Coach & Bus issue 30 web magazine by Transport Publishing Australia

Issue 30 – 2017 – $8.95 incl. GST

www.truckandbus.net.au

BLACK GOLD LUXURY COACH CONCEPTS SCANIA HITS THE STREETS

ON DEMAND BUSES ARE HERE • BUSWORLD AND GOLD COAST SHOWS IN DETAIL FUSO AEROQUEEN • SCANIA INTERVIEW

Keep your buses moving

With 24 Months fitted Genuine Volvo Parts*

Not just warranty on parts but a warranty for your business. Genuine Volvo Parts are vital in helping maximise uptime and achieving the most profitable outcome for your business. Genuine Volvo Parts purchased from an Authorised Volvo Bus and Coach Dealer and fitted by our skilled Volvo Technician, will carry 2 years / 500,000KM warranty including labour* This warranty covers the repair or replacement of parts, and consequential damages, safeguarding the performance of your vehicle to save you time and money, and keep your buses moving. Volvobuses.com.au/genuineparts

VOlvo 24 month parts warranty *Terms and Conditions apply please see Volvobuses.com.au for futher information

001 Drivers Seat

PETER BARNWELL IT’S ELECTRIFYING

okyo Motor Show has come and gone and it will possibly go down as a turning point in automotive history when major manufacturers truly embraced electrification. Every exhibitor showed advanced electric vehicle technology that is close to, if not ready to go….right now. The same applies to the Busworld Exhibition held recently in Belgium where most manufacturers displayed some sort of electric powertrain including one outfit with a dual electric hub centre drive with up to 17,000Nm of torque. That grabbed your attention, right. Busworld showed that the bus and coach industry is right up there with carmakers in terms of electric or hybrid drive powertrains. Infact, bus/truck component manufacturers are at the head of the field in some areas of electrification driven by a number of factors not the least being lower operating costs and emissions reduction especially in big metro areas. Pressure is being applied internationally by governments and bureaucracies to incentivise the broad adoption of electric powertrains. This will work by either the imposition of charges or by paying bonuses. The stumbling block of battery powered electric vehicles is being overcome with companies like Toshiba about to introduce a new battery that lasts longer, stores more power and is much faster to recharge. Other battery manufacturers are in a

similar position, especially the big ones like China’s BYD which, by the way, has a number of full electric SUVs running around some Australian capital cities under evaluation for taxi work. The writing is on the wall. So, let’s get real here and look at how all this applies to Australian bus operators. It all depends on where your main business is… major metro or large regional cities, country towns and surrounding districts or charter tours, long distance runs and interstate passenger transport. It’s a given that electric buses will dominate on urban routes before too long. They lend themselves perfectly to this sort of application and cut emissions in sensitive areas. Recharging infrastructure for urban route bus fleets will be much easier to establish in concentrated areas. Less so for country based bus fleets which have to travel further and operators would be less able to amortise recharging infrastructure unless battery technology allows a significantly longer driving range, which is entirely possible. For long distance work, electrification still has some way to go due to range limits compared to diesel and recharging issues. It could be viable if recharging facilities are readily available along the major routes and if the bus had a range of around 400km on one charge… But who pays? A 2000 litre tank of diesel is more readily

available and will take your bus further than any battery electric system available. But don’t think for one moment diesel will continue to rule interstate routes because hybrid powertrains are a viable stopgap until full electric interstate buses and trucks are a commercial proposition. Hopefully all of this adds up to a win/ win situation with bus operators cutting operating costs along with the considerable community benefits of lower emissions. In this issue we take a look at the giant Busworld in Belgium and our own Australasian Bus and Coach Expo on the Gold Coast, we head to Murwillimbah to check out the Rosa fleet and the Gosels Bus company, there is a report on the entry of the Bridj bus on demand system to Australia, There is an enlightening interview with global Scania bus executive Karolina Wennerborn, a look at Coach Concepts stunning new Scania coach which stole the show at the Gold Coast. All that and a whole lot more in this issue of Coach and Bus, till next time take it easy.

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Issue 029

CONTENTS CONTACT DETAILS

FEATURES

PO Box 7046 Warringah Mall NSW 2100

www.truckandbus.net.au admin@truckandbus.net.au Enquiries 02 9938 6408 Follow us on Twitter #truckandbusnews Follow us on Facebook at Truck and Bus Australia

Publisher Jon Thomson admin@truckandbus.net.au Editor in Chief Peter Barnwell peter@truckandbus.net.au Art Director Fiona Meadows kududesign.com.au Advertising Sales Zara Kilfeather Mob: 0404 883 249 zara@motozedmedia.com.au Contributing Writers Tom Worsley, Allan Whiting, Barry Flanagan, Sven Erik Lindsrand

TOMORROW THE WORLD...

The World’s biggest bus Show, Busworld Europe 2017, took place in October at Kortrijkin in Belgium. It was the last giant Bus expo to be held in the Belgian centre and many believe it turned out to be the best ever. Coach and Bus took a look at the massive show and all the glitter surrounding the displays.

24 GOLD STANDARD

The Gold Coast convention and exhibition centre provided the perfect location for this year’s Australasian Bus and Coach Expo with the industry putting on a great display of glitz, glamour and the latest technology. C&B was there to record all the happenings at the show.

30 EXPERT OPINION

Scania’s global director of Product Management and Presales for bus and coach business, Karolina Wennerblom was in Australia recently and editor Barnwell caught up for a chat on a wide range of topics from electric, hybrid to diverse fuel options and new chassis designs, all areas the fascinating Wennerblom has an opinion on.

38 BUILDING A BRIDJ

Uber ride sharing has achieved enormous popularity in a relatively short period and the same could apply to a new on demand public transport system which has just started a trial in western Sydney, editor Peter Barnwell takes a look at a system that could revolutionise the bus industry.

44 SWEET AS

In the Northern NSW sugar town of Murwillimbah, family owned bus operator Gosel’s Bus Company is pretty keen on the Fuso Rosa 25 seater with no less than six of them on the fleet. Editor Barnwell had a chat with the family run operation to find out why it is so sweet on the Rosa.

48 PRISCILLA AERO QUEEN!

Editor of our sister publication Transport & Trucking Australia, Allan Whiting, travelled to Japan recently for the Tokyo Motor Show and had the opportunity to do a few laps of Fuso’s challenging Japanese test track behind the wheel of the new Fuso AeroQueen.

54 BLACK GOLD

Queensland based body builder Coach Concepts is really kicking some goals having built the Volvo which was the cover story in the last issue of C&B and also the stunning star of the show at this year’s Gold Coast Bus Expo, editor Peter Barnwell has taken a look at that Scania which is now in service with Palmer Corporate.

Contributing Photographers Mark Bean, Cristian Brunelli, Jan Glovac

Coach & Bus Magazine is published under licence by Transport Publishing Australia. and is distributed to road transport professionals, fleets, business professionals and the industry throughout Australia. All material contained herein including text, photography, design elements and format are copyright and cannot be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Grayhaze Pty.Ltd. is a member of the Copyright Agency Limited (1800 066 844). Editorial contributions are welcome for consideration. Contact the Editor or Publisher for guidelines, fees and level of interest. All unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a stamp, addressed envelope for their return. We will not be held responsible for material supplied electronically. Proudly printed in Australia

Single copy price $8.95 incl. GST

REGULARS

DRIVER’S SEAT

Editor Peter Barnwell mulls over change in the industry, whether it’s driverless bus tech or changes even closer to come.

04 UP FRONT We wrap up the key local and international bus and coach news that affects us as a global industry and where we are heading.

64 MONEY

Paul Clitheroe’s latest advice on finances.

44 54

VOLGREN SCORES ANOTHER BIG ORDER IN TOKYO AUSTRALIAN BASED bus body builder Volgren has scored a big export order in one of the world’s most highly competitive bus markets, Japan winning an order for 29 low floor buses from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Bureau of Transport. This latest order from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which operates close to 1,450 buses in the Tokyo region is Volgren’s single biggest deal since entering the Japanese market in 2014 with its articulated route bus. Volgren has established four key customer relationships in Japan since 2014, including its ongoing association with the Nishitetsu Railway Company, Japan’s largest bus operator. Volgren Chief Executive Peter Dale said the entry of the Volgren Scania N280UB E6 chassis low floor city buses, are the first of their kind in Japan. “In a short space of time, Volgren has built a reputation in Japan for manufacturing high quality, niche vehicles in areas that local manufacturers currently do not supply into.” “There’s currently no local Japanese bus body manufacturer producing a complete low floor bus, the only other option being

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buses from Europe that are noncompliant to Japanese regulations and not equipped with any Japanese specific equipment upon delivery to the customer.” “The low floor route buses for Tokyo Metropolitan Government, to be built in Dandenong, will be 100 per cent compliant to Japanese vehicle specifications including its complex onboard passenger information systems, ticketing equipment and emergency exit requirements.” “This ready to roll solution is well received by operators and is one of the key planks to our success in Japan” Dale explains. Dale said Volgren’s engineering quality and technological innovation means that their buses are now desired around the world. “Tokyo Metropolitan Government is one of the most progressive bus operators in the world. It’s recently taken delivery of the first Toyota fuel cell bus and by ordering a complete low floor solution through Volgren, its sending a message to local suppliers – update and be more flexible to passenger requirements, or we’ll go elsewhere,” Dale said. The complete low floor city buses will improve ease of access, increase capacity and better cater

to Tokyo’s ageing population. The first of two homologation units, ordered by Scania Japan, will go into build in two weeks, as part of the pre-registration process. Production of the remaining buses will commence in May and be completed by August 2018 ABB has unveiled a `Smart Charging’ solution for bus depots running electric powertrains in their vehicles. The system offers an intelligent and cost-effective solution for charging larger fleets during the

night and ensuring zero emission transportation during the day. ABB’s HVC Overnight charger system taps into the global electric bus market expected to undergo compound annual growth above 30 per cent from 2017 to 2025. ABB says it is leading the way in the development of smart Heavy Vehicle Charger (HVC) charging solutions with the launch of the HVC-Overnight Charger product. The system was shown at the recent Busworld expo in Belgium and created plenty of interest

among owners and operators. ABB says the modular Overnight Charger system is a so called `smart charger’ that uses off peak electricity for cost savings. It is built to a future proof design capable of functioning reliably in most environments as well as remote service areas. A data management function collects information for later reference. ABB spent 12 years on research and development in EV charging solutions when developing the

Overnight Charger. They also gained information and experience from commercial products in the field since 2010. The HVC-Overnight Charger offers a compact, single power cabinet paired with up to three charge boxes. This means that after the first vehicle has finished charging, the next will start charging automatically, maximizing vehicle availability and reducing the initial investment and subsequent operational costs.

