to catch up with colleagues, customers and mates in the flesh, but let’s look at this purely from a professional perspective. This is the biggest business-tobusiness event that will have taken place in Australia in 18 months. It is the rebirth of major indoor events. So, there are a lot of people in a lot of companies who are busting a gut to make it special. There are new model trucks and trailers that are crying out to be shown off. There’s technology, components, engines, parts and accessories that you are going to want see whether they are as impressive and robust as they appear in the pictures. Let’s start planning your trip. Accommodation is probably your biggest hurdle. If you don’t live in Brisbane or know someone who does, you had better jump onto the show website and follow the links to Ozaccomm+. Whether you are booking one room or one hundred, Ozaccom+ is the best source of great rooms at the best rates.

It is the rebirth of major indoor events. Flights are getting much better now. Lots of flights are being scheduled and at much better prices. But get in early. Then you’ll want to work out your itinerary. You are going to want at least two days at the show. There are 300 exhibits spread across all the main halls and through every nook and cranny across the three floors of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Some of them are so big you could spend half on day on them alone, particularly if you find yourself having a chat with the folks on the stand, having a coffee or looking at some merchandise. Or better still, signing a deal some new gear. If you have time you will want to scout who is there with a walk-by reconnaissance before settling on your plan. You’ll probably want to do it in a couple of shifts with a break for lunch; maybe see who else is up at the Plaza Terrace BBQ Bar. You are pretty much guaranteed to run into a mate or two dozen. We don’t need to go through all the highlights just yet. Keep your eye on these pages over the next couple of

months for a full preview of who is going to be there and what they will have on show. Now that we have your day sorted out, you need to think about the evenings. Well, you don’t have to go far. Just stroll across the road to Stanley Street and get into the spirit of the South Bank Truck Festival. The display of trucks and trailers looks pretty amazing set against the backdrop of South Bank’s spectacular gardens, the cafes and restaurants and the festoon lights wrapped around the palm trees. All the venues are looking forward to your arrival and there will be plenty of entertainment, no matter what sort of mood you are in. Don’t forget to put some time aside to head down the river to the Civil Construction Field Days. You can get a free shuttle to the heavy equipment and machinery from the Convention Centre and your Brisbane Truck Show ticket will get you in. Do you remember Y2K, when everyone feared that everything would stop working over the New Year? The Millennium Bug they called it and there was no vaccine. Well, now there is. This time around it is the opposite – like everything can start working again. The events industry has been slowly starting to rebuild, and their full capacity sure will be put to task when the Brisbane Truck Show arrives in town from May 16–19, 2021. For more information visit brisbanetruckshow.com.au.

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INNOVATION - SUSTAINABILITY - SAFETY - KNOWLEDGE - CAREERS - COMMUNITY

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COVERSTORY

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CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

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Be it business or personal, in life our ‘journeys’ will be hallmarked with many ups and downs – just as it should and always will be. It’s the milestones along the way, though, that make said journey all the more special. BCI’s 2,000th Australian-delivered bus is one such moment. WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY BCI

hat makes a successful business? With so many variables and contexts at play, the question is arguably loaded, with often the only real quantifiable benchmark being longevity in business itself. That is, there is that point where how long a business has been in business is the very essence of success because it – at a minimum – expresses time amassed. Or to put bluntly: survival. And this is no mean feat in an often ruthless corporate world. Businesses failing is easier than any chance of it lasting, let alone doing whatever it does well, but for some companies like Perth-based Bus and Coach International (or more simply known as BCI) producing its 2,000th bus for the Australian market – delivered to NSW central coast operator Red Bus – as it steams ahead towards its 30th anniversary in 2021 proves it’s succeeded and exceeded, with the branding and ‘runs on the board’ to prove it. Speaking exclusively to Australasian Bus and Coach magazine, we spoke with some of the key players and personalities behind BCI’s rise and evolution as it prepares to celebrate 30 years in the Australasian bus and coach game.

HOME GROWN Perhaps it’s its geographic isolation and the untold beauty of the Swann River that snakes its way through it that makes Western Australia’s capital city of Perth that extra bit special when it comes to being the home for what would become an arguably major commercial vehicle

Left: “The drivers’ reaction has been very, very positive,” said the new owner of the bus, Red Bus Services boss John Shore.

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and transport company with global reach and product appeal. Yet, the ‘City of Light’ – dubbed as such in 1962, apparently, when local residents proudly lit their home lights to match the city’s streetlights as American astronaut John Glenn orbited overhead in his Friendship 7 spacecraft – would prove a perfect bedrock for a company like BCI to take root from. As the company explains, BCI began building buses in Western Australia over three decades ago, moving operations overseas to offer a competitive international product. However, throughout its journey, BCI is still defined by its stringent Australian design, engineering and production processes, it states. In 2011, BCI opened a new

THE CUSTOMER – RED BUS The recipient of BCI’s 2,000th bus was operator Red Bus Services on the NSW central coast. We asked owner John Shore about the product and purchase, and its significance to his company. Q. What brought you to start the process of looking outside your traditional supplier? JS: There has been no commitment that our current supplier can offer Cummins in Euro 6 and this led to us going to market about 16 months ago. Q. Had you experienced BCI product before? JS: Yes, we have had a couple of Fleetmasters that we bought second hand for our charter business. They have been great charter buses and our customers and staff like them, too. Q. What were a couple of key factors on deciding on the BCI product? JS: “Past track record of dealing with some key people at BCI. They could offer the Cummins/Allision package that we were looking for. With the Fleetmasters we could not fault [the process] when we have phoned up for parts. BCI had the parts and shipped in a timely matter. We were also looking for better value that would help with our next round of submissions with TfNSW. BCI is celebrating 30 years and we see them as a supplier in the market place for many years. The new Citirider model we are taking delivery of is very similar to the EV and hydrogen vehicles they offer, which longterm helps us with commonality when we do go down that path. Q. How has the experience been so far? JS: From a delivery point of view, BCI has worked very hard to deliver compliant TfNSW vehicles including the smallest details that are important to us. [They are] the most compliant buses ever delivered to Red Bus and have been very reliable from day one. We talk with BCI on a regular basis, which enhances the positive experience. Q. How has the acceptance been of the product with staff and key stake holders? JS: It definitely turned heads when it arrived with a lot of expectations/ assumptions pushed aside with the style/quality and features the bus has. The drivers’ reaction has been very, very positive.

Right:

The Citirider 12 offers the option of full stainless or galvanised steel chassis and body frame. 34

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There would be few in the local busmaking industry unfamiliar with the BCI nameplate.

manufacturers, but the new Fengtai Group joint-venture saw it produce its own buses, with the factory to date having more than 500 staff, including in excess of 80 design and production engineers. There are also more than 25 expats from various countries working on various projects for different international markets, it states.

FAMILY RUN purpose-built environmentally friendly production facility in Xiamen, China, which offers an increased production capacity (up to 1,200 buses per year) and greater quality control and boasts stateof-the-art manufacturing machinery, the company explains. Prior to this, BCI briefly shared workshops with other Chinese

There would be few in the local bus-making industry unfamiliar with the BCI nameplate; it is arguably now one of the most recognisable brands in Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Founding chairman Ron Nazzari and current CEO Desmond Armstrong have shared 30 years of friendship and partnership building and distributing

buses in Australia, it must be noted and commended. When founder Ron established the company in 1991 it was a small, family run operation in Perth – and while today the head office is still located in Perth, it has dealerships in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, with a growing export flow to New Zealand, North America and Europe. All BCI buses are built to international government statutory requirements and all in-house manufacturing and design is based on ISO 9001 standards, it confirms. The factory has current COP (Conformity of Production) certificates for Australia and Europe, as well as being authorised builders of bodies on Mercedes-Benz chassis, and pods (passenger units) for full drive trucks (Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Hino

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and Fuso). Quality control is closely inspected on the production line and extensive training for all engineering, technical and production personnel is key to the company’s approach, it says.

