Euro Bus Expo 2010

» Full Euro Bus Expo 2010 report index here

Are your bags packed and are you ready for off, to the Show? If you’re reading this at the same time of its publication then you probably aren’t, as now’s the time to be on a train heading for Birmingham and Euro Bus Expo 2010—unless you’re a supplier and have been on site since Sunday morning constructing, dressing and parking vehicles on your stand.

This year sees a departure for me. I’ll not be staying the full course. Only two days, this time. It’s always challenging doing the Show in just two days. That might sound decadent but otherwise it’s difficult to see everyone, especially at the even years bigger shows. I emphasise every *one*, not every *thing*, for networking’s what the Show’s all about. Deep down, there’s actually very little business that goes on during the Show. That’s all done outside the NEC beforehand or after. That’s not to suggest that this annual carnival is a waste of time & money. Networking’s vital. If you’re a supplier, not being there can harm future business in the 11 months and 28 days till the next Show.

What might we expect to see? Well, let’s consider what I doubt will be present. I would think Optare won’t be showing its promised integral double deck. Expect the project to be in mothballs, for the time being. The standard Olympus body isn’t their current best seller and this, no doubt, will reflect on Optare’s decision to concentrate elsewhere, for the time being. Optare has, after all, just won in the public transport category of the Chartered Institute of Transport (and Logistics’) awards, for its green drive technology substantially launched at last year’s event.

There will be a new double deck bus available from elsewhere, though. MCV is confirmed to be showing its first ever, what’s believed to be a TfL vehicle remodelled for the provincial market. Indeed, MCV is going heavyweight mainstream, with bodies for the likes of Volvo rather than its traditional MAN and Dart offerings.

There will be another double deck debut, too. This will be the Setra S431 coach. And, in terms of coach products, there’ll be a Volvo B13 triaxle on display, its first outing ever. King Long will be showing a Maltese RHD 12m bus that’s reported at £120,000.

The Streetlite is currently doing the rounds of likely purchasers and it will most certainly be the centrepiece of the Wrightbus stand. What will be more interesting is whether Optare will rise to the challenge set it by the Streetlite. Can Optare produce a rabbit out of the hat? A Solo with an equal seating capacity for the length?

» Full Euro Bus Expo 2010 report index here