Frank Muhlon, Head of ABB’s Global Business for Electric Vehicle Charging explains: “Policy makers across the globe are focusing on developing sustainable public transit solutions to tackle emissions in and around the most densely populated cities. “At ABB we have always been at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art and cost-efficient solutions that meet our customers’ needs and enable us all to look forward to a greener future. The launch of our HVC Overnight

Charger products enabling a smart sequential charging is another significant step towards making this a reality.” Designed with scalability in mind, the power cabinets of ABB’s HVC-Overnight Charger can be upgraded from 50kW to 100kW or 150kW at any time. The chargers also come with an extensive suite of connectivity features including remote monitoring, remote management, remote diagnostics, and remote software upgrades.

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OIL AND TECHNOLOGY DOES MIX AFTER A SUCCESSFUL in-house testing regime, petrol retailer Caltex has moved into a new business area in logistics telematics. The company is selling the system into other transport operations. Caltex Telematics is a so called white-labelled `platform’ that taps into a vehicle’s engine management system to collect CANbus data and provide real-time information on the performance of drivers and vehicles. The system is supplied by Israeli firm Traffilog and was extensively trialled on the Caltex fleet before being offered externally. A telematics business unit was spun out last year which markets the system to transport companies. The telematics platform goes

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beyond GPS tracking to tap into the way vehicles are being driven, collecting detail information on acceleration and braking, gear changes and how the clutch is used, among other driver behaviours. It is said to be capable of improving driver safety while the data collected is then used to predict faults and maintenance issues before they happen, potentially avoiding expensive repairs. Caltex Telematics says the platform goeds beyond other telematics solutions due to its ability to collect CANbus data from all vehicles. A controller area network (CAN) bus is the message-based protocol used in vehicles to allow communication between devices

without a host computer. According to a Caltecx Telematics spokesman, one of the issues with conventional telematics is they can do [CANbus connectivity] some of the time with some of the vehicles, but not all the time with all the vehicles. Data coming out of any manufacturer’s engine is unique and specific to a model. What Traffilog have is a huge library of the CANbus information so it can grab and interpret the information more successfully than any other product. Drivers can access their own data via a dashboard that tracks their performance alongside others in the fleet, which encourages safer driving. A company can also use the platform’s predictive analytics to

work out when a fault might occur. The logistics telematics market is at saturation level making it difficult for a newcomer to get in however, Caltex Telematics says it has an edge on the others because their system doesn’t only concentrate on the driver, it looks at how the driver interacts with the vehicle , driver safety and the `health’ of the vehicle. Governments are likely to mandate telematics in all heavy vehicles as a way to manage driver fatigue and infact, the Australian Logistics Council wants the government to introduce a mandate for telematics technology in all heavy vehicles to improve safety. If this were to happen, it would help Caltex’s endeavours hugely.

OPTARE HAS A NEW STRONGER DISTRIBUTOR IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WHICH IS SET TO TAKE THE BRAND TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL Optare welcomes BusCorp Oceania as its official distributor offering our full range of highly efficient and versatile monocoque buses from the versatile 7.9 to 10m Solo midi bus through to the 10.1 to 11.5m Metrocity route bus to the flagship 12.5m Tempo available in a range of powertrains including Mercedes Benz, Cummins and Allison as well as advanced electric models. Optare is backed by one of the largest automotive groups in the world and brings more than a century of bus knowledge and expertise to the road.

CONTACT GUY PEX, NATIONAL SALES MANAGER • BUS CORP OCEANIA MOBILE: 0477 000 995 • guy.pex@bcoceania.com.au

www.bcoceania.com.au

SMART CHARGING ON ITS WAY

THESE ADVANCED SERVICES from ABB provide customers with powerful insight into their charging operation, and enable high uptime and fast response to problems. ABB also launched its HVCOpportunity Charging range at Busworld, which offers high power 008 www.truckandbus.net.au

automated charging for both single and double deck electric buses from any manufacturer in as little as 3-6 minutes by using a pantograph coming down from infrastructure. In addition, ABB put a focus on its innovative TOSA flash charging and on board electric vehicle technology

for e-buses. Electric bus lines can save thousands of tons of carbon dioxide per year when compared with diesel counterparts. ABB has sold more than 6,000 cloud connected DC fast-chargers around the world for passenger

cars and commercial vehicles. The company is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport and infrastructure globally.

we’ll keep you going year after year after year after year after year. fuso. all day.

YEAR

warranty

fuso.com.au

Fuso offers a 5 year warranty as standard on every new truck and Rosa bus. So you can be confident your business will stay on the move, all day. And unlike some others, ours is a genuine manufacturer’s warranty, which means you’re guaranteed genuine Fuso parts and service from an authorised Fuso dealer. Contact your Fuso dealer or visit fuso.com.au Warranty terms and conditions apply. See an authorised Fuso dealer or our warranty policy at www.fuso.com.au/service for full details.

RUSSIAN IN NEW BUS FLEET

SCANIA’S RUSSIAN operation has been contracted by GAZ Group to provide 541 chassis for the production of their LiAZ Voyage intercity buses. The new buses are part of a public transport upgrade program by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation. Deliveries of the chassis began in October 2017 and will continue until March 2018. Assembly will 010 www.truckandbus.net.au

take place at the Likino Bus Plant before being put into service on urban, suburban and intercity routes by Mostransavto. GAZ Group started using Scania chassis for its Cruise tourist buses in 2004. This is the biggest order placed by GAZ Group since 2014, when Scania delivered more than 700 chassis as part of the preparation for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympic

Winter Games. In total, Scania has now provided more than 2,200 chassis to GAZ Group. Replacing many of the older buses will provide a more pleasant experience for passengers and a better driver environment. The new buses will have better fuel economy while the use of more modern materials and technologies are seen as a step

towards creating more sustainable transport. The combination of the Scania chassis and the LiAZ body were chosen with Russian operational conditions in mind. Covering the Moscow region requires servicing routes of up to 500 kilometres. The new buses will be one of the first steps in improving the Moscow region’s public transport infrastructure.

YOU

SCANIA

BE 18 TONNE COMPLIANT.

Scania has a selection of fully compliant high quality locally manufactured and readybuilt buses to meet your school and charter requirements. All Scania buses come with ABS/EBS as standard equipment with the option of Electronic Stability Control. Coupled with customised driver training and integrated fleet management system, Scania sets new standards for operating economy, driveability, handling and reliability.

Features include:• High quality body and interior • 295/80R22.5 tyres • Available in 310hp • Built-in retarder • Choice of six-speed automatic transmission or eight-speed two pedal Opticruise.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SCANIA-HIGER A30 CONTACT:QLD Brian Thompson: 0418 531 632 WA Dean Cash: 0478 310 518

NSW Rob Lanteri: 0478 317 177 Warren Young: 0411 768 027

VIC / SA / TAS Dean Cash: 0478 310 518 Jamie Atkinson: 0408 059 501

ZF-ECOLIFE COACH TRANSMISSION FOR TORQUE UP TO 2,300NM ZF has a new auto transmission designed specifically for higher input torques and extended functions found in coaches. ZF says the EcoLife transmission `family’ is a worldwide benchmark for automatic bus transmissions. It’s intended for use in the most demanding application area – city traffic. Based on this, ZF has produced the ZF-EcoLife Coach version. This is specifically designed for use in intercity buses and coaches and for particularly demanding routes. The torque converter in the ZF-EcoLife Coach transmits input torque of up to 2,300 Nm – commonly found in high performance coach engines. In mountain regions, for instance, intercity buses and coaches must frequently brake hard due to frequent narrow bends and must then accelerate strongly again.

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For this reason, many gear changes in a short period of time are required - just like in city traffic. This is where ZF’s EcoLife Coach benefits from its high efficiency and its smooth and efficient acceleration without tractive force interruption when changing gears. Speed and accelerative force do not drop off either, which has a positive effect both on fuel consumption and noise emissions. Furthermore, buses with ZF-EcoLife Coach are easy to manoeuvre and enable very slow driving without clutch wear - even for less experienced drivers. When driving downhill, ZF’s primary retarder pays off: This system is the only one that

develops its braking effect depending on the engine speed and not, as conventional secondary retarders do, in relation to the vehicle velocity. Thus, the retarder also efficiently decelerates on long downhill routes and at low bus velocities increasing safety and reducing the wear of the service brakes. As a result, combined with the innovative cooling concept, it is possible to apply the retarder for a very long time without reduction, and to use it almost until vehicle standstill. Many coaches also drive often in

cities for long, continuous stretches of time. For instance, when they are used as shuttles between city hotels and the airport or for sightseeing at the destination. In both cases, the buses and their transmissions have to tackle both low speeds and frequent gear changes in stopand-go traffic. In this environment, the ZF-EcoLife Coach optimally combines the requirements of coaches with the driving situation of city buses.

JOST Alloy Wheels

JOST Forged Alloy Wheels JOST Premium Forged Alloy Wheels are manufactured to exacting standards to suit Australian conditions. • Bus & Coach compatible • Half the weight of steel rims* • Reduced tyre wear • Increased fuel economy • Reduced brake maintenance

• 5 year unlimited km warranty • Available in Machined, Polished and Superchrome™ finishes • Available for steel wheel conversions including sleeve nuts

* average weight statement compared to a quality 22.5 x 8.25 Steel disc wheel equivalent.

Call Toll Free: 1800 811 487 www.jostaustralia.com.au

TESLA TRUCK = BUS TESLA BOSS ELON MUSK has made his electric vehicle agenda clear starting with passenger cars, then moving to SUVs, sports cars, pick-up trucks and recently semi-trailers. Undoubtedly, the truck will lead to a bus that will utilise

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similar wheel hub electric motor technology to power drive wheels with batteries under the floor of the vehicle. Tesla seem to have overcome range issues with its new semitrailer prototype claiming up to 800km on one charge with a

recharge for an additional 600km taking 30 minutes. Tesla seems able to fast track vehicle production which could mean a fully electric and useable interstate/charter bus sooner than might be expected. The cost of such a vehicle is

unclear but Tesla explains possible pricing of its semi trailer in a cost benefit analysis form rather than an outright purchase price. At the recent semi trailer launch, Musk said Tesla `` Designed the trucks to be like a bullet,’’referring to aerodynamic shape of the vehicles which are rated at a mere Cd 0.36. Most external body hardware is smoothed and flush mounted, including low-set headlamps, the upper clearance lights, and the door handles. The bottom of the truck is flat. The semi cab has a low floor and tall ceiling to allow passengers and driver to stand up inside and walk easily between seats. The driver’s seat is centre mounted because there’s no engine in the traditional location. The truck’s structure is built around its battery packs, which are located between the front and rear axles beneath the cabin, giving it a low centre of gravity. The prototype featured dual rear axles, with each of the four rear wheels powered by its own dedicated hub-centre electric motor. The lack of a transmission means no shifting gears for the driver. In performance terms the Tesla truck (prime mover) is said to be able to clock a 0-100kmh time of 5.0 seconds, 20 seconds fully laden including trailer. Range is aided by regenerative brakes capable of returning 98 per cent of the kinetic energy to the battery. A planned US network of new solar-fed high-speed Megachargers will replenish electric charge to the truck.