LATEST TECH The BCI factory in China boasts a state-of-the-art assembly line with six paint spray booths, a rain simulator, on-site test track, over 37,000 square metres of floor space on a 97,000 square metre site and the best international bus engineering team, it boasts. 36

Its partnership with industrial conglomerate Weichai has enabled BCI to design and build the highly engineered buses required by the international market – and, in particular, the Australian market, it states. This partnership with Weichai has also allowed BCI to use that company’s high-tech research facility in Shanghai and BCI has full access to all Weichai’s research engineering team and its advanced computer software for FEA analysis of BCI’s complete buses, it explains. BCI now offers the latest technology in its product range

Above: The new-design Citirider 12 has smooth, cleaner lines and A/C system concealed below the roofline.

It says it believes the future of bus is electric and that’s where BCI is going to focus more in the next five years.

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TALKING HEADS “Looking back to our start as the West Australian Hino dealer trading as Nazzari Hino Bus Sales, then building bodies in Perth, to today, where we build our own complete vehicles for the Australian and international markets, has been an interesting journey to say the least,” said Ron Nazzari, BCI founder and chairman, when speaking to ABC. “I have great memories looking back to our early builds and how the company was growing from a family operated business to a recognised international brand offering premium products, and certainly I can say we feel very proud of our contribution to this journey, which is now part of the Australian bus industry history. And I acknowledge the dedication and fantastic performance of all our employees along these three decades. “Although I retired a few years ago, I sincerely feel passionate about BCI, and really love the buses we continue building. Sometimes I can’t believe how they’ve improved and how the industry is changing and I know BCI will continue to improve and grow under the guidance of our CEO Desmond Armstrong and the strong group of managers in Australia and internationally,” Nazzari stated.

STABILITY AND RELIABILITY “Our records tell us we have reached a milestone of above 2,000 BCI-branded buses delivered to more than 600 Australian clients in all states and capital cities,” said Desmond Armstrong, BCI CEO. “It’s important to highlight that this is our 2,000th delivery into the Australian market, but we also export buses overseas,” Armstrong explained. “We should thank our other dealers around the world, especially our New Zealand distributor for their efforts in securing large orders of three-axle double-deck city buses for Auckland and Wellington during their last tender round,” he added. “Our stability and reliability as a manufacturer, based in the relationship with our customers, and aftersales care for the product we deliver, has always been BCI’s main focus and the reason we’re still here after all this time. “The new generation of BCI buses (the new coach, the low-floor, the zero emissions bus) has this ‘sort of European flair’ due to our exposition to international markets, where we are permeable to understand the latest requirements from world-leading operators and top suppliers. This allows our talented engineering team to portray these fresh ideas into innovative designs that bring to Australia the best combined elements totally adapted to our country’s special conditions, thanks to our experience and constant communication with end-customers, their drivers, mechanics and passengers,” he said.

FIRST OF ITS KIND

including Wabco EBS 3 braking systems, ESC stability control, Tailguard reversing brake system, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure safety systems, it adds.

THE FUTURE While sprouting the seeming benefits of e-mobility and low to zero-emissions buses (ZEBs, as the latter is now known) is all the contemporary rage, with sundry politicians and pundits basking in the glory of the tech to a - respectfully speaking - dumb electorate to curry voting favour

“As a matter of fact, the bus that makes number 2,000 of BCIs delivered to Australia is actually the first of its kind,” said BCI Victoria state manager, Cameron Millen. “Our new-design Citirider 12 has a completely renewed modern look with smooth, cleaner lines and A/C system concealed below the roofline. “From a driver’s perspective, it provides a friendlier environment at the cockpit, with all controls within easy reach. “In terms of maintenance, operators shall also experience a lesser cost, with its full stainless steel chassis and body frame, plus a lighter weight due to the integral design for both body and chassis,” Millen explained.

CUSTOMER INPUT “With Cameron and myself knowing John at Red Bus for over 20 years, it was a great base to be able to have honest conversation about his expectations/criteria,” said Robert Lanteri, BCI NSW sales executive. “With John’s journey, we just listened to what he didn’t like and did like over the years from different suppliers - and his own personal experiences. “Spoke to John about the BCI team here in Australia with people such as our engineer Lorenz Eberl and the Australian contingencies at the factory including someone like our head of production Boyd Denning. “John’s non-negotiable Cummins-preferred engine we were able to commit to, offering the ISB engine, which will grant the fuel efficiency gains he is looking for as well. “Luckily, BCI already had John’s wish list covered with vehicles being approved on the TfNSW panel with the specifications that he was looking for.”

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along the way, it seems, discerning bus fans will recall BCI’s championing of the tech about a decade earlier than many others. As one of the few that did, BCI made the call about the importance of such electric tech and how, at the time, e-buses looked destined to become the next big thing. Display models at Australian bus shows many years ago did much to help explore the idea. To this day, it still has endeavoured to lead the way, bringing ever-advancing e-bus and e-battery tech to the Australasian bus market into the 2020s. It says it believes the future of bus is

electric and that’s where BCI is going to focus more in the next five years. We are about to see a whole transition in the industry to electric during the next 10 years and BCI only recently launched a new electric Citirider E 12m bus, with an estimated range of 400km plus.

CORE STRENGTH BCI product ranges from 7.9m to 14.5m city buses, school and charter buses, luxury coaches and double-deck buses. BCI buses are powered by the latest emission standard Euro 6 diesel, hydrogen fuel-cell systems and now full electric, it says.

The bus that makes number 2,000 of BCIs delivered to Australia is actually the first of its kind.

It also offers three main types of materials for chassis and bodies, Australian Standard galvanised steel, imported 4003 stainless steel and aluminium bodies, it adds. Late last year, at BusVic 2019, BCI launched its luxury 12.3m New Cruiser coach with 53 reclining seats, a fresh body design and all the advanced safety systems available to it, BCI confirms. BCI is mainly focused in Australia and NZ, although it currently exports via the JV with Weichai Group to other markets, like: the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, USA, Israel, Singapore, Hong Kong and South-East Asian countries.

Below: The 2,000th bus from BCI has been delivered just before it celebrates another important milestone – 30 years operating in Australasia.

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2,000 BCI buses delivered to Australia BCI celebrate their 30th Anniversary, coinciding with the delivery of their Bus Number 2,000 to Australian customers. We would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to each of the 600 clients that decided to trust in our vehicles and join us in this three decades journey.

Currently the first Australian owned bus manufacturers, BCI lead the race to supply zero emissions vehicles and have incorporated to their versatile range new designs for city buses and coaches, confirming their world-class engineering, innovation and dynamism.

