70 | REPORT
70
ITT Hub, a new British exhibition, held at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 30th June and 1st July 2021, may be best remembered, in hindsight, as the first event where people could meet face-to-face, have real conversations and hopefully sealed some deals (or have at least started them). Farnborough Airport is an ideal venue for a trade show, with lots of space, both inside and outside. In a somewhat relaxed and almost carnival like atmosphere, visitors and exhibitors could mingle freely, while obviously respecting the social distancing protocols in place. Even though the Covid-19 crisis slowed down most activities, it did not stop product development. Visitors at
Advancements in Bus & Coach Industry highlighted at ITT HUB the show may have been surprised at the advancement in buses and coaches. While the new normal for commuting and touring will have changed somewhat, it will always be a big sector in the overall economy. Most of the major manufacturers were present with a good selection of proposals and products to improve sustainability and air quality. Some highlights of the show included the launch of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro, a Hydrogen bus from the Wrightbus group, and a new e-Cityline from EVM. Due to the success of the inaugural event, next year’s event is happening a little earlier, on the 11th & 12th of May. Here are some of the main happenings from the stands.
ADL (Alexander Dennis) ADL displayed a selection of its British-built buses and coaches at the outdoor exhibition area at Farnborough, including several zero emission buses that highlight how the manufacturer is leading the ZEvolution. In addition, a zero emission capable Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid were on display. It operates for up to three miles at a time in electric mode and uses geofencing to cut out emissions in pollution hotspots. Two electric BYD ADL Enviro400EV double deckers were there for visitors to experience at the Ride & Drive area, as well as on the stand of ADL’s partner for electric buses in the UK and Ireland, BYD. The BYD ADL partnership is the leading supplier of zero emission buses in Britain, with over 1,000 delivered or currently on order.
Switch – Metrodecker Part of the Optare group, owned by Ashok-Leyland, Switch is the group’s brand for electric buses. Its top seller is the electric double decker, which it claims is the lightest in the market. Available in two variants, 10.5m & 11.14m, they come with seating for 63 and 84 passengers and can carry over 94 persons including standees, depending on the layout. Also available is the 8.74m single deck, which is recognisable as an Optare. Available in four variants, seating ranges from 35 to 58, depending on the chosen layout.
FLEETBUS&COACH| SUMMER 2021
