ABC #396

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH 

ABC 

SOCIAL DISTANCING 

SE QLD BUS 

INCREASE 

NZ GO BUS 

SALE COMPLETES 

BUS SAFETY EARNS 

FUNDING SHARE 

ISSUE 396 August 2020 

$5.95 inc GST 

SYNERGY 

Volgren’s Marcopolo connection still super-strong 

driven: bci mercedes-benz cruiser operator: red bus, nsw deliveries: dip

e Bus solutions that increase your up-time 

and need less depot space. 

Toshiba International Corporation Pty Ltd 

www.tic.toshiba.com.au/e-mobility 

Email: emobility-info@tic.toshiba.com.au 

11A Gibbon Road Winston Hills NSW 2153 Australia 

Telephone: +612 8867 6200

Efficient e Bus 

fleet planning 

Lower cost power 

connections 

More asset 

uptime 

Techno-economic 

modelling 

Toshiba... improving transport electrification since 1875

contents 

ISSUE 396 AUGUST 2020 

08 

36 

in the know 

6. editorial | ignition 

Border closures, lockdowns and 

conspiracy theories – not just 

shock terms any more. Now 

they’re ‘everday real’. 

8. news | the front line 

We’ve gathered up all the key, 

hardhitting Australasian and 

international bus and coach 

news for you, to keep you in 

the loop. 

20. column | BIC 

Our industry is part of Australia’s 

economic recovery story, says 

Michael Apps. 

In focus 

26. In focus | bus 80 

BRISBANE HERITAGE ‘BUS 

80’ LANDS AT MUSEUM 

Following its long-awaited 

refurbishment, iconic heritage 

‘Bus 80’ is now on display 

undercover for the first time in 

its 72-year life, project organisers 

have announced. 

28. In focus | custom expands 

CUSTOM BUS PREMISES 

EXPANDS 

A new facility offering increased 

floorspace for key upgraded busmaking 

machinery at its western 

Sydney premises is allowing 

Custom Bus Group to better 

accommodate production 

demand for its latest bus 

models. We take a look. 

30. coverstory | volgrenmarcopolo 

LONG DISTANCE 

RELATIONSHIP 

Nearly 10 years since Marcopolo 

purchased local bus-body 

4 

ABC August 2020 busnews.com.au

FOLLOW US ONLINE AT: 

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EDITORIAL 

Managing Editor: Fabian Cotter 

ph: 0451 194 600 

e-mail: fcotter@bauer-media.com.au 

Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge 

Contributors: Michael Apps, Anjali Behl 

PRODUCTION 

Senior Designer: Bea Barthelson 

Sub-Editor: Cat Fitzpatrick 

PRINTING 

Spot Productions 

manufacturing icon Volgren, the 

anniversary shines light on the 

massive global bus innovator 

truly making its mark in 

Australia. Fabian Cotter writes. 

36. operator | red bus services 

STAYING THE COURSE 

Even though operations have 

been largely affected by 

Covid-19, NSW company Red 

Bus Services remains optimistic 

for the future growth of the 

business, albeit in a new way. 

Anjali Behl dropped them a line. 

58. driven | bci-mb cruiser 

EASY RIDER 

In business, an enduring 

collaboration usually proves two 

things: the relationship is strong 

and there is trust in the product 

or service. BCI built its first 

Mercedes-Benz-based coach 

almost a decade ago and this 

MB OC 500RF chassis Cruiser is 

the latest member to the BCI 

family. Paul Aldridge took it for 

a drive. 

There’s a lot of work 

to get it right and 

we are really proud 

of what we’ve come 

up with. 

Departments 

45. bus marketplace | classifieds 

FOR SALE! 

There’s hundreds of great 

vehicles and services listed here 

from some of the leading bus 

and coach companies on the 

planet. Have a look around and 

see what you might find in there! 

54. factory facts | bus deliveries 

MONTHLY RESULTS 

Here is the latest bus and coach 

supplier sales data collected and 

recorded for you to sink your 

teeth into. Check it out! 