Bus & Coach International Pty Ltd Head Office Perth: 08 9353 9000 Sales Enquiries: 1300 289 224 www.bcibus.com.au

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Brisbane: 07 3275 6900 Melbourne: 03 8787 2100 Adelaide: 08 8182 3888

7/12/20 3:49 pm

OPERATOR

KBHAC MOBILE EDUCATION CENTRE

TELLING THEIR STORIES Bus operator CDC NSW has committed to a partnership in support of Australia’s Indigenous people’s ‘Stolen Generations truth telling’, with a new mobile education centre. WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES CDC NSW

n cementing its partnership with Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) during its first KBHAC Mobile Education Centre (MEC) community visit post Covid-19, CDC NSW driver Mikhail Mikhail steered the MEC bus to a Healing Session at Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) in Little Bay, where it was unveiled to a group of people who had experienced abuse at the Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home (KBH), which closed in 1970, as well as AH&MRC staff. The MEC – a converted commuter bus nicknamed ‘Benny’ featuring an audio-visual system and printed historical information on Stolen Generations – is the first of its kind and integral to helping KBHAC members tell their stories in a range of locations, CDC NSW says. The MEC will be used as a tool of education for schools,

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development, Ravinder Singh, says the partnership was a great way for CDC NSW to use its resources to back a very important cause while helping achieve the company’s reconciliation goals. “We are very proud and excited about getting involved with Kinchela Boys Home survivors and collaborating with them in getting Benny in tip-top condition, so they can get out there and continue with the healing and reconciliation process,” Singh said.

A GODSEND KBHAC CEO Dr Tiffany McComsey thanked CDC NSW for kindly agreeing to sponsor the MEC. “We are very grateful to CDC NSW for agreeing to look after our MEC and ensuring that the bus is roadworthy, but also providing us with bus drivers to help be part of this journey and who can help transport this bus where it needs to go community groups and those who work with Aboriginal people and the Aboriginal community, it explains. The partnership is an important part of CDC NSW’s contributions to causes that assist with reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it adds.

The MEC will be used as a tool of education for schools, community groups and those who work with Aboriginal people and the Aboriginal community.

DRIVER SUPPORT CDC NSW has committed to maintaining and storing the MEC between outings and will also provide KBHAC with drivers to take the bus to different communities across New South Wales, the company confirms. In turn, KBHAC is assisting CDC NSW by helping it employ more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices and staff and provide guidance on maintaining a culturally safe and supportive working environment for them, it explains. KBHAC will also be conducting ongoing cultural awareness training with CDC NSW’s staff, it adds. CDC NSW general manager for innovation and organisational 42

Above: CDC NSW bus driver Mikhail Mikhail steered the MEC to a Healing Session at Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council in Little Bay. Right: The Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) was established by survivors of KBH to provide tailored services to those who were abused at the home and their families. Opposite, Above and Below: The MEC includes oral testimony, archival material, animated film, visual images and timelines to engage and educate visitors; The MEC will be used as a valuable education tool.

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is a godsend,” McComsey said. “We’re hoping it enriches CDC NSW as an organisation and also that the experiences are ones that can be shared with the CDC families of the employees who work there. “The stories from KBH are important stories to tell. This bus is very much like a sacred space. When you go inside the bus, you realise you are inside the KBH story,” she said. “As a small organisation we are so grateful to CDC NSW for providing the oversight and maintenance – we know it is in good hands.” CDC NSW has committed to maintaining and storing the MEC between outings and will also provide KBHAC with drivers to take the bus to different communities across New South Wales, the company confirms.

ABOUT KBHAC KBHAC was established by survivors of Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home, a ‘home’ run by the NSW government for more than 50 years to house Aboriginal boys forcibly removed from their families. KBHAC says that it is committed

MOBILE EDUCATION CENTRE The MEC includes an interior exhibition display developed in consultation with survivors from Kinchela Boys Home, known as the uncles. The back half of the bus has been converted into a cinema that shows a short, animated film collaboratively produced with the uncles. This is a whole of community experiential learning centre, says KBHAC, which aims to educate children, young people and communities (Aboriginal and non-Indigenous) through three levels of engagement and drawing on a range of resources: oral testimony, archival material, animated film, visual images and timelines as well as interactive materials, including an online portal. For more information, visit: https://kinchelaboyshome.org.au

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Ability Links NSW service and NDIS registered services.

KIN CONNECT The Kin Connect Program supports KBH survivors, their descendants and families, KBHAC states. Using empowering survivor-led models with a deep understanding of the issues KBH survivors and their descendants experience, KBHAC has developed a holistic model of care to support KBH survivors, their descendants and families which underpins the services provided in the Kin Connect Program, it explains. This program encourages and supports sustainable healing programs that addresses the legacy of physical, sexual, psychological and cultural abuse experienced by the KBH survivors, as well as the inter-generational trauma experienced by their descendants, it explains.

ABOUT CDC NSW

The stories from KBH are important stories to tell. This bus is very much like a sacred space. When you go inside the bus, you realise you are inside the KBH story.

to empowering positive, healthy peer support models that enable greater inclusion in community life. It provides tailored services to KBH survivors and their families, referral support for other Stolen Generations survivors and their families and also support for the broader community through its

CDC NSW is a subsidiary of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC). In NSW, CDC NSW operates Hillsbus and Forest Coach Lines in Sydney, as well as other regional cities outside of Sydney including Blue Mountains Transit, Hunter Valley Buses, Blanch’s Bus Company on the north coast and CDC Broken Hill, it states.

Above: KBHAC CEO Dr Tiffany McComsey (pictured here, left, with CDC NSW’s Ravinder Singh, centre, and driver Mikhail Mikhail) said that she hopes the experiences provided by the MEC will help enrich CDC and its employees. Right: The MEC includes an interior exhibition display and short film developed in consultation with survivors from Kinchela Boys Home. 44

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check

out

Temporary Full Expensing

Deduct the full cost of new eligible depreciating assets

For eligible depreciable assets first used or installed by 30 June 2022

Per asset Write-off multiple assets

There is no upper threshold

Applies to eligible second-hand assets for small to medium businesses

Instant Asset Write-Off

Provides 100% depreciation

New or second hand capital assets

On assets up to $150,000

Per asset Write-off multiple assets

Purchased by 31 December 2020 First used or installed by 30 June 2021

Backing Business Investment

Plus claim 50% of the usual deduction

Per asset Write-off multiple assets

There is no upper threshold

For capital purchases first used or installed by 30 June 2021

ABC-FP-5209627-CS-400

A bonus 50% depreciation to be written off immediately

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INTERVIEW

MITCH PEDEN AND DAVID MEAD

MEET THE NEW BOSS With Mitch Peden taking over the reins from David Mead as general manager of Volvo Bus Australia, a new era for Volvo Buses coincides with exciting advancements in sustainability. ABC got in touch to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry ahead. WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY VOLVO

ecently announced as the new general manager of Volvo Bus Australia, Mitch Peden took some time out for ABC magazine ahead of his return from Kuala Lumpur where he has been managing director for Volvo Trucks Malaysia. Taking over the role from acting general manager and Volvo Bus journeyman David Mead, Mitch brings with him 15 years of Volvo commercial vehicle experience coupled with business knowledge from a slew of other roles. Speaking exclusively to us at ABC magazing as the bus brand goes into its 50th anniversary in Australia in 2021, we asked them both about Volvo Buses’ standpoint on developing innovation and sustainable technologies, what product is earmarked for the Australasian market in future – given the first Volvo e-bus is to enter via the Western Australia PTA – Euro 6 diesel and hybrid take-up here, plus a whole range of other things related to Volvo Buses.

ABC: Hello, Mitch. We really appreciate you taking the time to chat with ABC. Before we begin, congratulations on your new role! How did news of the appointment feel? MP: The news from Dave Mead that I had secured the role was excellent. I reached out to Dave earlier in the year to express both interest in the role and interest to head back to Australia with my wife, and we took it from there. I am extremely pleased with the outcome.

ABC: Was it unexpected or one that you applied for, or was a long time coming? MP: I applied for the role and things moved quite quickly from there.

It is a strength of the Volvo Group where key staff are able to move between business units and share learning and experience.