PROBABLY THE CLEANEST DIESEL CITY BUS IN THE WORLD DIESEL IS DIRTY that’s a fact but in Germany is perhaps the cleanest diesel-driven city bus in the world. The results from tests were sensational, significantly better than required in current Euro VI standard for new buses. The tests were performed by Professor Dr. Ralph Putz, an expert in commercial vehicles and exhaust gas technology at the Landshut University of Applied Sciences. “First I did not believe the measured values and decided to calibrate the measuring instruments again”, says Professor Putz. “In part, the nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were in the hardly

measurable range. In fact, what came out of the exhaust pipe of the bus was cleaner than the ambient air. And this despite the difficult conditions that included slow driving through pedestrian zones,” Dr. Putz said. Jari Lotvonen, CEO of Proventia Emission Control Oy said “Replacing complete diesel bus fleets with electric buses is financially impossible in the short term. Upgrading buses to Euro VI standard by retrofitting would be a sensible and economical option for buses that still have many years of service time.” “Retrofitting is the quickest and the most cost-effective way to cut

NOx and other harmful emissions from existing bus fleets and improve the city air. Today efficient, affordable retrofit technologies are available,” Lotvonen continued. A Euro5 EEV city bus, equipped with Proventia NOxBUSTER City system, was tested in real driving conditions on Paderborn bus routes. The test bus reached the lowest ever measured NOx emission level in a real operation, showing NOx and in particular NO2 reduction of almost 99 per cent. NOxBUSTER technology uses standard commercial AdBlue for reducing NOx, but is specifically designed for stop-and-go city traffic. The Proventia retrofit system

also includes an online emissions monitoring system, PROCARE Drive that provides 24/7 updates of the level of NOx emissions from the buses and full remote monitoring of the system operation. Proventia NOxBUSTER City system is proven and effective solution for Euro VI retrofits by several independent test organizations both in laboratories and PEMS tests. With the same technology Proventia has upgraded Euro IV, V, EEV and hybrid buses up to Euro VI emissions level for major bus operators in Finland, Sweden and Norway. The company is also approved as a supplier for London ULEZ Euro VI retrofit project. www.truckandbus.net.au 015

WHEELY WHEELY POWERFUL N ext g en ’ ZAw h e e l re ve a le d ELECTRIC WHEEL hub drive for city service buses now even more powerful and with twin tyres “We have taken on board the suggestions from local transport companies and bus operators and implemented these in the new version of ZAwheel”, says Peter Fenkl, Chairman of Ziehl-Abegg’s (ZA) Board of Directors. The company presented the second generation of the electric wheel hub drive for city buses, late October, at the world’s largest bus fair in Kortrijk (Belgium). As a result of consumer consultation, the next generation ZAwheel incorporates many new features designed to satisfy the demands of bus operators who wanted a twin tyre version. “We developed the original ZAwheel with minimal energy consumption front of mind and therefore opted for the Super

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Single tyre”, explains Ralf Arnold, Managing Director of ZA Automotive. The reason for this is that the Super Single tyre is more efficient as only two tyre edges need to be smoothed when rolling – on the twin tyres it’s four tyre edges. However, many operators traditionally rely on twin tyres throughout their fleet so they only have to hold stocks of one type of tyre in the warehouse. “That’s why we now offer single and twin tyre versions of the electric drive”, says Arnold. ZA has also improved the performance of the wheel hub motors. The ZAwheel drive module is now available in two power settings: one with a maximum torque of 17,500Nm and one with 9,000Nm. In the past there was only one

single power setting of 12,000Nm. “This means we can meet the bus operators’ individual topographical requirements – whether it’s for flat terrain or mountainous regions.” In addition, because of the increase in the maximum torque to 17,500Nm the motors can now be fitted to articulated buses with just one drive axle. The ultra-powerful drive is available for immediate delivery with the lower power setting following in a second stage. “As part of this process of offering motors on a two-stage basis, we have also developed totally new wheel electronics”, says Arnold. ZA has also taken a step forward with control technology: the ZAwheel control unit has been added to the product portfolio of wheel hub

drive, wheel rim and axle. This means the company offers drive shafts and control technology from one single source. “This makes us a full-service provider for the entire power train” explains Arnold. During the course of the collaboration with bus manufacturers and public transport operators, one complaint was repeatedly heard: there were too many component manufacturers involved in the drive train. “This gave us the impetus to develop our own control unit,” says Arnold. There is of course still the option for customers just to order the axle drive module. Caption: ZAwheel now with twin tyres: The efficient drive for electric city buses from Ziehl-Abegg.

VOLVO GOES THE DISTANCE

V O LV O 7900 HAS 200KM RANGE THE RECENT BUSWORLD EXPO in Belgium was where Volvo showed off its latest electric drive bus. All manufacturers now have electric powertrains firmly in their planning as the future of metro buses is undoubtedly electric-drive. Volvo has been at the forefront of electric bus development for a number of years and is in a position now to launch its first ‘ready to run’ electric bus – the Volvo 7900 Electric. In addition to the electric drive system, the 7900 also features some other technical advancements. Official launch date for the 7900 is 2018 and it ushers in technology delivering an extended operating range of up to 200km on one charge. The extra range comes from a greater battery capacity available in 150, 200 and 250kWh. Volvo Buses has also expanded the range of battery charging options for operators. In addition to the traditional OppCharge interface, the 12-metre bus will also be able to charged via cable, CCS, which is the European standard for charging electric vehicles from the mains grid. Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses, says the 7900 makes sense for cities. “This is a very important reinforcement of our electromobility product range, giving our customers maximum flexibility in their daily operations. “During peak hours the buses can operate continuously without stopping to recharge. “Instead, the batteries can be charged once traffic is at off-peak levels. On shorter routes, they can even run throughout the day and be charged at night.”

IVECO SCORES ELECTRIC BUS ORDER MOMENTUM is building for a comprehensive shift to electric powertrains on city buses particularly in European cities. The driving force is emissions control as diesel powered buses contribute to dangerous levels of life threatening particulate pollution especially when diesel vehicles are concentrated in big cities. Electric powered city buses seems the way to go because apart from being cleaner, there’s plenty of space for large battery packs and most city buses don’t cover large distances in total each day. Every major truck/bus manufacturer has invested in electric-drive buses, including CNH Industrial, parent company of Iveco. The Iveco-owned European bus brand, HEULIEZ BUS, has just received its first major order for a new range of electric city buses – the GX 437 ELEC. One of Norway’s largest passenger transport operators, TIDEBUSS placed the order for 10 electric Heuliezbus vehicles deployed on the streets of Trondheim, a city with a track record for early adoption of sustainable transport. Set to arrive 2019, the GX 437 is an 18-metre long articulated bus with a 130-passenger capacity. Made entirely from lightweight stainless steel, the bus is powered by a 160/200kW electric motor.

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Bus Show

TOMORROW THE

nderlining the size and breadth of the 24th biennial Busworld Europe bus and coach exhibition was the fact that it attracted a total of 376 exhibitors from 36 countries and more than 37,000 visitors from 118 countries. Busworld’s opening days boasted 34 press conferences and numerous premieres with more than 300 members of the press from 42 countries to report on the event in the Belgian centre of Kortrijk. The Expo also brought the announcement of three major bus industry awards judged by three different juries including the Sustainable Bus Awards, the Coach of the Year and the Busworld Grand Awards.

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In the Sustainable awards the new VDL Citea Slfa Electric won the Sustainable Urban bus award, Iveco’s Crossway LE Natural Power won the Sustainable Intercity Bus award and the Setra S 516 HD/2 was selected as the Sustainable Coach of the year. The Irizar’s i8 was chosen as the Busworld Coach of the Year while the Grand Awards went to MAN’s Lion Coach in the coach category while in the Grand award for buses the MercedesBenz Citaro hybrid was announced as the winner. Along with the main Grand Awards ten Labels of Excellence were announced by the jury, including a Comfort Label for the Iveco Crealis bus and the MAN Lion

coach, Mercedes Benz picked up a Design Excellence Label for its Tourismo M/2 as did BMC’s Neocity Busworld was first staged in 1971 as ‘Autocar-en Autobussalon’ and since then it has been held every two years in Kortrijk. Today, it is undoubtedly the oldest and best-known exhibition in the bus and coach industry. Since 2001, Busworld has organised exhibitions in other continents and now runs five such events including Busworld Turkey, Busworld India, Busworld Russia and Busworld Latin America along with the original Busworld Europe. The show was packed with new product as the bus market booms across the planet and particularly in Europe.

WORLD...