58 

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busnews.com.au August 2020 ABC 

5

IGNITION 

FABIAN COTTER 

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid! 

Is this short-term pain now with long-term gain ahead? Given new bus 

product, tech and players soon to hit our shores, for the bus world it is. 

Two hundred metres, easy. I saw 

this chap pottering towards me 

at night while I was out jogging, 

recently. Well, that’s a lie – it was 

more a slow walkie-shuffle thing from 

me, but I was out of breath and near 

heart-attack stage I think, so that’s got 

to count for some kind of health kick, 

I reckon, right? 

Anyway, as we shuffled closer towards 

each other from respective uphills to ‘down 

the hills’, I noticed something unusual 

about this ‘medium collar’ office-type 

fellow as he approached in the distance: 

he was wearing a white mask. 

To be clear, when I say unusual I mean 

pre-virus-topsy-turvy times. Now, of 

course, without a mask in some places it’s 

considered a crime against humanity, so 

with many of us ‘following the bouncing 

ball across the bottom of the TV screen’ 

just to help ease things up a bit even if we 

are unsure of their effectiveness and such, 

masks are a common sight. 

But at 10.00pm in the leafy-green ‘burbs 

with absolutely no-one else but us two that 

happened to be on the same street, I still 

found it weird. 

Closer and closer still, our paths would 

eventually pass. Like two ocean liners 

silently passing in the starry night, it was a 

close call but at least twice the advocated 

1.5 metres social distancing we are told. 

What got me was this: from that 

distance, time of night and stillness of 

breeze (and no, I didn’t get my Inspector 

Gadget pocket wind chimes out to tell), 

this guy could have easily run faster than 

the virus can waft around I’d have thought 

or – and get this – just crossed the road to 

totally avoid me. Simple, really. 

That is, if you see me coming well in 

advance, even with like 25 metres to go, 

just cross the road, so why the mask in 

such a situation? 

Other close-contact situations in shops 

or whatever, different deal and I’m sure 

everyone has their take on that, but when 

there’s ‘mega social distance’ and just two 

people outdoors on a still night, I just found 

it weird. 

Ultimately, as he passed – a late-30s 

chap with briefcase in hand and 

semi-casual corporate clothes on – I got 

to see his face, or at least the top part. 

The worried furrowed brow and the 

stressed-out eyes just said one thing: fear! 

Hmmm… With all that’s going on and 

the media focus doggedly being on those 

who don’t wear masks, I’m hoping there’s 

equal attention shone on those who do 

yet whose mental states are disturbingly 

impacted in such a way that mere 

common-sense is almost heresy. Because 

it’s common-sense that always will be 

needed from all sides and interpretations 

of this pandemic. 

NEWS JUST OUT 

At the time of print, some key bus 

developments have occurred. Firstly, as 

part of the Western Australia government’s 

statement this week endorsing hydrogen 

use, mining giant Fortescue has announced 

new player Hyzon will be supplying its 

coach transport needs with hydrogen 

fuel-cell buses instead of diesel-powered 

ones. Early days for the tech, but a big move 

nonetheless. 

Secondly, Bustech has announced a 

partnership with North American electric 

bus giant Proterra to collaboratively make 

e-buses for the local Australian market. 

We’ll have more about these next issue. 

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE 

Inside this issue, ABC magazine No. 396 

we take a good look in our coverstory at 

the now even deeper connection between 

iconic Aussie bus builder Volgren and its 

modern-day parent company Marcopolo, 

as the pairs nears its 10-year anniversary 

together. 

Much thanks to all involved to make it 

happen and these things are all the more 

difficult to arrange and sort out when it’s 

a global mix of emails and different time 

zones, etc. 

The companies share so much in 

common in terms of quality and innovative 

bus design and construction, yet are 

different enough at times to learn from – 

and benefit from – each other. We hope 

you enjoy that one. 