ABC: Is it where you pictured yourself, say, 10 years ago? MP: I have been with the Volvo Group both in Australia and now in Malaysia across 15 years. It is a fabulous company to work for, with many

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Moving back to Australia from Malaysia, Mitch Peden is taking over the role of general manager of Volvo Bus Australia.

different career development pathways. I am not surprised to find myself seeking the opportunity to learn more within a different business unit whilst still within the Volvo family. Taking on this role with Volvo Bus, in an important region for the Group, is very pleasing. It is a strength of the Volvo Group where key staff are able to move between business units and share learning and experience. In a similar way, the previous GM for Volvo Bus, Lauren Downes, is now adding to her experience and adding value within UD Trucks, which is an exciting development for her.

ABC: What have been your career achievements and roles since leaving school?

MP: Wow, since leaving school … that is a fair way back now. Having gone through a graduate program at the Commonwealth bank I then spent 10-odd years with Holden, with their financial services and sales and marketing vehicle divisions. It was a fantastic time being part of the Holden team when energy was high, a market leadership tussle was playing out against Toyota and motorsport success was driving brand strength. It is interesting to reflect on those times, the great people within GM and the dealers I was fortunate to work with. It is very sad how it all ended recently. I joined Volvo and Volvo Trucks in 2005, back when Volvo Trucks was in steady single digit market share. Following a number of years as a regional sales manager and some further studies, I was

fortunate enough to project manage a new model launch of the Volvo FH, which was a great success as the I-shift transmission also started to gain traction. From there, being given the chance to be head of marketing for the Volvo and Mack truck brands was a career highlight and that was a role I had for over three years. It was an excellent experience for me, both professionally and personally, as I was able to hire new staff and build a team with a lot of energy and skill, which enabled us to grow the strength and legitimacy of the brands, really start to broaden our reach with key customers and grow our market shares. From a Volvo Truck perspective, we were able to grow our market share from 10.5 per cent to 12.9 per cent, over that time, which was pleasing. busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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INTERVIEW

MITCH PEDEN AND DAVID MEAD

I took the chance to be vice president and head of the Volvo Truck Brand in Australia. The brand continued to evolve and through working closely with the product and marketing teams, both in Sweden and locally, we were able to successfully launch the new generation model FH, the dual steer FE waste truck and a number of PBS [performance-based standards] specific models, which were a hit with many key fleets. It was also cool to be part of a very small project team that brought the XXL FH truck prototype to life. Though we were told by Sweden that this model was over, we were able to generate enough ground support to get it back on the table and now it is selling well and a great success. During my time as Volvo Truck sales leader, market share grew from 12.9 per cent to a high water mark of 16.1 per cent and really started challenging Kenworth for #1 in the heavy duty truck segment. It was pleasing when I headed off to Malaysia that the Volvo Truck brand was in such a strong position and how far we had come, both in Australia and in New Zealand. There are many skilled team members, with a lot of brand passion part 48

My goal is to build the right conditions where business outcomes flourish for all those involved with Volvo Bus. of this success story. It was great to be a part of the brand evolution in a team where customer success was top of mind. My time in Malaysia has also been very enjoyable, both from a personal and professional perspective. We had always wanted to live overseas. To have the chance to meet some new great people of many different cultures, travel extensively across the region, lead a large team of over 200 and continue to build on the Volvo Truck success in another market has been great experience and a learning journey for me. Whilst I was really finding my way and learning a lot in 2018, when I arrived in Malaysia, we had an excellent year in 2019, where we enjoyed record high sales across the market and the highest market share in over 10 years.

Sales momentum has slowed following Covid, and like all businesses, we have had to make hard choices through 2020 as we went into survival mode and ensured the safety of our staff and customers. To the credit of the team though, we have continued strong sales and enjoying further growth in market share whilst supporting our customers to the usual high standard.

ABC: Mitch, what is it that you, as a person, uniquely bring to this role? MP: I am a good strategist and very happy to be part of a team where we can utilise the many different strengths of our very experienced bus team to drive business success. I’m probably not particularly unique

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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TRIVIAL PURSUIT

Opposite: Mitch first joined Volvo back in 2005, starting off as a regional sales manager. Mitch first joined Volvo back in 2005, starting off as a regional sales manager. Mitch first joined Volvo back in 2005, starting off as a regional sales manager.

DAVE MEAD 1. SONG STUCK IN YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW... anything by John Mayer. 2. LAST GREAT PLACE YOU VISITED... Maldives in January just before Covid-19 took hold. 3. A FAVOURITE DISH... A good steak. 4. A FAVOURITE DRINK... Nice craft beer. 5. IF YOU COULD CHANGE THE WORLD YOU WOULD... Bring people together – the world is too divided today. 6. SOMETHING THAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF TODAY... I learn something most days from my teenage kids – they are amazing! 7. THE ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IS... My passport – post Covid-19, of course!

but I do relentlessly look after, and try and develop, good outcomes for all members of the Volvo family, whether that is our customers, internal team members, or our dealership partners. Sustained success, developing staff and driving long-term competitive advantage for our partners is always top of mind for me.

MP: It’s certainly going to be a challenge in 2021. On one hand we are excited about celebrating our 50th anniversary in Australia, but we will balance that with the needs of the industry. We know that operators have had a very challenging 2020, especially those in charter and tourism. The focus will be on ensuring that our Volvo Bus team are there for our customers when they need them and are ready to support in the best way we can. If we look ahead and with optimism that in months to come we might put Covid-19 behind us, then the future for the industry is bright. The focus on climate change and the contribution that our industry can make is one of the things that drew me to the role. At Volvo, the bus organisation is leading the adoption of zero emission technology. Over the next few years, it will be an exciting time to be part of a major technology shift to drive positive social and environmental outcomes. For me though, Year One is about meeting our customers, building and strengthening key relationships, working with our supplier partners and learning from the experienced team that I will lead. It is very important I quickly understand the challenges and opportunities of the market, how we can continue to add value and build further on the success for Volvo Bus across Australia and New Zealand.

ABC: What are your best business qualities?

I do believe though in just getting the basics right in terms of driving quality in our products, market-leading support levels to our customers and ensuring that our Volvo Bus team and our dealers are the best placed to drive positive outcomes for our customers, dealers and for Volvo. My goal is to build the right conditions where business outcomes flourish for all those involved with Volvo Bus. This is where my energy goes every day.

ABC: Dave, you’ve been the acting GM a few times now between people; what is it that Mitch will need to be a successful general manager for Volvo Bus Australia, or what were the characteristics you saw in him that stood out for the position?

MP: I’m a good listener and accept many different perspectives. I accept ongoing change is part of life and do not hold on to the past. I also enjoy looking to the future trends and the possibilities around innovation to drive positive business and social outcomes, which is very exciting.

ABC: Considering the nightmare 2020 has been for many, how do you see this first year going? What are your ideas and plans? What do you see as the key challenges for the bus and coach industry going forward in both Australia and also globally?

DM: The key to our success at Volvo Bus has been a focus on supporting our customers and being available to them when they need. Mitch’s experience with customer relations, collaborating with our Volvo dealer network and focus on best in class customer support are the things that busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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INTERVIEW

MITCH PEDEN AND DAVID MEAD

position him well for the new role. You have to be humble, ready to listen and learn from all of the stakeholders in the bus and coach industry – those things are the ones that stand out with Mitch.