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Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) made its debut at Busworld Europe in style with an eye-catching yellow Enviro500 doubledecker a 13m long 4m tall 78-seater equipped with three doors and two staircases, with the rear staircase leading directly to the rear set of doors to facilitate quick boarding and exit. ADL’s second display vehicle was an Enviro200 MMC for Abellio London. Featuring a lightweight customisable design weighing less than eight tonnes and under 12m length. The focus was very firmly on lightweight, fuel economy and innovation China brand BYD exhibited the first all-electric 12m ebus that it has built in Europe. The bus was built at the firm’s new Hungarian plant and was exhibited alongside a stylish European-specification low-floor 8.75m midibus. The midi can carry up to 58 passengers, 22 of them seated, and has a range on a single charge of a 200km. BYD already offers 10.2, 10.8 and 12m single-deckers, an 18m artic, doubledeckers and a coach and now provides a comprehensive range of all-electric passenger vehicles in Europe and it has a partnership with Alexander Dennis

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and collaboration is now underway on an electric double-decker. Cummins showed an electrified powertrain configurable for either a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a range extended electric vehicle (REEV) combining battery power with a compact engine-generator. The engine manufacturer says they’re ideally suited for integration into city, intercity and airport buses with a high-efficiency traction motor providing direct drive. Enhanced energy storage for the BEV and REEV system is achieved with a high-density battery enclosure, designed by Cummins in a compact, modular format for both on-roof and chassis integration into existing bus designs. Operational flexibility is improved with a fast recharge capability using an integral plug-in connection as well as options for on-route charging where a pantograph or charge plate infrastructure is available. A standard-size Cummins battery enclosure provides a 70kWh storage capability with up to eight enclosure units (560kWh) integrated within the BEV bus. This enables a zero-emissions range of up to 360km on a single charge. A Cummins REEV hybrid system has with a battery pack of three enclosures

(210kWh) provides a zero-emissions range of up to 135km. This system sees a 120kW (160hp) engine-generator come online when the battery pack depletes to a low state-of-charge, to recharge the batteries and continue operations with ultra-low emissions capability. The Cummins 2.8litre engine used in the REEV system is 60 per cent smaller in displacement than engines in equivalent diesel buses. Daimler attracted plenty of interest with the world show debut of its award winning hybrid Citaro. It is claiming that together with new electrohydraulic steering, the hybrid reduces the fuel consumption by up to 8.5 per cent. Also attracting a lot of interest was the new Tourismo RHD high-decker touring coach – as was the new Setra S 531 DT double-decker bus of the. Daimler also displayed its new Active Brake Assist 4 with pedestrian detection claiming it is the first emergency braking assistance system in a touring coach to brake automatically for pedestrians. Daimler says the system it is calling ABA 4 will be available in Europe from the second quarter of 2018 for the new Mercedes-Benz

Today, Busworld is undoubtedly the oldest and best-known exhibition in the bus and coach industry.

Tourismo and the Setra ComfortClass 500 and TopClass 500 touring coaches. On the Iveco stand were some interesting options in its Daily minibus line up, particularly for Australia as they were shown in right hand drive format The line up included the Daily Start, the Daily Tourys and the Daily Line. The 6m Start is based on the four and a half-tonne Daily 45C15 and is an entry level minibus that seats up to 16 Ideal for school, airport and taxi applications and boasts a dedicated space for a wheelchair, a side sliding door and a retractable entrance step. Engine outputs are either 150 or 180bhp. The 19-seat Tourys has pneumatic rear suspension, air-conditioning and an audio-visual multimedia system and has been updated to comply with ECE R66.02 anti-rollover requirements. Inside it boasted more comfortable seats and USB sockets and an ‘atmospheric LED lighting’ system along with a two-part panoramic windshield. Iveco claims the 2.5 cubic metre luggage compartment and revised cabin racks make it the best in its class in terms of total storage capacity. Iveco was keen to promote the Daily

Minibus Blue Power range which comprises natural gas and electric options. The gasfuelled vehicle, available for the first time with an eight-speed Hi-Matic automated gearbox, is powered by a three-litre 136bhp engine with 350Nm of torque while the electric utilises high-density sodium nickel chloride batteries combined with ultracapacitors to give a range of 100 to 160km on a single charge. On the bigger side of things Iveco also unveiled the Crossway Low Entry Natural Power which uses a 360hp Cursor 9 natural gas diesel engine with 1,620Nm of torque. Four 315-litre gas tanks are mounted on the roof of the vehicle. There was also a new 14.5m three-axle version of the Crossway Low Entry on display which can seat up to 61. Irizar main thrust at Busworld was what it called a ‘tram on the tarmac’ – an 18m articulated Irizar ie Tram, which the Spanish manufacturer said extends its range of electric vehicles to artics with opportunity charging. The 18m vehicle has a capacity of 155 passengers with four sliding doors to minimise dwell time at stops. Vehicles such as this have already been mooted for Sydney’s Parramatta Rd once

WestConnex opens as well as on some routes in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The ie Tram uses Irizar Group’s ownbrand technology with the engine manufactured by subsidiary Alconza using a permanent magnet synchronous motor with 230 Kw. In terms of storage, the vehicle uses the high-power density and long-life lithium Ion of the LTO family (Lithium Titanate Oxide) batteries. The manufacturer said the new Irizar pantograph allows the vehicle to be charged in minutes during its journey. Its modern and minimalist design aims to offer easy integration into various urban landscapes without the need to lay rails in the road or build overhead wire infrastructure. The operator can choose from different protocols related to the opportunity charging procedure and the onboard climate is controlled using a Hispacold air-conditioning system, designed specifically for zeroemission electric vehicles. Irizar says this offers the ideal balance between thermal passenger comfort and energy optimisation. Irizar also showcased its coach range – including the new i6S, the i4H hybrid and the i8.

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MAN’s Lion Coach was officially launched at the show however it will only be available as a left-hand drive product for the time being Among the features on the Lion Coach is MAN’s BrakeMatic electronic brake system and the more powerful EVBec engine brake. Electronic regulation of the exhaust gas back pressure enables increased braking effect over the entire operating speed range achieving a high degree of brake output even at low speeds. Scania used BusWorld to launch its battery electric Citywide Low Floor bus, which is set to go on sale in 2018. In a further alternative fuel development, Scania unveiled the hybrid Interlink Low Decker (LD) – augmenting the currently available options for diesel, biodiesel, HVO, CNG/CBG and ethanol. It complements the Citywide Low Entry Suburban. Van Hool unveiled an interesting selection of enhancements to its product range of both coaches and buses to mark the company’s 70th anniversary as a bus maker. Van Hool is still 100 per cent familyowned and employ more than 4,500 staff. Centrepiece of Van Hool’s stand was new EX, its new frame concept based on a two-axle design with much lower weight, lower exterior and interior noise levels and improved maintenance access. It also boasts a new dashboard with better ergonomics and a new exterior design with better aerodynamics. Van Hool has also introduced an Allison automatic to its three-axle models for the European market. Van Hool CEO, Philip Van Hool claimed on the stand that with its new TX range Van Hool can now build tailor-made solutions

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so whatever the customer using a new, seamless exterior design to its top end range as it did on its double-decker last year. “We’re confident about the future of independent manufacturers. We strongly believe in the possibilities,” said Van Hool. “We’re active in the American and European markets and 50 per cent of our turnover is now in the American market. In the last few years we’ve added new markets including Japan, Australia and New Zealand,” he added. The America market is clearly now very important to Van Hool and it recently signed a new contract with an America battery manufacturer, Proterra to enable construction of the first Van Hool 100 per cent electric coach with a range of 300km. The plan is to build the first prototype and test drive them with customers at the beginning of 2019. Volvo launched the latest version of its 7900 all-electric bus which has an extended range of up to 200km, more charging options and is available with a choice of 150, 200 and 250kWh battery capacities. As well as fast-charging via the open and competition-neutral OppCharge interface, the bus can also now be charged via the CCS (Combined Charging System), which delivers high-voltage direct current through a special electrical connector. First examples of the new model are expected to be operational in Europe by the end of 2018. “This is a very important reinforcement of our electromobility product range, giving our customers maximum flexibility in their daily operations,” said Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses.

“During peak hours the buses can operate continuously without stopping to recharge. Instead, the batteries can be charged once traffic is at off-peak levels. On shorter routes, they can even run throughout the day and be charged at night. “As the demand for electric buses has grown very rapidly both in Europe and the rest of the world, it feels really good that we can offer cities an electric-bus system that provides better preconditions than ever to switch to sustainable, quiet and emission-free public transport.” Volvo was also promoting speciallydesigned high-specification versions of its 9700 and 9900 coaches that will be built in limited numbers and would be available for sale in Europe up until the end of the year. Chinese maker Yutong had a strong presence as it did at the Australian bus show on the Gold Coast in September. Yutong built 70,988 vehicles globally in 2016 delivered to customers in 30 countries. Of those, 26,856 were electric and hybrid ‘new energy’ variants. In addition to the Yutong TC12 and GT12Hs on display on the stand, there was a comprehensive range of coaches available for demonstration outside the exhibition halls. Of particular interest was the all-electric 12.36m ICe12 interurban coach which has attracted a first order for 12 from Paris-based Groupe Savac. Seating up to 59, it shares the same electric drive as the 12m E12 city bus and examples of both were exhibited. All in all it was an impressive show and we look forward to the new Busworld in 2019 when it moves to the Belgian capital of Brussels.

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Bus Show

GOLD STANDARD The Gold Coast convention and exhibition centre provided the perfect location for this year’s Australasian Bus and Coach Expo with the industry putting on a great display of glitz, glamour and the latest technology. C&B was there to record all the happenings at the show.

lectric buses, new models, impressive coach offerings, midi buses and mini buses were scattered throughout the display halls in the well lit and expansive exhibition centre while dinners and cocktail parties to welcome the delegates were held within the complex. All of the major chassis and body builders were there, the Euros, the Chinese and everything in between. The Expo attracting almost 100 exhibitors from across the industry including manufacturers, body builders, Wondering the displays gave you a good handle on how the Australian market is doing and the competitiveness and buoyancy of the business. It seems that at least for the time being, the Gold Coast venue was being used for the last time with the future plan for Australian bus shows revolving around a biennial schedule alternating between Sydney and Melbourne. Possibly the star of the show was the beautiful spanking new Scania built with a Coach Concepts luxury coach body.

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Glenn Plumb from Coach Concepts was

as proud as punch with the new big black Scania, which is now in service Palmer

Corporate having been delivered to the

customer a few days after the conclusion of the Show.

Finished in a stunning paint finish the

rounded and aerodynamic front end was

matched by the beautifully equipped and trimmed interior complete with Styleride

Sovereign seats, a full kitchen and coffee bar/servery at the rear and LED strip lighting throughout.

“The front and rear have completely

changed and this features full LED

headlights as well as having full LED lighting at the rear.

“We closely analysed the latest in

European coaches and decided to go

with a more rounded front and we are very pleased with the result and that was born out by the interest shown in it here at the show, said Plumb.

“Australian operators are really looking

for that Euro look and that is what we are focussing on,” he added.

One of the most important launches at

the show was the unveiling of Yutong’s new gen T12 coach which showed a raft of new features including keyless entry, push to

start technology and a digital dash display. Yutong Australia’s head of sales, Neil

Wang was all smiles as the new Chinese coach drew lots of interest and positive comment. Its clear that one of the best

things Yutong has done in Australia was to establish its own factory operated

distributorship rather than relying on an independent representative.

Wang told us that the new coach has

been put through simulation tests that are

the equivalent of one million kilometres as well as completing field test runs of up to two months continuous running.