In terms of operator profiling – and 

although it took a while to get out and 

massive apologies for it – we visit Red Bus 

Services on the NSW Central Coast to talk 

generations of bus family business and how 

this insanely weird pandemic situation has 

affected the Red Bus team of late. 

Getting behind the wheel finally of the 

new BCI-Merc ‘Cruiser’ coach - which we 

first featured on our cover in November, 

2019 – Paul Aldridge takes one for a spin 

down in lovely Melbourne to let us know 

how she handles on the road and how it 

feels in the hot seat. Another one we snuck 

in just before the first lockdown, so please 

don’t freak out about no masks and social 

distancing and whatnot. Muchos gracias… 

From what we learned, the collaborative 

effort between BCI and Mercedes-Benz 

hasn’t just produced one great-looking 

Euro-style coach, but one that’s a real 

pleasure to drive, too. 

And in our In Focus sections it’s good 

see the beautifully refurbished Bus 80 

finally on display in Gatton in Queensland 

– at least until a new Brisbane-based 

home is finalised for her to be publically 

viewed – plus we update you on some new 

equipment, new product and expansion at 

Custom Denning’s Sydney premises. 

And finally it’s great news hearing that a 

BusNSW safety initiative is sharing in some 

federal government funding, while there’ll 

be more buses on the road in South-east 

Queensland thanks to social distancing, 

plus Kinetic’s acquisition of NZ’s Go Bus is 

finally complete. 

That’s pretty much it for the month, dear 

party people, as 2020 rolls on opening up 

multiple Pandora’s Boxes at once it seems 

and dealing out all sorts of juju from its 

unforseen bag of tricks. 

Bring back the ‘old world’, I say – or at 

least never ever forget it and ensure you 

tell your kids and their kids about it. If they 

know ‘what it was’ then they’ll ‘know where 

to look’. Or something like that, anyway. ;) 

Until the next thrilling instalment… 

6 


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NEWS 

ROAD SAFETY PROJECT FUNDING 

A BUSNSW project to improve 

road safety has been selected 

as one of 26 initiatives aimed at 

saving lives and reducing road 

trauma to share in AUD$5.9 million 

under Round 5 of the Australian 

government’s Heavy Vehicle 

Safety Initiative (HVSI), it’s been 

announced. 

BusNSW executive director Matt 

Threlkeld says it was very pleasing 

to have a project selected as part 

of this important programme 

aimed at delivering safety benefits 

to the heavy vehicle industry, other 

road users and the community. 

“The funding and support 

administered by the National 

Heavy Vehicle Regulator provides 

a great opportunity for the bus 

and coach industry to promote 

road safety, particularly in regard 

to heavy vehicles,” Threlkeld said. 

“One of the most common 

hazards in the bus and coach 

industry arises from on-road 

safety risks that result from a bus 

breakdown,” he explained. 

“While breakdowns can occur 

in all motor vehicles, the hazards 

associated with bus breakdowns 

– where the vehicle is usually 

carrying public passengers and 

often schoolchildren – can be 

significant,” he added. 

“The aim of the project is 

to address risks by producing 

practical guidance material for 

all parties in the supply chain 

associated with bus breakdowns, 

specifically bus drivers, operators, 

maintenance staff, emergency 

assistance providers and 

replacement bus drivers. 

“While BusNSW will be the 

lead agency responsible for 

developing the guidance material, 

the project will provide regional, 

cross-jurisdictional and national 

safety benefits for the industry,” 

Threlkeld confirmed. 

“The guidelines will be 

developed in close consultation 

with the Bus Industry 

Confederation and other state 

associations, who are members 

of the Bus Australia Network. 

“They will be available to all 

members, which means they 

will assist approximately 3,500 

bus operators and over 50,000 

bus drivers throughout Australia,” 

he said. 

FUNDING BOOST 

Deputy Prime Minister and 

Minister for Infrastructure, 

Transport and Regional 

Development Michael McCormack 

says innovative projects delivering 

safety benefits to the heavy vehicle 

industry and other road users 

would be funded. 