ABC: Also to you both, any new products aside from the e-bus coming out you can tell us about, or even allude to – and when? Is there anything still on the Volvo product list in Europe that still might make it here in Australia or New Zealand? How has the rollout of Volvo hybrid bus tech been thus far? DM: When it comes to new products we recently announced our electric bus chassis and the project with PTA in Perth. Those will be the first units we place in the market, but this will be quickly followed with commercial availability of our electric chassis in 2022. Our hybrids have been a fantastic success. We have been able to deliver all of the benefits of full electric vehicles without the infrastructure. Working with customers in Victoria, we have been able to create silent zones using our telematics systems – this allows us to tell the bus when to behave in full electric mode and when to use the

ABC: What are your views on alternative fuels for buses? How have any changes in fuels and bus propulsion methods affected bus building, in terms of design and materials, if at all? Is hydrogen stored in bus roofs an issue in terms of materials to prevent or contain potential fires? DM: Our experience with hybrids and electric vehicles is that we move weight in the bottom from the chassis to the roof. When we place batteries on the roof, we need to ensure that the bus body is designed for that load. We are cooperating with all of our local partners to achieve this. We have also seen the need to adopt the highest European standards when it comes to safety and standards around new energy buses, including new innovations in the way we include systems like fire suppression systems to our offering. In the absence of regulation and certification here in Australia we are leading in this area, ensuring the safety of passengers, drivers and technicians in and around our Volvo products. The introduction of new energy vehicles is no time to compromise on the high standards our industry has set – especially safety!

The focus on climate change and the contribution that our industry can make is one of the things that drew me to the role. engine to self-charge. The fleet of hybrids in Melbourne is the cleanest in Australia and has delivered massive reductions in carbons emissions over the past two years. What’s been really cool is the engagement of passengers and the general public understanding what a silent zone is and how the bus interacts with the community around it – residents, shopkeepers, passengers and drivers.

MP: As far as the product list in Europe and ongoing innovation catering for many markets around the world, we will always be looking out for new product and service ideas within Volvo that suit our markets and will meet the expanding needs of our customers and evolving society expectations. Nothing to announce here today though. 50

MP: A large part of my interest in this role was the opportunity to play a part on the roll-out of the alternative fuel innovations within our markets. Volvo Bus playing a leading role in alternative fuels is very exciting and, as expected, we will develop and deliver products and service solutions to the highest levels of quality and safety.

ABC: Given Volvo’s market lead here and its formidable position globally in terms of commercial vehicles, what’s an interesting order that Volvo has had lately around the world? Have order numbers and type of product changed since the Covid pandemic broke loose? Are you selling more buses than coaches, or what’s the ratio?

DM: During 2020, we have seen the utilisation of coaches far more impacted than city and inter-city buses around the world. So we see cities that remain committed to upgrading and expending the public transport presence, whereas the tourism, long distance express and charter segments have been severely affected around the world. We have taken a number of orders in Africa and Latin America where the need for moving people has not slowed during the pandemic. MP: It is very good to see the transition into alternative fuel technology is evolving around the world. Orders for 300 electrified buses in Norway and Sweden, whilst close to the Sweden home market, gives an idea of the growing interest in the innovations

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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TRIVIAL PURSUIT MITCH PEDEN 1. SONG STUCK IN YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW... We’re playing a bit of Bob Evans at our house at the moment, ‘Sadness & Whiskey’ sticks with me. 2. LAST GREAT PLACE YOU VISITED... We were lucky enough to visit Ha long Bay in Vietnam over the New Year – it was awesome. 3. A FAVOURITE DISH... Always fun to smash a lamb roast. 4. A FAVOURITE DRINK... I enjoy a NZ pinot noir. That said, I had a frosty cold Corona the other day. That was like running into old friends. 5. IF YOU COULD CHANGE THE WORLD YOU WOULD... Close down Facebook and Twitter. I’m not sure the good outweighs the bad. 6. SOMETHING THAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF TODAY... I’m still in lockdown in Malaysia presently so I’m learning to be patient. 7. THE ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IS... My wife. We’re a good team.

and evolution to a green future. Recent announcements from the Volvo Group show that Covid has not slowed down the group’s aspirations around delivering electro mobility solutions across all of our business units.

ABC: Please tell us more about Volvo’s standout market systems, like in telematics, multimedia, Wi-Fi, etc. Any new developments in those realms that bus operators need to know about? Does Volvo have a preferred air-con supplier given the proposed uptake of e-buses to come, or will that strictly still be an operator’s choice? DM: The application of technology continues to move at a fantastic pace. Since October 2018, we have been connecting

100 per cent of the vehicles we deliver to our telematics systems. That has meant that as well as providing operators with real time information about their fleet we have also been able to use those systems to provide levels of support never seen before. When we get to electric buses we will have a couple of options when it comes to auxiliary systems, such as air-conditioners. But to get the best out of the batteries and driveline, the level of integration to other bus systems is so important. We already see major variations in the amount of energy used by different systems depending on how they are integrated. In some cases this can be over 30 per cent different from one solution to the next. So, like everyone, we are learning very quickly how to optimise our electric solutions.

ABC: Given the impact of 2020 in the business world and Volvo’s recent now-confirmed fuel-cell collaboration with Daimler, is their scope for further collaborations with other OEMs? What are the chances of a merger with Swedish rival Scania if the world bus market continues to change or downsizes? MP: It is well known the investment costs to develop market leading alternative fuel, automation and connectivity technologies are extremely high. We also now compete with new emerging market players with similar aspirations that do not have to also continue to drive high quality outcomes in supporting the high running population of current technology Volvo vehicles around busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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INTERVIEW

MITCH PEDEN AND DAVID MEAD

Left: Volvo Buses will be celebrating 50 years of operating in Australia next year.

at our fantastic history with our 50th anniversary around the corner in 2021. I think, looking back, the B58 and B10M really stand out. At the time they were being sold they were amazingly popular. Then, in more recent times, our 7-litre and 8-litre product lines have provided us with enormous volume in some of the most demanding fleets in the country. The common thread across all of these models is the focus we always place on supporting the product, training our customers and cooperating with our dealer network to keep the bus on the road.

many markets, be that bus, truck, or other products our customers and business partners enjoy. It makes sense therefore that large OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] collaborate to share this high cost burden and I would anticipate that we see more of this type of collaboration as OEMs position to develop product portfolios that will drive competitive advantage. As far as Scania is concerned, I’m not in a position to comment on that.

ABC: What was the upshot of the Volvo driverless trial in Singapore? Do you see that as a future key product globally for the Volvo Group, or just in certain markets? Or is that technology in mass use still a long way off for the Australasian region? DM: From that trial we learnt a lot. We learnt just how hard the area of autonomous driving is going to be, especially in mixed traffic environments. The application of the technology in depots is probably the most likely shortterm application. The ability for a bus to move around a depot autonomously provides great efficiencies for operators. So, in the short- to medium-term, depot operations is the use we see growing and then it will take a bit longer before we get a solution that universally applied in mixed traffic. We also see elements of autonomy assisting us in the area of safety – detection of vehicles, passengers, etc. – that will keep 52

building over time until we reach the fully autonomous outcome one day in the future.

MP: Further to Dave’s assessment above, it has been a fantastic exercise in displaying the possibilities around the future technologies. From my time in Malaysia, there were many government forums where this trial was discussed as part of future city transport planning. All countries will have different challenges and requirements, but there is significant interest in working with companies like ours to deliver ambitious long-term future visions where automation, where it is safe, can play a role.

ABC: Does Volvo have any regionfriendly double-decker or articulated product that we should know about. Would Volvo ever offer such modern product versions here in our region? DM: In 2021, you are going to see us continue to deliver a wide variety of vehicles – double deck city buses, articulated city buses, self-charging electric, battery electric as well as our diesel school and city buses. We have never had such a wide range of product available to the Australian market.