“We have a lot of confidence in this coach

which has come from our testing and the fact that we are a manufacturer and not

just a distributor adds to the confidence,” said Neil Wang

While on the subject of Chinese makers

BYD was at the show with its joint venture

Carbridge/BYD 2100 per cent electric bus, the Carbridge Toro. With the increasing demand for electric buses in specific

applications such as airport shuttles,

tarmac transport and shorter inner city

routes the Carbridge Toro attracted plenty of interest at the show.

The bus on show at the stand was

showing Transport Canberra signage

and is expected to be seen on the streets

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of the National Capital soon.

King Long was out in force with an array

of coaches and buses many in customers colours while Higer was conspicuous by its absence.

BCI showed some of its new offerings on

the stand concentrating on urban and city operations, showing the low floor 21 seat

Proma, which features a single row of seats on one side of the aisle and a double on the other allowing to deliver a wider and more fuel efficient bus.

It also showed a really interesting double

decker that should elicit interest around

the industry given the latest trend to higher capacity twin deckers

Optare was at the show under the

stewardship of new distributor Bus Corp

Oceania featuring a Solo, A larger Tempo and a MetroCity as part of its role out proposition to the market.

At Iveco the line up featured the Bridj

liveried Daily which a few days later was unveiled as part of the on demand bus

service to be operated by Tranzit Systems

which now owns Bridj globally (see the story elsewhere in this issue of Coach & Bus).

In a similar vein Hino had its Interesting-

looking Poncho as the centrepiece of its display at the Show.

MAN was at the show in full strength

with a line up of four buses and coaches a mix of city route buses and coaches

while Mercedes Benz had an impressive

array of buses and coaches on its stand.

Interestingly I-Bus Australia had its Isuzu

truck chassis based I-Bus 500 Series on show as a 34 seat configuration with an

auto and air bag suspension set up which should find ready demand in the school bus market and for country and rural operations.

Body builders Volgren and Custom

Coaches both had strong showings at the Expo. Custom had both the

CB80 - Series II and its SB50 at the show. The CB80 is a high tech offering which

features a full multiplex system enabling the user to utilise the latest electronic

monitoring and operations throughout the bus while a versatile architecture

which means no matter which chassis the operator chooses step height and design layout remains exactly the same allowing

operators flexibility in selecting variations to suit their particular needs.

It was a great final show on the Gold

Coast and it is in some ways a pity that

it was a finale on the Queensland holiday strip because the venue provided a great backdrop for the industry.

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Interview

EXPERT

Karolina Wennerblom is the director of Product Management and Presales for Scania’s global bus and Coach business and was in Australia recently for a bus and coach conference in Hobart. A fascinating person Wennerblom has been with Scania for a decade and in that time has risen 030 www.truckandbus.net.au

OPINION

to a position that has oversight of the buses we are likely to see on our roads in the future. Electric, hybrid, diverse fuel options, new chassis designs are all areas that Wennerblom has an opinion on. Editor Peter Barnwell had a chat with the globetrotting Scania exec when she was in Australia. www.truckandbus.net.au 031

alk to Karolina Wennerblom about buses and you are tapping into a rich vein of the latest information in terms of design, technology, engineering, marketing and future directions. Karolina is a Scania woman and has been since in 2007 after completing a Master of Science in Technology Management and Economics. She commenced her career at Scania as a marketing trainee and took up her first management position in 2008 as Process Manager for Complete Vehicle Definition. In 2009 Karolina became Product Planning Manager for Construction trucks, responsible for identifying and

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consolidating market requirements within the business segment. In 2012 Karolina went abroad as she was appointed Head of Presales for Scania Commercial Vehicles in India and stayed until 2016. She returned to Sweden in 2016 and since January this year (2017) holds the position as Acting Director for Product Management and Presales for Scania Buses and Coaches. So with those credentials, Karolina knows a thing or two about the bus world. When I spoke to here recently, Karolina was quick to point out that not everybody (the bus market) wants to go electric though there is pressure from governments

around the world to do so. She said many cities were looking at available technology to solve their transport needs with minimal environmental impact and at an affordable price. “Long distance driving still poses a problem for bus and coach operators as the battery load to get a workable range is great.’’ “There are also electricity grid issues to be dealt with because if you start charging a large fleet of buses, the grid can’t cope with demand and crashes.’’ “And the more battery you have the less passengers you are able to carry,’’ she said. Karolina said the US was slow in adopting electric bus technology especially when compared to Europe but they were “more

Acting Director for Product Management and Presales for Scania Buses and Coaches Karolina Wennerblom

receptive to other power sources such as hybrid, ethanol, biogas and even fuel cell systems.’’ “Our diesels pass stringent EU6 emissions regulations which makes them competitive with other powertrains but possibly more affordable.’’ Electric buses are responsible for emissions too but at the source of the power generation and in the manufacturing process rather than when running. Karolina delivered a keynote speech at the recent Busworld Expo in Belgium where she took the opportunity to introduce Scania’s new Interlink LD hybrid model. It’s a hybridised Low Decker (LD), thereby offering operators the full range of carbon-

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cutting buses for suburban and short inter-city operations. The bus features Scania’s hybrid system that was first introduced in 2014. Karolina said, “with the addition of

hybrid technology, Scania can now meet the entire range of alternatives in suburban and inter-city operations.’’

“We know that on certain routes with frequent stops, hybrid buses

are the best choice in terms of fuel economy, carbon reduction and other emissions.”

“At Busworld, Scania is exhibiting a 13.2-metre bus. This two-axle

bus features 55 seats with wheelchair facilities and is certified for standing passengers.’’

“In comparison with other buses in similar traffic – commonly

low entry – the normal floor Scania Interlink LD offers passengers great comfort.”

Emphasising the point Karolina made about diverse powertrains,

the Interlink

LD is a highly versatile bus range with a choice of two or three axles and lengths from 12 to 15 metres with seating of up to 71 passengers.

It is manufactured in Finland, and is available with diesel, biodiesel,

HVO, CNG/CBG, ethanol and, with the latest addition, hybrid. The

hybrid powertrain includes the Scania 9.0-litre 320hp engine that is compatible with up to 100 per cent biodiesel and HVO.

“Our electrified buses are primarily designed for suburb-to-suburb

and suburb-to-city operations in order to benefit from the full energy and economic potential of hybridisation. With the longer annual

distances in these operations, hybrid buses are preferable to battery electric buses, which additionally require charging infrastructures.’’ “Operators can look forward to a favourable “Total Operating

Economy’’ while, at the same time, reducing their climate impact. The combined hybrid operations with the use of biodiesel or HVO can give CO2 savings of up to 90 per cent.’’

“With the hybrid Scania Interlink LD as a further extension of our

product portfolio, we now offer a fully comprehensive range for

suburban operations, which constitute the greatest share of urban public transport.” says Karolina.

“In addition to the attractive Total Operating Economy, bus

operators can both reduce CO2 emissions and raise energy-efficiency.” Scania also premiered its battery electric Citywide Low Floor bus

at Busworld.

“This bus will be trialled in late 2017 to ensure that it meets the highest standards before commercial release during 2018,’’ says Karolina.

“We are extending the operational range of our gas buses too but

in spite of this greater capacity, the new carbon fibre composite tanks are lighter than previous versions with the potential for increasing passenger capacity.’’

“Cities and regions around the world are increasingly taking

measures to curb pollution and reduce carbon emissions. Switching to gas propulsion is an attractive alternative, reducing not only emissions but also noise.”

“With the new gas tanks, Scania Citywide Low Floor and Scania

Citywide Low Entry with 1,575-litre tanks will have a range of

approximately 400–450 kilometres, depending on the traffic situation,

topography and gas fuel quality. The top-of the-range 1,875-litre tanks will primarily benefit articulated buses, which can achieve a range of 600–700 kilometres, also depending on traffic and fuel quality.

So, from the expert perspective provided by Karolina Wennerblom,

we can look forward to a mixed bag of powertrains for quite some time into the future.

It doesn’t make the choice of which way to jump any easier but from

what Karolina says, you can have a bet each way.

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“Cities and regions around the world are increasingly taking measures to curb pollution and reduce carbon emissions”

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Technology

BUILDING A Uber ride sharing has achieved enormous popularity in a relatively short period and the same could apply to a new on demand public transport system which has just started a trial in western Sydney s editor Peter Barnwell takes a look at a system that could revolutionise the bus industry and bring more convenience and efficiencies.

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Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt (left) with Bridj General Manager John Langford-Ely

ike Victor Kiam and the shaver company, Aussie bus operator, Transit Systems liked US on demand bus operation Bridj so much it decided to buy it. Bridj originally ran operations in Boston and Washington D.C amongst other cities, but that came to an abrupt halt earlier this year when it shut down all of its US operations and the company was transplanted down under by Transit Systems. Bridj is a global leader in developing Demand Responsive Technology for ‘mass’ transportation before it shut down Stateside and Transit brought it down under. Bridj General Manager John Langford-Ely told C&B at the operation’s Sydney launch that the system leverages its big data analytics software to better understand how passengers want and need to move in their area.

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Unlike car-based Uber, Bridj is bus-based using minibuses, initially Iveco Dailys, to pick up passengers from a dynamically selected route (based on conditions and passenger requirements) and then dropping them off at a transport hub or somewhere along the way. It will cost a projected $3.10 per ride in a fully air conditioned vehicle with a guaranteed seat and free wifi. Like Uber, passengers (customers) will use an app on their phone to summon a bus. There will be no bus stops as such and passengers can track the bus on their phone on approach. The Bridj system is essentially a fleet of buses hooked up to sophisticated software called ‘demand responsive technology’ developed in the US and used in Boston and Washington. The technology uses so called `big’ data

to identify where and how customers want to move responding with dynamic popup bus services to meet the needs of the travelling public. Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt is the man who had the Victor Kiam moment and decided to buy Bridj after visiting the company earlier this year. “We had an off-site ‘think-tank’ to look at issues that could be challenges for us and one of our guys delivered a paper about on demand bus services and the last mile operations, particularly citing Bridj,” said Feuerherdt. “I was impressed with the technology which had already proved to be popular with passengers in the USA with services in Boston, Washington and Kansas showing reduced travel times relative to other public transit alternatives,” he added. Having evaluated the international

“We are committed to ensuring we share our international knowledge to create the next generation of transport” technology landscape in terms of best practice transport outcomes, Transit Systems handpicked the Bridj software after watching successful trials in Boston and Washington. “We are committed to ensuring we share our international knowledge to create the next generation of transport – with the hope to better our cities, offer an easier commute and reduce congestion and provide better value for money to Government – and to tax payers,” Feuerherdt said. “We have shown in all our operations, an unprecedented approach to safety, reliability and convenience, which has been demonstrated in our strong passenger growth figures – where other regions continue to decline, our region continues to increase.’’ Clint Feuerherdt said the acquisition of Bridj really puts Transit Systems out in front

when it comes to transport innovation. “We see the potential…where traditional public transport is static, Bridj is intuitive. Where traditional transport methods dictate demand, Bridj caters to it. It introduces what we have termed “Demand Responsive” – more cost effective than “on-demand” yet more convenient than scheduled.” “We believe this is the middle ground – the Bridj – between private cars and mass transit’’ According to Mr Feuerherdt “the most exciting part about Bridj, and there are many, is its ability to learn and predict.’’ “The potential this unleashes for planning and modelling is huge, as we catch data that showcases how people “want” to use transport, rather than telling them how to. And we can analyse this in real time, or in advance for planning.”