“Projects being funded this 

round target key areas such as 

developing or testing innovative 

new technologies, mental health 

support for drivers, educational 

“It is absolutely vital 

we continue to invest 

in critical initiatives 

that improve road 

safety.” 

Above: 

Deputy Prime 

Minister and Minister 

for Infrastructure, 

Transport and Regional 

Development Michael 

McCormack. 

Opposite, Below: 

McCormack says 

innovative projects 

delivering safety 

benefits to the heavy 

vehicle industry and 

other road users would 

be funded. 

campaigns and much-needed 

training and development,” 

he said. 

“This includes funding for 

the recently launched Healthy 

Heads in Trucks and Sheds 

foundation to ramp up their 

work to improve the mental 

health of people in the heavy 

vehicle sector nationwide, 

from drivers right through to 

warehouse and distribution 

centre staff. 

“Some of the 

technology-focused 

projects include testing 

8 


next-generation base tyres and 

trialling new mobile cameras 

under the National Safety Camera 

Network initiative to allow 

real-time monitoring for critical 

safety concerns like load limit 

compliance and driver fatigue. 

“Funding will also go to the 

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator 

(NHVR) and Transafe WA to deliver 

targeted educational campaigns, 

which keep safety front of mind 

for road users while addressing key 

issues like how to share the road 

safely with heavy vehicles. 

“The Australian government 

takes road safety seriously because 

no family should have to endure 

the utter devastation road crashes 

cause. 

“That is why it is absolutely vital 

we continue to invest in critical 

initiatives that improve road safety 

to save lives and reduce road 

trauma, including across our 

heavy vehicle sector.” 

SAFE SYSTEM PRINCIPLES 

Assistant Minister for Road Safety 

and Freight Transport Scott 

Buchholz says this latest round of 

funding built on the $17.3 million 

already provided for 62 grants 

under the HVSI programme over 

the past four years. 

“We’ve seen some great 

projects across the country deliver 

transformative results thanks to 

HVSI funding and I am proud to 

see this game-changing program 

continue,” Buchholz said. 

“Finding innovative ways to 

make safety front of mind for 

road users is key to supporting 

the Safe System principles – a 

holistic approach to road safety 

that underpins the National Road 

Safety Strategy agreed by all 

governments.” 

MORE QLD BUSES TO HELP 

SOCIAL DISTANCING 

UNDER THE AUSPICES of a Queensland 

State Government Covid ‘travel plan’, 

more peak-hour buses and trains will be 

rolled out next month to support social 

distancing on south-east Queensland 

public transport, it’s been announced 

The latest phase of the Palaszczuk 

government’s Covid-19 Safe Public 

Transport Plan has put an extra 960 buses 

and 105 trains into service between 

Monday and Friday, from August 10, 2020. 

Hand sanitiser is also being provided to 

commuters at busy train and bus stations 

under the plan, the government confirms. 

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark 

Bailey says public transport patronage was 

down about 50 per cent compared to the 

same time last year, but numbers were 

expected to climb as university classes 

resumed and CBD offices re-opened. 

“Public transport is safe in Queensland,” 

Bailey said. 

“We have no community transmission 

here and active cases are in single digits, 

so our buses, trains, trams and ferries 

are safe. 

“But now is not the time to become 

complacent. 

“We expect more people to return to 

public transport over the next few weeks. 

“We don’t expect those numbers to 

immediately climb back to where they 

were before Covid-19 arrived, but we still 

want to spread passengers out as much as 

we can, and these extra services will help 

do that. 

“This boost to morning and afternoon 

peak services will add almost 58,000 extra 

seats on buses and trains. 

“The plan is to roll out the extra buses 

until the end of the school year and then 

assess patronage levels. 

“If the demand is there, we will consider 

if these bus services should become 

permanent for the longer term. 

“The good news for train commuters 

is the 21 weekly services we’re adding 

will become permanent additions to the 

timetable across seven lines,” he explained. 