ABC: What’s your most popular seller even still today and what’s the secret behind its success? What does it say about the company as a whole? DM: It’s interesting – we have been looking

ABC: Thanks so much for your time. Do you have any final words for Volvo Bus fans in the Australasian region? DM: We need to thank everyone for their ongoing support. 2020 has provided us with more challenges than ever before, but I am really proud at how our industry has responded. The role in moving front line workers, ensuring cities still operate and managing the many restrictions has been done professionally at all times. I have been amazed by the operators and their staff. We are also really proud of our technical support – we have proudly not lost a single hour in any of our dealerships around Australia during this time – an amazing effort, meaning we have been ready to support our customers when they have needed it. We never take the business for granted and customers can be assured that Mitch and I will be working harder in 2021 to provide better levels of support than ever before. MP: I look forward to taking up this role in January 2021, meeting our key customers and partners and continuing with the strong service levels we provide to the markets in Australia and New Zealand. It is excellent we have 50 years of success to celebrate and this legacy of safe, highquality products, coupled with our leading support structures, has us very well placed to add innovations around alternative fuels and other concepts to maintain the leading position we come to expect from Volvo Bus. We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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ready when you are.

We’ve been actively involved in the Australian Bus & Coach industry for nearly 50 years, and that means a lot to us. So with the challenges that 2020 has brought to our industry, it’s especially important to us that our customers know we are here for the long road ahead. Whether it’s service support, some preventative maintenance, or simply just a chat, we’re with you. We currently have Volvo B8R and Volvo B11R chassis, fitted with a selection of bodies, in stock and ready when you are. Contact your local Volvo Sales Manager today: NSW Ray Andrich 0418 213 320 or Stuart Woodward 0406 465 301 VIC, SA, TAS Anthony Fisicaro 0418 365 356 WA Adrian Boevé 0488 902 205 www.volvobuses.com.au

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eight buses to operators, with two stock models currently on hand, and a further 10 vehicles arriving in the next few months. Available across all states, Challenger says it can also supply New Zealand. “So far, our vehicles have operated with few minor issues, all promptly fixed at no cost to operators and with minimal downtime,” explained Sloan. “Our main site depot and administration are in Spotswood, Melbourne, close to the city and providing easy access from the airport for visitors and customers. We also have an operation in Mossman, Queensland, and enjoy arrangements with repairers close to customers for their support. 56

“Parts stock to support our vehicles is vital to maintaining an ongoing relationship with our customers. Our depots in Spotswood and Mossman have most componentry parts on hand, and if not, can access them quickly and promptly.” “We have direct factory support from GT whereby we can access required parts by Air Express. The warranties on major componentry are supplied by OEM Cummins, Allison, ZF, Meritor and Thermo King, which support our Challenger product.” Sloan says the latest models include new features to help meet the operational and compliance requirements rapidly becoming part of the day-to-day running of the modern bus fleet. The 2020/2021 Challenger V12 and V10 models will therefore include standard specification features: • Funtoro Telematics Unit to assist operators with vehicle tracking, driver monitoring, live engine information and diagnostics from bus to base in real-time messaging. The system also has additions including passenger tracking and seat monitoring (when seats are occupied it displays on the dash) assisting to reduce the risk of children being left on locked buses at the end of a shift. As the distributor of Funtoro, Challenger will pay the customer’s monthly connection fee for the first 12 months, then

offer service at a reasonable monthly cost. The platform can also be retrofit to existing buses in a customer’s fleet. • A xle weights are displayed on the dash in real-time and fitted through the Wabco ECAS system to help prevent overloading of vehicles. • M obileye, collision warning system has 360-degree cameras with side blind-spot monitoring, all recorded to a hard drive. • D river’s seat is a Grammer air ride seat with a lane-departure warning system to help with fatigue management. • D river’s windscreen sun blinds are wider to combat the glare effect on drivers. • D river’s air conditioning has ducting on the side pillar beside the driver with vents in the duct and on the dash to direct boosted airconditioned air to the driver. Elevating driver comfort and reducing fatigue from heat stress, Challenger says this is possibly a first for the industry. • L uggage racks are new alloy moulded racks with a wide opening to make it easier to load luggage. • A djustable air vent system to accommodate changes to seating capacity. In addition to these standard features, the new models also include a Stalatube stainless steel chassis and body frame, Alcoa alloy

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wheels, alloy bullbar, stainless steel stone guard, air jack three-quarter impact gun air line with fittings for ease of tyre changing, and tool kit triangles. “Challenger also offer a fixed price parts supply to customers to keep cost of life to a minimum, which in turn supports the operators bottom line,” said Sloan. “We can fit seats to customer requirements from 39 to 84 seats, and all brands. Our toilet feature can be supplied with a leather and wood grain interior or can be plain with minimal features.”

“Excitingly, we are also developing further models, due to roll out in late 2021, including the V8 and V6, which will offer alternative vehicles to other small size bus models in the market. Furthermore, we are also working on an electric motor as evolving technologies gather momentum.” Keen to highlight Challenger

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THE CHALLENGER FAMILY “Another point of difference is we come from an operator, driver and repairer point of view, while delivering a smart-looking, modern, functional bus or coach at a fair and reasonable price,” explained Sloan. “When you purchase a Challenger vehicle, you are not just a customer; in our view you are part of the Challenger family and future, and you should expect us to support our product and what we offer. The challenge is accepted! busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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DELIVERIES

NOVEMBER 2020

Deliveries remain stable in November

A handful of brands and the state of Victoria keep the market ticking over, exclusive ABC data reveals.

he Australian bus and coach market continues to limp towards the finish line, with 70 deliveries reported in November. The final tally is one less than October and on par with the year’s low in August, though the one consolation is it remains hovering around the 70s and hasn’t dropped below that, with hopes for a more ‘normal’ summer and New Year after a turbulent 2020. For the chassis makers, a solid month for Scania sees it jump month-on-month (MOM) from 17 to 32, its highest tally since June, to lead in November. Volvo also notes a small jump from 22 to 25. Together, the two Swedes combine for 57 of the month’s 70 deliveries, with the competition struggling to make inroads in November. Volgren retains its grip at the top of the body building sector with 29 reported deliveries. That number is two less than last month, but still ahead of Irizar on 11, though the latter had a huge MOM increase from two in October. Australian Bus Corporation’s Precision Buses (6) and Bustech (4) brands combined for 10 deliveries in November.

Thermo King led the air-conditioning sector once more, though its tally eased from 40 in October to 32 in November. Hispacold followed on 17, with a strong gain on October’s seven deliveries. Victoria led the way in the state chart with 42 per cent of the recorded deliveries; a huge percentage for the state just emerging from lockdown. NSW (17 per cent), Queensland (13 per cent), WA (11 per cent) and SA (10 per cent) all followed well behind. Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for November. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, with their involvement at their discretion.

Victoria led the way in the state chart with 42 per cent of the recorded deliveries.

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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Volgren 29 Irizar 11 ABC 10 BCI 4 Coach Concepts 3 Coach Designs 3 Express Coaches 3 Gemilang 3 P&D Coachworks 2 Scania Higer 1 TOSD 1

7% 10%

TAS

41% VIC

11% WA

SALES BY BODY Volgren retains its grip at the top of the body building sector with 29 reported deliveries: two less than last month, but still ahead of Irizar on 11, though the latter had a huge MOM increase from two in October. Australian Bus Corporation’s Precision Buses (6) and Bustech (4) brands combined for 10 deliveries in November.

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

Thermo King led the air-conditioning sector once more, though its tally eased from 40 in October to 32 in November. Hispacold followed on 17, with a strong gain on October’s seven deliveries.

