Busworld Kortrijk 2015

Exhibitors from across the globe are to descend upon Kortrijk, Belgium (or Courtrai if you are following the signs through France) on 16 to 21 October for Busworld Kortrijk 2015.

The bi-annual event will see hundreds of displays, many of which are applicable to the UK market. Here we have a run down of a few worth looking out for.

Vehicles

Altas Commercial Transport is to host a huge booth, where it will be presenting some of its new products, including the world premiere of its plug-in Hybrid City vehicle. It is to focus on some of its standard products.

New from BYD will be three pure electric buses, including the European premiere of its 18m articulated bus and a double decker.

Minibus builder, Integralia, is to show a selection of its products. The star attraction of its stand will be the ‘in-vip plus’ model, which was recognised locally as the minibus of the year in Spain.

Taking centre stage on Irizar’s stand will be its new Irizar i8 integral coach. The new Irizar i3 LE will be on show, with a DAF Biodiesel version motor aimed at the intercity sector of European countries. The i3 LE is Irizar’s first integral low entry bus. In addition, an Irizar i4 can be viewed at the main entrance to the trade fair venue.

Key topics on MAN’s stand will be fuel efficiency and safety. The manufacturer’s Lion’s Intercity is to be exhibited for the first time in Kortrijk. It is tailored specifically for long distance use or as a shuttle bus, as well as for use on school services. Advances with its Lion’s City and new city bus doors will be highlighted, as will he new ISRI NTS2 generation of driver’s seats. The Neoplan Cityliner is to be promoted too and MAN will also be presenting highlights from its Bus Modification Center (BMC).

Debuting at the show will be the Mercedes-Benz Citaro NGT with natural gas drive. Its engine is rated at 302hp and an articulated variant is possible. The vehicle on display will have the new optional LED main headlamps.

The hybridised Scania Citywide will be on show. Certified for alternative fuels, it is designed for combined city and suburban operations with speeds up to 100km per hour. The manufacturer will also be promoting its gas fuelled buses and the latest Euro6 version of the Scania Touring coach.

Temsa is to show two new products, one of which is the MD7 with 33+1 seats. Also on show for the first time is the manufacturer’s new Marathon, which its designers have been working on for a long time.

To be unveiled at the show will be the new Volvo 7900 Electric, the manufacturer’s first mass produced city bus powered exclusively by electricity. According to the company, it is approximately 80% more energy efficient than a conventional diesel bus. Available in a 12m design, a battery charge via the power grid takes less than six minutes, corresponding to around 10km of driving. The company will also be presenting its new Dynamic Steering system.

Products

Refrigeration compressor manufacturer, Bitzer, is presenting its new Speedlite scroll compressors for mobile applications. The two new scroll compressors are designed to be significantly more compact and more lightweight while providing at least as much or even more performance than previous models.

Firetrace International is to celebrate achieving ten out of ten in The SP Institute of Sweden’s P-Mark for its fire suppression systems.

Grayson Thermal Systems is to have its biggest ever presence at Busworld Kortrijk Europe, where it will unveil some new products. Headlining its stand will be its lightest ever E-Drive cooling system for a Cummins 6.7litre, 280 HP Euro6 engine. A 12 month development programme has resulted in lightweight frames and a hinged fan cowl that is intended to improve serviceability for cleaning of the cores. This cooling system is now just 74kg (usually 95kg plus). The company will also be displaying its new 24v electric water pump for use on hybrid and electric vehicles, in addition to its new battery thermal management system for full electric vehicles and updated HVAC range, including a heat and AC front box that promises to offer improved maintenance and weight savings.

As well as its Oilmaster automatic oil top up system, Groeneveld is to also display its CompAlube lubrication system, as well as its Greensight safety support systems and Fluidmaster fluid level indicator.

Masats will be presenting new developments in door systems and accessibility. It is launching a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Standard Door. It will be used to replace the original manual standard door on this vehicle with a fully equipped electrical door in all finishes. Opening outwards, the single rod electrical equipment allows for an extra seat in the vehicle since it does not interefere with the rotation rod. Masats will also be presenting a high performing electro-pneumatic 015g Door for coaches, which features an integrated DM3 pneumatic module to house all door and emergency opening and closing functions in a single unit.

Spheros is to display what it believes to be the most efficient air conditioning system for electromobility.

Vapor Ricon is to showcase its onboard lifts and ramps, as well as its range of single, double, electric and pneumatic doors ideal for the bus, coach, minibus and public transport market.