GREATER PEACE OF MIND 

Bailey says the latest phase of the Covid-19 

Safe Public Transport Plan aims to give 

commuters more options and greater 

peace of mind on public transport. 

“A few weeks ago, we started the Reboot 

Your Commute campaign to encourage 

people to start thinking differently about 

how, when and where they work,” he said. 

“Even with people making changes to 

their daily commute, we’re still seeing 

about 330,000 daily passenger trips on the 

network, as of last week. 

“That’s why we’re adding more bus and 

train services to extend peak commuting 

times, which will allow us to spread 

passenger loads out across the mornings 

and afternoons.” 

Temporary hand sanitiser stations 

located at entry and exit points was 

being progressively rolled out at busy bus 

stops and all 152 train stations in south 

east Queensland from August 10, the 

government confirms. 


9

NEWS 

FIRST MASS USE OF NEW 

E-BUS CHARGING TECH 

FOLLOWING Japanese technology 

giant Hitachi’s acquisition of 

European vehicle-charging specialist 

ABB on July 1, a newly formed 

company called Hitachi ABB Power 

Grids looks set to have Brisbane 

feature its latest “game-changing” 

Grid-eMotion Fleet EV charging 

system for first mass use anywhere, 

the company confirms. 

Designed for large scale e-Mobility, 

Grid-eMotion Fleet is a full 

‘grid-to-plug’ solution for large-scale 

public transport and commercial 

fleets, enabling operators to ‘charge 

more with less’, Hitachi ABB states. 

As first reported by www.busnews. 

com.au two years ago, Brisbane 

City Council’s Registration of 

Interest announcement for the new 

Brisbane Metro bus project was 

always intended to attract some 

of the most advanced technology 

and designs to form its envisaged 

next-gen bus transport system. 

With confirmation in late 

November 2019, it was spearheaded 

by a Hess-Volgren-ABB winning 

bid, and an eventually successful 

18 months of ABB and Hitachi JV 

negotiations sees the latter now 

with an 80.1 per cent investment in 

ABB’s Power Grids business. 

Under the leadership of Claudio 

Facchin as CEO and Toshikazu 

Nishino as executive vice president 

and chairman, Hitachi ABB Power 

Grids will expand Hitachi’s energy 

solutions business globally as a 

core part of the company’s Social 

Innovation Business, it states. 

As a step-change approach for 

public transport and commercial 

operators, Grid-eMotion Fleet 

‘smart mobility’ solution enables 

operators to efficiently scale up 

their operations and is expected to 

contribute to sustainable society for 

millions living in urban areas, the 

company explains. 

HOW IT WORKS 

This compact design clusters the 

entire e-mesh PowerStore charging 

system in one location, which eases 

maintenance and saves space at 

parking slots, Hitachi ABB describes. 

It requires a significantly shorter 

installation period compared to 

traditional installations, it adds. In 

addition, the thermally insulated 

enclosures are modular and 

Above and 

Below: 

This compact 

design clusters 

the entire e-mesh 

PowerStore 

charging system 

in one location, 

which eases 

maintenance 

and saves space 

at parking slots, 

Hitachi ABB 

describes. 

therefore available in a range of 

ratings, capacities and layouts to 

comply with bespoke customer 

requirements and industry 

standards, it says. 

As Hitachi ABB explains, the 

solution comes in standard 

containers that integrate the grid 

connection and charging systems 

all together. 

Grid-eMotion Fleet uses DC 

technology and can connect to any 

type of power network, removing 

the complexities of integrating 

AC-DC chargers into a system, it 

says. Compared to a conventional 

connection to the AC grid, the 

pioneering solution brings a 60 per 

cent reduction in space required 

for large-scale EV fleet charging, 

whilst the depot cabling is reduced 

by 40 per cent, it confirms. The 

fast-to-install solution harnesses 

renewable energy through grid 

integration, smart mobility, digital 

energy management system and 

incorporates insights from data 

analytics, it states. 