Thermo King 32 Hispacold 17 N/A 7 Spheros 5

Percentage by

REGION

Coachair 4 Denso 2 MCC 2 Konvekta 1

13% QLD

17% NSW

SCANIA 32

VOLVO 25

MERCEDES-BENZ 8

Sales by chassis

BCI 3

HINO 2

For the chassis makers, a solid month for Scania sees it jump month-on-month from 17 to 32, its highest tally since June, to lead in November. Volvo also notes a small jump from 22 to 25. They combine for 57 of the month’s 70 deliveries, with the competition struggling to make inroads in November.

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NOVEMBER 2020

Fleetmaster

BCI

320

NSW

Citirider E

BCI

N/A

Loxton Lutheran School

Proma

BCI

210

Euro 5

N/A

VIC

RN8J

P&D Coachworks

286

Euro 5

N/A

VIC

FD240

P&D Coachworks

240

Euro 5

N/A

VIC

OC500RF E5 1936

Coach Design

360

Euro 5

N/A

VIC

OC500LE E6

Express Coaches

360

Euro 6

N/A

VIC

OC500LE E6

Express Coaches

360

Euro 6

N/A

VIC

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

Allstarr Coaches

NSW

K 410 EB6X2*4

Coach Concepts

410

Euro 6

CDC Sunshine

VIC

K 310 UB4X2

Volgren

310

Euro 5

Christians Bus Co

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Design

310

Euro 5

Christians Bus Co

VIC

K 310 UB4X2

Volgren

310

Euro 5

Cranbourne Transit

VIC

K 310 UB4X2

Volgren

310

Euro 5

Deluxe Coachlines (Aust)

VIC

K 490 EB6X2*4

Coach Design

490

Euro 6

Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure

K 320 UB4X2

Precision Buses

320

Euro 6

Irizar Asia Pacific

VIC

K 360 IB4X2

Irizar

360

Euro 6

Irizar Asia Pacific

ACT

K 360 IB4X2

Irizar

360

Euro 6

Irizar Asia Pacific

ACT

K 310 IB4X2

Irizar

310

Euro 5

K R Little

VIC

K 360 IB4X2

Coach Concepts

360

Euro 6

K R Little

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Concepts

310

Euro 5

L C Dyson's Bus Services

VIC

K 310 UB4X2

Gemilang

310

Euro 5

L C Dyson's Bus Services

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Irizar

310

Euro 5

McHarry's Bus Lines

VIC

K 320 UB4X2

Express Coaches

320

Euro 6

Ventura Bus Lines

VIC

K 320 UB4X2

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Wimmera Roadways

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Scania Higer

310

Euro 5

Inkpen Pty Ltd

B8R

TOST

330

Euro 5

Dions (Seapost Pty Ltd)

NSW

B8RLE

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Brisbane City Council

QLD

B8RLE

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Perth Transport Authorities

B8RLE

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Keolis Downer

NSW

B8RLE

Bustech

320

Euro 6

Transit Systems

VIC

B8RLE

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Irizar Asia Pacific

QLD

B8R

Irizar

330

Euro 5

Nicholls Bus & Coach Ingleburn Bus Services

HINO

MERCEDES-BENZ

SCANIA

VOLVO

TRANSM

CHASSIS

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION BCI

ENGINES

UNITS

DELIVERIES

(Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

A: Auto M: Ma AS: Aut O: Opti

TOTAL DELIVERIES 70

*A 66

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION

AXLES

TRANSMISSION

BODY LENGTH

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

12.3

MCC

–

N/A

12.45

Thermo King

–

8.8

MCC

–

uro 5

12.00

Thermo King

–

uro 5

Hino

Thermo King

–

uro 5

13.5

Thermo King

uro 6

13.5

Thermo King

uro 6

13.5–

uro 5

uro 6

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

Sege

–

McConnell

–

Sege

–

McConnell

–

McConnell

–

McConnell

–

Styleride

Thermo King

–

Styleride

13.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

13.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

13.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

13.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

13.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

Scania

13.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

N/A

Coachair

–

McConnell

uro 5

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

N/A

Scania

13.5

Thermo King

–

Styleride

uro 6

N/A

–

Hispacold

–

Precision Bus

uro 6

12.3

Hispacold

–

Sege

uro 6

Hispacold

–

McConnell

uro 5

Hispacold

–

McConnell

uro 6

N/A

Scania

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

Scania

12.3

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

Thermo King

–

NB Trimming

uro 5

12.3

Hispacold

–

McConnell

uro 6

Scania

12.5

Coachair

–

McConnell

uro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

Scania

12.3

Konvekta

–

Styleride

uro 5

10–12.9

Thermoking

–

McConnell

uro 6

10–12.9

Denso

–

N/A

uro 6

10–12.9

Spheros

–

McConnell

uro 6

10–12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

10–12.9

N/A

–

N/A

uro 6

10–12.9

N/A

–

N/A

uro 5

10–12.9

Hispacold

–

N/A

TRANS MAKE

N/A

uro 5

issions andard

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

–

(metres)

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

busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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DRIVEN

HINO RN8J

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE 68

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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Hino’s RN8J with Custom Adventurer body brings together local design and build with the long-running experience of a business that seeks to understand and support its rural operators. You’re in safe hands with this latest creation – built to meet strict TfNSW school safety guidelines. WORDS + IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE

ino has been delivering buses in Australia for 55 years, with the first seven Hino buses built in 1965 by Freighter Industries in Adelaide. Five went to the Gold Coast, one went to Tasmania and one to Adelaide. Hino has actually been in the bus market longer than it has been in the trucking industry and to endure for so long, and have success in both industries, it isn’t taking the ‘one size fits all’ approach to its business. This is the first Transport for New South busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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DRIVEN

HINO RN8J

A lot of operators that buy the RN chassis are regionally located. Hino makes it very easy for them to selfservice and maintain their vehicles in regional areas.

Above: The driver’s area is simple, easy to use and operate, with excellent vision out of the front and of the instrument panel.. Opposite: There are large heated electric mirrors for the driver and a Mobitec CCTV 5 camera system.

Far right: McConnell Educator seats were used in this, but operators can also choose Styleride or Custom. 70

Wales (TfNSW) Rural and Regional Category 4 school bus with the Custom Adventurer body on a Hino RN8J automatic chassis. Although not a new chassis for Hino, what is new for this particular product is the combination with the Custom Adventurer body and it’s the very first for TfNSW built to a school specification. This bus has been bought by Kelly Coaches in West Wyalong. It currently has a fleet of eight buses; three are Hinos plus this new purchase, so it obviously trusts the brand. Sara Clark, bus manager for

Hino Australia, explains that father and son, John and Peter Kelly, are really excited about the new bus, particularly Peter, who will be driving it. On why they had again gone with a Hino, Clark said: “It’s a proven product for reliability, simplicity and great fuel consumption – all of the things that go with what the Hino brand is known for.” “Aside from that, a lot of operators that buy the RN chassis are regionally located. Hino makes it very easy for them to self-service and maintain their vehicles in regional areas. If

you’re in a metropolitan area it’s easy to take it into a workshop or into a dealership. We will support our customers to suit their business needs.”