“In the age of instant service, smart phones, real time technology, intuitive software and tech savvy solutions – options that surround us to make life easier – Bridj is a global leader in delivering fully integrated, convenient and reliable passage for commuters,’’ he concluded. John Langford-Ely says Bridj will deliver an easier commute for passengers along with reducing congestion and improving travel safety, reliability and convenience. “Bridj is intuitive thanks to the command responsive element and is also more cost effective than a pure on-demand system,’’ he said. “Current public transport is also quite rigid which impacts on efficiency and creates convenience issues.’’ “We have all seen the large empty buses driving along scheduled routes at all hours and it’s a big problem for bus operators.’’

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“Bridj moves with the cities it services ensuring routes are flexible and that passengers can get from A to B at the touch of a button.’’ Bridj delivers a solution to that problem using smart technology to provide a right size service to better meet demand by clustering passengers together in smaller, more affordable and easier to manage buses. Bridj is structured to integrate with existing public transport networks such as train, buses and ferries. It doesn’t take passengers door to door like Uber but travels a selected route based on data captured from Bridj users and other sources. John Langford-Ely foresees a maximum five minutes’ walk for passengers to link with a Bridj service. “With population growth and increasing city congestion, mobility through optimised public transport is critical in providing economic growth, social equality and opportunity,’’ he says. “Bridj moves with the cities it services ensuring routes are flexible and that passengers can get from A to B at the touch of a button.’’ Assuming the trial at Wetherill Park in western Sydney is successful, the Bridj service will move into franchise mode and probably provide services between the hours of 6.00am to 10.00pm. With the backing of various state

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transport departments, other trials are about to start in other metropolitan areas. Iveco has been on the front foot with Bridj delivering the latest 2017 spec’ 2017 Daily 20 seat bus for the trial and was preferred because of its comfort and capacity as well as its dealer network. The buses feature leather upholstery and other high-end creature comforts to make passengers more comfortable. They’re a big step up from regular public transport. “The bottom line is Bridj will potentially remove large empty buses from our smaller suburban back streets, instead replacing them with what Langford-Ely calls ‘right-sized’ services that enhance value for money while delivering better travel outcomes for everyone in the catchment,” he said. Langford-Ely adds that Bridj will turn buses from a static experience, to an intuitive ride. “Bridj is scalable, portable and selfimproving. It is both predictive and responsive. “The Bridj system can support both private enterprise and public transit authorities. For example, by providing data driven evidence that supports network planning decisions or by delivering feeder

services that connect passengers onto high capacity bus, rail or light rail corridors.” “Given the technology is portable across different operating models and different cities, it can create better services anywhere that customers need them,” he said. The Bridj technology will be trialled in Western Sydney by the end of November, operating around the Wetherill Park precinct as part of Transport for NSW, on demand bus/last mile progam announced earlier this year. While its owner Transit Systems will use the Bridj system in collaboration with its ‘big’ bus operations in Wetherill Park, Feuerherdt was very open and keen for the system to be offered and used by other operators on a commercial basis. “Sydney will be Australia’s first capital city to access the technology, but we will make Bridj available nationally and to other companies because we believe it is the best system going around,” said Feuerherdt. Technology will be the key to making our cities more liveable and easier to get around, if the Bridj system can achieve this in our Australian cities, then Transit Systems are on a winner, time will tell just how good the system really is.

TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

CAB-HVA-1216-SD

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Operator

p on the Far North Coast of NSW in the Tweed River town of Murwillumbah the bustling agricultural hub boasts a population of just under 10000 people and a vibrant economy based around the dominant sugar industry with cane fields surrounding the town and increasingly tourism which attracts people from around the country and around the world. Murwillumbah’s transport needs are well catered for boasting a particularly competitive bus market with no less than four local bus operators as well as route services to Tweed Heads operated by the Gold Coast’s Surfside Buslines. Jeff Gosel owns and operates Gosel’s Bus Company based in Murwillumbah and the company has a range of buses including Mercedes, Iveco, Hino and Fuso models to suit school routes. One is fitted out to coach standard for special charters. Gosel’s is a husband and wife operation which was started back in 2003 when banana grower Jeff needed to supplement the family income and had an opportunity

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to buy two school buses, a Mercedes and a Scania. Jeff hopes to entice his sons into the business when they are ready. Gosel’s operates school routes within a radius of 120km of Murwillumbah with the farthest return trip 300kms to Nimbin Australia’s alternate lifestyle capital. The company has a fleet of 16 buses but favours the Fuso Rosa for a number of reasons, not the least being the reliability as well as the service and back up they receive from Fuso and its local dealer in town, Murwillumbah Truck Service. Jeff Gosel says MTS goes out of its way to make the service routine as smooth and quick as possible “and they do a great job too,’’ he added. Josh Bedser from MTS says they have a good working relationship with Gosels and are on the same wavelength when it comes to service requirements and when buying a new bus. “Gosels has been around for years and we value their business so we look after them,’’ Josh said.

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Jeff Gosel , MD of Gosels Bus Service.

Gosel’s Bus Company runs six Rosas the oldest being an original Mitsubishi model from more than a decade ago. “That bus has clocked 370,000km and has only now needed minor repairs,’’ Jeff said. “It will continue on the job for a while yet and still goes well.’’ “We stick religiously to the 10,000km service intervals and have absolutely no reliability problems with the Rosas.’’ “The six we have are mostly used for school routes and we recently took delivery of a new 32 seater for primary school work.’’ The NSW Government has mandated special seating layouts for buses used to transport primary school students. Jeff says the Rosas are “horses for courses’’ for his area because they have a torquey turbo diesel engine and six speed transmission which is handy for the hilly terrain the buses are operated in. “We have switched over to the six speed auto now because they are so easy to drive and the driver requires minimum training.’’ “To drive, the Rosas are just like a car in many ways,’’ but Jeff points out than some of the larger drivers struggle a bit for seat adjustment. “All our buses are standard models in the 25 seat configuration apart from the new primary school bus.’’

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Jeff Gosel with his wife Suzanne and son Vinny proving it really is a family affair.

The fact that the Rosas are Japanese made is a big plus for Jeff because he says they are like Japanese cars – they are totally reliable. He doesn’t keep tabs on fuel economy but says the Rosas are much more economical than a Nissan Civilian Gosel’s Bus Service used to have. “I can’t comment on resale because I haven’t sold any of our Rosas,’’ Jeff said, “and I am not likely too in the near future.’’ The Fuso Rosa is available in 22 and 25 seat capacities in 7.0 and 7.7 metre wheelbases and in standard and deluxe specification. All use the same 4.9-litre turbo diesel four cylinder engine cranking out 110kW and 441Nm with a choice of six speed manual or six speed auto transmissions. As school buses, they are speed limited to 100kmh. Rounded Rosa is easy on the eye and a well-equipped bus that features a front access door making it easier for the driver to watch people’s access to and from the vehicle. It has large bonded passenger windows, seat belts to each seat and a rear air conditioning unit with numerous air vents. A reverse camera is part of the multimedia system that also contains hard wired satnav and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Built on a conventional ladder chassis,

Rosa rides on an independent front suspension with double wishbones, coils and a transverse leaf spring. The rear is a live axle. Steering is by rack and pinion and the front brakes feature double calipers for strong stopping power. Better still are the Michelin tyres fitted as standard equipment on 16-inch rims. It will tow a trailer up to 2000kg (with trailer brakes) and has a maximum load capacity depending on the model of between 5900kg-6285kg. The multimedia system has a number of other features including decent audio. Emissions are reduced through a diesel particle filter while the fuel tank holds a handy 100 litres. Fuso covers the Rosa with a 5 year “Bumper to Bumper’’ warranty and a guaranteed buy back price if an owner chooses to go that way. “There are other competitors including the new Coaster which doesn’t have as many seats and costs more and some Chinese models but if I have to get a new bus or a replacement it will be a new Rosa, no argument,’’ says Jeff Gosel. “It is a product that I know and can trust,’’ he said. In fact we think Jeff reckons the Rosa is ‘Sweet As!’

Just The Ticket Interline Enjoys More Efficient Bus Operations Since switching to Allison transmissions, leading Sydney bus operator, Interline has enjoyed significant efficiency and performance improvements. It’s seen a 9.5 percent improvement in fuel consumption from its new Daewoo buses equipped with Allison transmissions while also being more responsive and exhibiting smoother shifting. Interline’s CEO Joe Oliveri says “We are very focused on fuel economy and reducing operating costs and Allison has been able to improve the economy of our Daewoos by re-programming the shift patterns, and applying dynamic shift sensing.” Allison Transmission is the world leader in commercial duty fully automatic transmissions and as Interline has found-is the ideal solution for Australian buses. Unique torque converter technology coupled with Allison’s industry-leading programmable Dynamic Shift Sensing and Acceleration Rate Management can allow significant fuel efficiency gains, particularly with widely varying passenger loads. With lower maintenance and operating costs, Allison keeps buses on the road.

New Model

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PRISCILLA AERO QUEEN! Editor of our sister publication Transport & Trucking Australia, Allan Whiting, travelled to Japan recently for the Tokyo Motor Show and had the opportunity to do a few laps of Fuso’s challenging Japanese test track behind the wheel of the new Fuso AeroQueen. Despite a life-long abhorrence of buses he was very impressed with its dynamics.

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he last time someone called a coach a Queen was in a 1990s movie when the star of the show, an old Denning was called Priscilla! For Fuso it seems that may have struck a chord with the Japanese arm of the Daimler commercial vehicle business giving its coaches the title AeroQueen. My encounter with the Queen was in Japan, not Broken Hill and there wasn’t a man dressed in flamboyant women’s clothing strapped to the roof, thankfully Let’s start this by explaining that Coach & Bus editor, Peter Barnwell told me this has to go out under my by-line, so I hope too many of my colleagues don’t see it.