Grid-eMotion Fleet leverages 

Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ smart 

energy management solution 

e-mesh EMS to manage and 

enhance the complete charging 

infrastructure, calculate bus energy 

consumption and devise, plan 

and deliver effective services for 

passengers, it explains. 

Digital analysis monitors the 

battery life data, route data, traffic 

simulation and depot control to 

ensure that efficient power use, 

energy storage and overnight 

charging is optimised, it adds. 

10 


KINETIC COMPLETES NZ GO BUS ACQUISITION 

FOLLOWING customary consents 

and regulatory approvals, the 

transaction of New Zealand’s 

“largest and most dynamic bus 

operator” Go Bus into the Kinetic 

mass-transit fold has completed, 

the company has announced. 

In a move that is said to make 

Kinetic the “region’s largest e-bus 

operator”, the Australasian public 

transport entity is signalling 

an exciting year ahead for bus 

transit in the region as proactive 

governments and transport 

authorities alike embrace 

innovative new ways to move 

people, it states. 

The Melbourne-headquartered 

company recently welcomed 

Go Bus to its growing mass 

transit platform, which includes 

world-leading airport transit 

business SkyBus, urban and 

regional bus operations Surfside 

and Sunbus, and Sydney-based 

bus and coach company Telfords. 

With key government contracts 

to operate urban bus services 

in Auckland, Hamilton and 

Christchurch, and as the largest 

provider of school bus services in 

New Zealand, along with a luxury 

coach brand (Johnston’s), Go Bus 

bolsters Kinetic’s credentials as 

Australasia’s only dedicated mass 

transit bus operator across airport, 

urban, school and charter bus 

services, it explains. 

With an owned-fleet of 2,800 

buses, 49 depots and 4,000 people 

across its Australia and New Zealand 

operations, co-CEO Michael Sewards 

says Kinetic is uniquely positioned to 

drive innovation in bus mass transit 

across the region. 

“We operate in every aspect of 

bus transport across major cities 

and regional communities and over 

42 years we have worked with a 

diversity of government and private 

partners to evolve our services to 

meet customer travel needs and 

government policy objectives,” 

Sewards said. 

“We invest heavily in passenger 

experience with cross-application 

learning and research behind 

everything we do from the design 

of our vehicles to the regularity 

of services – and we challenge all 

stakeholders with an interest in the 

future of bus mass transit to increase 

their expectation of what bus 

operators should deliver in this area.” 

Below: 

Under the Go 

Bus brand, 

Kinetic will 

operate a 

new fleet of 

electric buses 

for Auckland 

Transport. 

Building 

Australian buses 

since 1991 

Celebrating our 30th Anniversary, 

BCI offer operators an extensive 

range of vehicles, including the new 

designed Citirider urban bus, our 

Classmaster & Cruiser school buses, 

the innovative Zero Emissions 

low floor and a stock of Euro 6 

Mercedes-Benz chassis with the 

BCI multi-purposed Body. 

www.bcibus.com.au 

Sales Enquiries: 1300 289 224 


11

NEWS 

SAFETY FOCUS FOR DAIMLER EUROPE 

A RECENT LIFTING of a driving ban for 

German bus companies during the 

coronavirus pandemic has emboldened 

Daimler’s push for enhanced driver and 

passenger safety – with a “high level of 

fresh air” and “space-enhancing seating 

variants” - more so now firmly in focus, the 

company has announced. 

According to Daimler Buses, with the 

market for bus travel reviving again in 

some segments, it is ‘guaranteeing’ travel 

on a Mercedes-Benz or Setra bus will 

afford “the highest possible level of safety 

with excellent comfort”. 

Head of Daimler Buses Till Oberwörder 

says he strives to keep things that way. 

“The safety of passengers and drivers in 

our touring coaches is top priority for us. 

That is why we are offering our customers 

numerous retrofit solutions to protect 

against infection for our Mercedes-Benz 

and Setra buses,” Oberwörder explained. 