HINO ADVANTAGE The Hino Advantage program offers bus customers fleet training, a dedicated in-house customer care centre and 24/7 access to genuine parts and service. Clark says that this makes a difference to customers. “It can often be the benefits that happen after the initial purchase, when they leave the dealership, that can be equally as important as the product or sales experience,” she explained. “We have enhanced operational efficiency and customer service by providing technical support specialists in our in house call centre. Hino bus customers can also access the Hino fleet portal,

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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Specs MAKE: Hino MODEL: RN8J BODY: Custom Adventurer ENGINE: JO8E VD six-cylinder diesel, turbocharged and intercooled TRANSMISSION: ZF Ecolife six-speed automatic POWER: 206kW@2,400rpm TORQUE: 824Nm@1,500rpm GVM: 15,000kg BRAKES: Full air, dual circuits, S cam type, leading and trailing shoes for front and rear; ABS SUSPENSION: Two bag suspension with double-acting shock absorbers and stabiliser FUEL TANK: 250L DIMENSIONS (LxWxH): 11,460mm x 2,450mm x 1,855mm WHEELBASE: 6,000mm SEATING: McConnell Educator, 57 seats (model can accommodate 45–61 seats)

a comprehensive information hub that includes Product Information Bulletins and the ability to book Fleet Training sessions. The Customer Care Centre is more than a call centre: it is a complete support solution for all our customers and their businesses through every stage of bus ownership. “Being able to accept and respond to all enquiries within the walls of our head office represents the ongoing focus that places our customers at the centre of our operation. “The advantage for businesses is connecting them directly to the nerve centre of Hino knowledge and the peace of mind that we have the

solutions to keep them on the road for longer. “Hino make sure that the way it supports the regional and metro operations meets the very differing needs of the operators. “With Hino Advantage, Hino has a comprehensive suite of business solutions, designed to reduce the costs over the life of the vehicle. Obviously other manufacturers have different offerings, but we want to make sure that our bus customers are looked after in a very similar way to our truck business. “We want all customers to have the same business solutions, but we know

that there’s a big difference between the two different types of product offerings. So we’re making sure that any expansion in parts or services or customer experience suits the bus customer’s needs. I think that’s really important. “It’s also a very different business dealing with regional operators these are family people not large city fleet operators and we need to look after them. Obviously, we have those as well, but it’s, it is heart-warming at times, we’re dealing with families.” Clark explained that rural school bus operators rely heavily on quality product, as their nearest dealership busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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DRIVEN

HINO RN8J

Hino makes sure the way it supports the regional and metro operations meets the differing needs of the operators. could be a significant distance away. “Rural regional school bus operators have to abide by contract rules the same as larger urban operators; if they have a break down they have to report it, if they have multiple break downs they have to report them. This goes against their contract records,” Clark explained. “Most school bus operators are on the road from 7.30am to about 9.30am and will back on the road for the afternoon shift around 2.30pm. “The operators only have that window of time from the morning shift, finishing until around 2pm when the buses get back on the road, so if you need to get

to a dealer for repairs that timeframe may not always achievable and we recognise that these customers require a different level service. “What you find is most rural operators do their own routine maintenance. They are relying on our product and that’s what we build our ongoing relationships on. “That support of our customers is what we want to sell in regional areas. It’s the mainstay of our business so when we deliver a bus we know the bus and before we leave the client we ensure they knows the bus. We make the process personal from the beginning and it’s a much smoother

process”. “We have dealt with fathers, now we are dealing with their sons and daughters coming through the business and we can see the next generation of children that will follow. We deal with families and you need to be part of the family, that’s really important to us”, Clark stated. We asked her what are the stand-out features of the RN8 chassis... “It’s a proven product, fuel consumption is excellent, stability and quietness are key, and you will notice this when you drive it. You can be in the back seat talking to the driver and you’ll never need to shout over a noisy engine.”

AUSTRALIAN MADE The Custom Adventurer body is Australian made and locally certified, designed and produced. That statement in itself is impressive and one that will

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relate to many operators. One big advantage of local production and simplicity of design, Clark says, is that if one part is used on a Hino bus, it’s used on the next bus, and the one after that. With that ethos comes the advantage of availability and speed of availability. “Custom are amazing – they even manufacture their own seats on site, who else does that all in one place?” Clark asked. “It’s pretty outstanding to visit and just see what they do. They also have their own custom care facility there,” she explained. Regarding the order time, Clark explained: “As this was the very first one to come through, logically it took longer than future builds will. To Custom Bus’ credit, this has all been achieved during lockdown. I don’t think they shut down entirely at any time, but they had a reduced

operational capacity; it was a challenging time and to their credit they came through with the goods. “Something to be mindful of in this particular category of school buses [is that] yes, there are higher horsepower models out there in the market, but what Hino found with this particular model is that the higher power isn’t really necessary for most school bus applications. They’re not traveling high speeds anywhere, there’s no distance highway work and the obvious benefit is that it’s very fuel efficient. So, it’s entirely suitable for when we measure our market. We cap it at 300hp (224kW) for a true school bus. “Anything over that, it’s for combination distance charter and school bus applications. That’s our definition and I’m sure everybody segments their market differently. For our school market we will likely always have an offering in that lower

horsepower segment because of its fuel efficiency and it also offers good value for money. “The technology and engineering, the local support, makes all the difference. We support local manufacturing and local content. We have a long history with Custom – it’s certainly something that we embrace, and I think the operators respect and appreciate this relationship as well,” she concluded.

BEHIND THE WHEEL This Hino RN8J with Custom Adventurer body is painted in the Kelly’s Coaches red and white livery, finished off with an alloy bullbar – essential for rural and regional driving. Approaching the bus you have to notice the destination system: we’re told it’s the largest size available and it stands out, which will be good for when the school bus is approaching Left: The bus was bought by Kelly Coaches in West Wyalong for its school run operation. Below: This is the first TfNSW Rural and Regional Category 4 school bus to be built by Hino..

busnews.com.au December 2020 ABC

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DRIVEN

HINO RN8J

from afar in rural areas. Powered by a Hino JO8E VD six-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine that puts out 206kW (285hp) at 2,400 rpm, it has an overhead camshaft coupled with a ZF Ecolife six-speed automatic transmission with retarder. At 285hp, the horsepower isn’t huge, but for its application as a school bus this is more than ample. Going up even inclines, it hardly needs a foot on the pedal and there is plenty of zip. The combination with the ZF transmission is perfect; it chooses the right gear without any issues and knows where it needs to be. Visibility is great – we were told that the windows for both the driver and passengers had been lengthened and all round visibility subsequently is without fault. There are large heated electric mirrors for the driver and a Mobitec CCTV 5 camera system that is easy to use and gives the driver easy access to all areas both inside and out - perfect! Another part of the design that helps with driver visibility is the positioning of the instrument panel and steering wheel. You often are looking through the steering wheel and there can be a slight obstruction of the sight path with some wheels, but the design on the RN8J means that the driver seems to be in a more raised position, which gives a clear view of the instruments and no loss of road visibility. The driver’s area is simple, easy to use and operate. The maxi brake is situated in a good position beside the driver. Overall, it is very Hino in feel and something that just works. At one point we realised we hadn’t been using the retarder, but flick it to one and it’s great. Into number three and wow it does slow down. We had been told we probably wouldn’t need to use the brakes that much and that was certainly right. The 57 standard seats in this bus are McConnell Educator seats, but operators can also choose Styleride, and Custom also produces its own seats, so there are set options for the customer to choose from. The McConnells have a 2/3 seating configuration, so for children under 12 there are three seat-belted seats available. 74

For our school market we will likely always have an offering in that lower horsepower segment because of its fuel efficiency and it also offers good value for money. In the rear engine compartment the layout from an accessibility and mechanical point of view is perfect. Daily checks will be easy with good access to belt changes, pulleys and the AC compressor. In a front side exterior compartment there is easy access to electric componentry and fuses, and this area also offers a safe spot for driver belongings. As drivers, historically, we’ve always really loved driving Hinos. We’ve driven many over the years and find some

common features in them all. They are always predictable and not over-complicated, so easy for us drivers to operate. They just go and go. Hopefully this new generation will continue the Hino legacy. Overall, it was a really pleasurable drive.

Below: In the engine compartment the layout from an accessibility and mechanical point of view is near perfect.

ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au

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