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You see, there’s a personal stigma about buses that goes back to the days of being a schoolboy on the lower north shore of Sydney and the British oil-fired machines that serviced the area. I remember being terrified by the obvious instability of the AEC Regent doubledecker as it wound its way down the Old Spit Hill in Sydney’s north. I understood something of centre of gravity back then and I reckoned I knew more than the Pommies did. The bus-phobia just never went away and, while I was happy to risk life and limb in underpowered and under-braked 1970s trucks I shied away from the bus equivalents. A few bus-driving experiments along the

way softened my stance and I grudgingly had to admit that by the 1990s buses were pretty classy and handled and performed much better than the old British machinery. However, I pulled up short of becoming enthusiastic about buses and coaches. I didn’t like driving with cargo that moved around and asked silly questions… However, there I was after the 2017 Tokyo motor Show, at the Fuso track in Kitsuregawa. Having finished my stint behind the wheel of the new eCanter electric truck, I was asked, politely, to have a drive of the new Fuso AeroQue en coach. I supressed the symptoms of a panic attack and heard a voice that sounded strangely like mine say: “Yeah, that’d be great”.

“ I HAVE TO ADMIT TO BEING VERY IMPRESSED. THIS FELT LIKE A WELL-SORTED PIECE OF KIT THAT SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS WITH EASE”

Next thing I knew I was sitting behind the driver’s bulkhead of a…bus. The track at Kitsuregawa is different from most high-speed tracks around the world in that it has some rough-road sections, with ripples and potholes. Normally these test features are reserved for low-speed activity. So, while my test engineer passenger smiled wanly, I gave the AeroQueen something of a workout, sending it up to 120km/h on the smoother stuff and around 80km/h on the rougher bits. I threw in a few lane changes, some hard braking and, at lower speeds, some tight manoeuvring. I have to admit to being very impressed. This felt like a well-sorted piece of kit

that should be able to handle Australian conditions with ease. Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation’s ‘new’ Aero Queen large tourist bus, has undergone a full face-lift after 10 years. All models of the new Aero Queen and Aero Ace come with the ShiftPilot AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), delivering a two-pedal system and automatic gear shifting. It frees the driver from using a clutch and gearstick which in turn can lead to safer driving and makes ease of operation simple. ShiftPilot is optimized with a new compact engine, contributing significantly to improved fuel economy, which is directly linked with drivability and environmental load reduction

expected of large tourist buses. Both buses are equipped with a newly developed 6S10 7.7-litre, inline six engine that complies with current exhaust emissions standards The 6S10 engine is downsized by approximately 40 per cent from the previous 6R10 12.8-liter inline six engine on the previous model. The new engine uses a two-stage turbocharger made up of a compact turbo (high supercharging) and a large turbo (low supercharging), producing low-end response and high-speed power. Each turbo is utilised according to driving conditions and despite the engine’s `small’ displacement, it achieves a high power

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ENGINE SPECS Engine Type: Displacement: Valve Type:

6S10 (bore x stroke) 7,697cc (110mm×135mm) Inline 6 DOHC 24V

output and strong torque characteristics required by large tourist buses. Downsizing the engine facilitates an overall vehicle weight reduction of 540kg compared with the preceding 6R10 models. Emissions targets were achieved by altering combustion characteristics thereby cutting particulate matter from the engine. MFTBC went on to apply the newly developed BlueTec system to remove particulate matter and NOx, thereby achieving both improved fuel economy and cleaner exhaust gas. Here’s what they did to the engine: Firstly combustion efficiency was optimised thanks to low discharge pressure loss and the improved combustion system. Further efficiency gains come thanks to a modified shape of the combustion chamber and a boot-type combustion method. The engine uses a two-stage turbocharger and a high-pressure common rail injection 240Mpa) with exhaust system (210Mpa gas post-processing using an effective

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Rated Output: Maximum Torque Transmission:

280kW (381PS)/2,200rpm 1,400Nm/1,200 -1,600rpm ShiftPilot 8-speed AMT

NOx removing catalyst and AdBlue’s precise injection. Utilising its Daimler family assets Fuso has added BlueTec system (regeneration control DPF + urea SCR) for exhaust gas processing. And added a new AdBlue injection device. Variable valve timing (when DPF is being regenerated) and idling stop and start system further improves exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency. All models of the new Aero Queen/Aero Ace come with the two-pedal ShiftPilot, the first of its kind for large tourist buses from Japan. The ShiftPilot is fitted with a dry clutch, allowing the driver to creep at very low speed while the brake is not engaged. A Hill Holder function is also provided. Some models come standard and others come optional with a new hydrodynamic retarder that decelerates the vehicle by using liquid as an auxiliary brake. It works with the conventional Jake or shift-down

brake aiding stable braking force. Driver assist safety features on the new models include Active Brake Assist, Active Attention Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Proximity Control Assist and Lane Departure Warning System. Fuso’s Aussie product engineer, Romesh Rodrigo, is working hard on seating configurations and other Australian compliance requirements as the company works to bring the Aero Queen to Australia, hopefully some time in 2018. From this writers perspective it would be interesting to have a high quality Japanese coach with these credentials available to Australian operators and would add to Daimler’s stable of bus offering from its other brand Mercedes, as well as adding to the Fuso bus assets. Lets hope they can sort out the issues because even an old bus sceptic like this one could be one over buy the Aero Queen.

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Operator

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eems as though charter bus and coach operators are more willing these days to invest in something special for themselves and their passengers. It was bound to happen as spoiled-for-choice

passengers become more discerning and bus owner/operators look for that certain something to lure them in.

Enter Big Grey from Coach Concepts in Queensland which has

tail lights with round LED as well giving the K450 a distinctive European look.

“We were worried by the number of LED strip light fails out in the

bush and the problems faced by drivers to replace them so we

decided to go with a local product from Narva which gives back up service all round Australia’’ said Glenn Plumb of Coach Concepts. “Even in an animal strike you can lose a light and you can’t

upped the ante in luxury coaches with its striking, new model

continue in a coach with a light out,’’ he added.

in the business and a kitchen down the back.

styling Big Grey and the result is a striking new curved front design

Scania K450 complete with custom styling, the best leather seats The coach was built for Palmer Coaches of Toowoomba and

stole the show at the Australasian Bus and Coach Expo on the

Mr Plumb said Coach Concepts looked at European trends when

completely different from the usual fare on the market today.

“On top of that, the Narvas cost less and put out superior light

Gold Coast earlier this year.

so we had no hesitation in using them.’’

a completely revised front featuring round Narva LED headlights

Sovereigns.

replace when they blow.

be specified in two tones.

Ducoed in a striking titanium gloss colour scheme, Big Grey has

instead of LED strips which have proven to be problematic to Coach Concepts took the theme further and replaced the

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Inside the K450 are the best seats in the business…Styleride They feature soft leather upholstery, plenty of adjustment and can Styleride seats are renowned for their comfort over a long haul

“We took the European theme further by installing LED strip lights in the roof lining as well as putting a small kitchen/servery up the back of the bus”

and also for their longevity in service.

“We took the European theme further by installing LED strip

lights in the roof lining as well as putting a small kitchen/servery

a couple of times in the interim eventually sending down roots at Archerfield in two large buildings.

The relative quiet inside these buildings gives lie to the level

up the back of the bus.

of industry taking place there.

having a bar/kitchen and servery on board at your disposal takes

coach and plans on building 32 units this year alone, possibly

“While drinking alcohol on board is not legal in some places,

Coach Concepts has plenty of orders for its new K450 luxury

luxury coach travel to a new level.

more given the level of interest.

of under the coach to help older passengers who can struggle

schedule though the owners are reluctant to move too quickly,

with steep steps.

preferring a measure pace of growth that’s more sustainable.

C O M P A N Y E V O LU T I O N

Glenn Plumb, who works with business partners Scott and Mark

Mr Plumb said the K450 has a toilet on the main floor instead

Along with a group of bus manufacturers and associated

industries, Coach Concepts operates from a large industrial park

They will need to expand to accommodate such a manufacturing

The company is guided by three highly experienced hands in

Gamer to manage and improve the Coach Concepts business.

“Between Scott, myself, and Mark, we’ve been building buses

in Archerfield near Brisbane.

all our lives for different companies,” Plumb says.

in many cases they are competitors.

been building buses since we were 18 or so.’’

There’s a synergy between all the companies there even though Coach Concepts started out nearly 13 years ago and moved

“Mark’s been involved in other companies, and Scott and I have “We’ve been building buses for decades, ’’ he said.

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B A C K I N T H E D AY Glenn Plumb’s bus career started at Denning and he has worked at other bus companies for decades before Coach Concepts started. “My background was from the original Denning many years ago, which is where I did my apprenticeship. “Back then, everyone passed through Denning which had a staff of about 300 staff. They were building a bus every few days.” Producing buses at that rate seems incomprehensible in Australia today but the demand for locally built buses was higher back then. That was until the likes of Volvo and Scania tapped the Australian market with their own impressive offerings. “Mark’s father had his own business building buses, GBW Coaches, which was doing about 12 a year or something like that,” Plumb said. Today, there are still a few builders around some of whom have remained strong through tougher times. “There’s Denning, Coach Design, and us … and we’re all about the same size in terms of facilities. “We’re currently building about 24 coaches and a dozen buses, so 36 a year at the moment.” “We’re happy to increase that as needed .’’ “Our new facilities can sustain a further couple of dozen buses each year’’ Plumb said.

F R O M T H E OT H E R S I D E O F T H E F E N C E Concept Coach customers are a discerning lot who expect the best and are prepared to pay for it. They want perfection and CC’s office supervisor Paul Flint says the company makes sure its customers have a coach that is as close to the requested spec’ as possible. “I think our customers become very loyal to us over time, and I think that’s because they can put their own little stamp on the vehicle,” Flint says. “If we pick up a new customer, it’ll take a short while for us to really get into the groove of what they’re looking for. “We still produce a good job, but it’s typically after a couple of jobs where they start coming up with suggestions – like maybe nudge this a little bit, or expand the side a little.” He says it’s once the customer starts to have a stronger input that the relationship between coach builder and coach owner becomes especially strong. “That’s when we really start to narrow in on the spec that our customer wants, and what works for them.” Flint said it’s that customisation and customer input that sets CC apart from other coach builders in Australia.

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“I think our customers become very loyal to us over time, and I think that’s because they can put their own little stamp on the vehicle”

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Working Wheels

EVEN MONEY Holden is addressing any perceived negatives by leaving the past behind and launching a swag of new models including the new five seat Chevrolet sourced Mexican built Equinox, small/medium SUV. The name Equinox refers of course to that day which happens twice a year when the day and night are of even length and we reckon its an even money bet for SUV buyers as Peter Barnwell reports.

t (eventually) replaces the old Koreanmanufactured Captiva and gives Holden a strong contender against the likes of Mazda CX3 and Toyota RAV4. Out of a GM plant in Mexico, Equinox is a handsome looking vehicle with the credentials to force its way onto your shopping list. Prices for the base model, LS front wheel drive manual start at $27,990 moving through an extensive front wheel drive range up to the LTZ-V auto all-wheel drive at $46,290. All wheel drive is a $4300 option on the penultimate LTZ model.

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Minimal options are available and diesel 1.6 will be available early next year. Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbo petrol on lower grades or a 2.0-litre turbo petrol, the former good for 127kW and 275Nm the latter 188kW and 353Nm. Both engines have close coupled turbochargers and direct fuel injection for efficiency. The 1.5 engine is good for a claimed 6.9-litres/100km fuel economy on regular unleaded. Transmission choices are a six speed manual or optional six speed auto with the

1.5 and a nine speed auto on the 2.0-litre. The diesel is a six speed auto and will be available in front and all wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system is on-demand and strangely has a lock-in 2WD mode instead of a lock in 4WD mode. Holden engineers had a hand in calibrating various Equinox functions including the ride and handling, steering and other systems. Equinox ushers in a so-called `safety alert seat’ that vibrates in the squab (base) on certain sides to alert the driver of various transgressions or safety issues.

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This is the first time we have seen a nine speed auto in a Holden and unlike the Jeep nine speeder, top gear in Equinox is actually engaged regularly. Wireless phone charging also makes an appearance in Equinox along with active aero shutters to control engine heat and aerodynamic efficiency. A strong point is the vehicle’s towing capacity up to 2.0-tonnes in the 2.0litre model. Most models have plenty of advanced driver assist technology starting with the LS+ (one from the base) that boasts the sophisticated Holden Eye camera system bringing autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, following distance monitor, forward collision alert, blind spot monitor, cross traffic alert and auto head lights. The base model doesn’t get much driver assist tech’ at all. GM cut weight from the vehicle through smart design while enhancing strength and safety. The 2.0-litre turbo engine is the same as in the forthcoming ZD Commodore. I had the opportunity to drive both 1.5 and 2.0-litre turbo petrol models in various specification and for all intents and purposes, the LS+ 1.5 is all you need. It gets the safety kit you want and has plenty of go running on regular unleaded. The six speed auto transmission works a treat and really, I can’t see the point in having a nine speed auto – in anything.

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Having said that, the top of the range all-wheel drive V model is a sporty vehicle by any measure. The front strut and rear multi-link suspension delivers a responsive yet comfortable ride on all manner of road surfaces. It’s engaging too if you want to push your Equinox a little harder. It has a large turning circle though. The line between sporty hatch and sporty SUV is blurring and Equinox is a good example. With its robust power and torque, the 2.0-litre gets out of the blocks quickly and goes on with it right up into the upper engine revs. Same applies to the 1.5 which gives willing performance and cruises unobtrusively. It might be a different story with five adults and their luggage on board. Equinox hasn’t been crash tested here yet but has been engineered for a five star rating. I enjoyed driving all six variants at the launch event and rate the vehicle at least as good as the Mazda CX-5. It looks the goods too particularly the frontal styling and the interior has a stylish design with splashes of metal look fascia and a well-integrated large central control screen. The only issue I have is satnav which must be steamed through your phone. As a ground up new vehicle, now in generation three in the US, expectations are high for Equinox and prospective buyers/ driver’s won’t be disappointed. 80/100.

SPEC S Engines:

1.5 or 2.0-litre turbo petrol four cylinder 127kW/275Nm, 188kW/353Nm Transmissions: 6mt, 6 at, 9at FWD, AWD Fuel economy: 6.9 litres/100km 1/5 LT m Weight: 1526-1732kg Towing: up to 2.0 tonnes model dependent Safety: Not rated, five star engineered

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064 Money Matters

PAUL CLITHEROE KEEP IT SIMPLE AND MAKE SURE YOU INVEST IN TRAVEL INSURANCE

f you look at some of the world’s most successful companies it’s pretty clear they typically provide products or services that are straightforward, functional and conceptually easy to grasp. And that’s exactly what you should look for in an investment. Experience has taught me that in life and investing, the simple things are often the best. Take Coca-Cola, a simple soft drink found worldwide. Or Apple’s products, very sophisticated bits of gear but fantastically user-friendly. Closer to home we have companies like CSL, Woolworths and BHP that are well-established businesses with products that are easy to understand. At the other end of the spectrum, I regularly receive marketing material inviting me or my clients to hand over our hard-earned cash for some scheme or other that is so complex or obscure no reasonable person could be expected to understand it. And that’s when my alarm bells start ringing. Trying to explain what you’ve sunk your money into may make for impressive dinner party conversation, but it’s never a good sign if you have to make a serious effort just to figure out the basics of how you make money from it. It’s not hard to get a grasp of how companies like, say, Qantas or Caltex make money. But I wonder how many ordinary investors, many of whom had their fingers burned, really understood the underlying businesses behind most of the dotcom companies that failed in 2000 or the clearas-mud operations of money shufflers like Allco Financial Group, which was wiped out in the global financial crisis. Sure, these events were some time ago. However, I still see very complex “investments” being heavily marketed to ordinary investors. I’m thinking of Bitcoin, foreign currency trading, contracts for difference and other types of derivative trading just to name a few. Simply because something is complex doesn’t mean it is good. If you come across an investment that seems impressive purely because it’s complicated, try this litmus test: Have a go at explaining how it works

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to someone else. If they don’t know what you’re talking about, then chances are you don’t either and I suggest you pass it up. After all, with around 2,000 listed Australian companies, just as many managed funds, and untold numbers of investment properties on offer, there’s no shortage of assets – many of which are straightforward – to invest in. It makes a sensible rule of thumb, “if you don’t understand it, don’t buy it”. If you struggle to understand how an investment works, it’s a fair bet you have almost no chance of knowing what could go wrong and how you could lose money. Keep it simple and it’s harder to go wrong. Meantime it’s that time of the year when our thoughts turn to summer holidays, but amid the excitement of choosing a destination, don’t forget to arrange travel cover. In the last three years, one in three Australians have headed off internationally without the protection of travel insurance. If you run into trouble overseas it can be far more than just inconvenient. Lost baggage, stolen smartphones and delayed flights can leave you with unexpected bills. But if you become unwell or injured, the cost can be high enough to bring on altitude sickness. Medical treatment in the US for instance can cost several hundred dollars per day. Being repatriated back to Australia for treatment from popular destinations like Indonesia can leave you, or your family, with a bill of around $94,000. The scary thing is that a recent report by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) found as many as one in two Aussie travelers believe the Australian government will pick up the tab for their overseas medical expenses. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. If you run into trouble while travelling, even in an emergency, you could find you’re on your own when it comes to footing the bill. DFAT’s SmartTraveller website makes it very clear that if you don’t have travel insurance in place, the Australian government won’t pay for your medical treatment overseas or medical evacuation to Australia. So a sensible rule of thumb is that if you

can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Fortunately, travel insurance is very reasonably priced. As you’d expect basic policies are cheaper than comprehensive products but there can be a world of difference in the protection they offer. A basic product may only cover you for medical bills and some public liability. A comprehensive policy will typically have a range of add-ons like car rental excess cover (so if you have a bingle in a hire car it shouldn’t cost you a cent), as well as cover for delayed flights, loss of luggage and theft of cash. It always makes sense to shop around for travel cover, and the internet makes this easy. Your health fund or super fund may also be a source of low cost travel insurance. However, do read the fine print. Terms and conditions, along with premiums and what you’re covered for, vary widely. The main thing is to organise travel cover as soon as you’ve paid for flights or accommodation. Don’t wait until you’re about to head off as a lot can happen in the interim that could see you cancelling the trip. Along with being stranded at home this summer, that could also mean being left out of pocket.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money magazine. Visit www.paulsmoney.com.au for more information.

Renault MASTER BUS

Safety. Comfort. Low running costs. That’s what we value too

Master Bus is easy to get into. It has an exceptional headroom space, a wider than average aisle and an electric sliding door and step*. There’s also class leading 3.5 cubic metres of luggage space in the back which stops the cabin getting clogged up with bags. It’s easy to get into financially as well. With a 3 year or 200,000km warranty and roadside assist†, 3 year capped price serving^ combined with Renault’s reliability and low running costs – we challenge you to find a better value mini-bus. For more information visit renault.com.au * Electric sliding door and step is optional on Master Bus. †Three (3) year/200,000km warranty offer and 3 year/200,000km Roadside Assistance both apply to all new or demonstrator Master Bus models. Warranty and Roadside Assistance valid for 3 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) from new. Demonstrator vehicles receive balance of new vehicle warranty and Roadside Assistance. Roadside Assistance terms and conditions apply. Call our Customer Service Team on 1800 009 008 or view the Terms and Conditions statement at www.renault.com.au/ drivingpeaceofmind for details. ^First 3 scheduled maintenance services capped at $349 per service on new and demonstrator MASTER models, based on standard scheduled servicing from new and on normal operating conditions. Scheduled maintenance services required every twelve (12) months or up to 30,000km (whichever occurs first). However, Master is subject to adaptive servicing requirements, as determined by the Oil Condition Sensor, and may require servicing prior to the standard twelve (12) months or 30,000km service interval. If vehicle is not presented within three (3) months of when the scheduled service is required, right to that capped-price service under the program is forfeited.

AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER ROUTE BUSES Optimus – comfort, convenience and cost savings. There is no better city bus on the Australian market today than the Volgren Optimus. • The aluminium difference – Our Co-Bolt® aluminium frame has fewer components and a longer working life than traditional steel buses. It comes with a 15-year warranty as well. • The lowest lifetime cost guarantee – An Optimus bus will save you $60,000 – or 7.3% – over the life of the bus compared to our competitors*. • Flexibility in design – An Optimus low-entry route bus comes in a range of configurations from 10.8-14.5m rigid, articulated and double deck. Functionality, space and brilliant technology combine to make this a range of buses that is changing the face of public transport in Australia. * Monash University report, 2016.

BUILDING BETTER BUS PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE INFO CONTACT VOLGREN ON 03 9791 4255 OR VISIT VOLGREN.COM.AU/OPTIMUS