“By continuously further developing our 

vehicles with regard to safety and climate 

comfort, we are doing everything to ensure 

that passengers and drivers always arrive 

safely at their destination and in the best 

of health.” 

a minute is possible, it claims. 

Depending on the type of bus, the 

external temperature and the type of 

air conditioning, a 100 per cent level of 

fresh air in the passenger compartment is 

possible, it confirms. 

For vehicles with passive ventilation 

elements, such as hinged windows and 

roof hatches, ventilation is via manual 

operation of these components, it adds. 

Longer opening times of doors on 

regular-service buses at bus stops, for 

example, can also have a positive effect on 

the exchange of fresh air, it states. 

FILTER REPLACEMENT 

Setra ComfortClass and Mercedes-Benz 

Tourismo buses are available with 

roof-mounted air conditioning. The 

low-maintenance and low-consumption 

systems are equipped with a 

high-performance condenser blower and 

enlarged air filters, which help remove 

dust and should be replaced every six 

months, Daimler advises. 

With the three output categories – 32kW, 

35kW and 39kW – the coaches provide 

the right climate control for every area of 

operation and each vehicle length, the 

touring coaches is “picking up pace”, 

it says. 

Further measures include the 

optimisation of air conditioning filters 

and the definition of measures ensuring 

optimum ventilation of the vehicle when it 

is stationary. 

The company’s engineers are working 

at full speed to increase the level of fresh 

air even further, and further reduce the 

concentration of critical air components 

in buses, which in future can also be 

equipped with sanitiser dispensers, 

Daimler outlines. 

GAME OF THRONES 

Besides its usual extensive passive and 

active safety features – such as active 

brake assist 4 (ABA 4), the new sideguard 

assist (SGA), autonomous intelligent 

cruise control (AICC), the driver-focussed 

attention assist (AtAs) and front collision 

guard (FCG) – the coaches include seats 

with comfortable seat backs and sprung 

seat cushions, low-vibration armrests, 

and individually adjustable luxury head 

restraints together with intuitive operation 

(with integrated seat belts and a defined 

impact zone). 

FRESHER AIR PUSH 

In a Mercedes-Benz or Setra touring coach, 

fully automatic integral air conditioning 

or fully-functional roof-mounted air 

conditioning provide for an evenly 

distributed temperature – from the first to 

the last row of seats, Daimler states. 

The vehicles have powerful climate 

control systems with high airflow, which 

develop their maximum efficiency when 

the doors and windows are closed, it 

says. Depending on the air conditioning 

system, a complete change of air under 


ADDITIONAL MEASURES 

In order to give passengers and drivers 

even better protection in the further 

course of the Covid-19 pandemic, Daimler 

Buses offers retrofit solutions for driver 

protection screens made of glass and 

polycarbonate plastic, it says. 

They are already available for the 

Mercedes-Benz Citaro and for the Setra 

LE business low-entry inter-city bus. 

Preparation work for their installation in 

BUS TRAVEL IDEAL 

Citing the Association of German Bus 

Operators (bdo), it explains that: “… 

travelling by bus is not only comfortable, 

but also a safe and clean travel option. 

This is confirmed by studies from the TÜV 

testing organisation, as well as in figures 

from the German Federal Statistics Office.” 

“TÜV continues to confirm this year 

after year: in Germany, coaches and buses 

are the safest means of transport,” says a 

declaration by the bdo, Daimler points out. 

12 


VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA SEES STAFF CHANGES 

IN CONTINUING to focus and adapt to the 

‘changing nature’ of the Australian Bus 

and Coach industry, Volvo Bus Australia 

has made a slew of internal staff and 

role changes, the organisation has 

announced recently. 

With previous roles at Volvo Bus that 

included regional service manager, 

regional sales manager and, most recently, 

working in the major accounts team 

previously headed by Robyn Thomson, 

Tony Lowrey is now senior manager, 

major accounts, effective July 1, 2020. 

With a primary focus on major accounts 

in New South Wales and Victoria, Lowrey 

will be responsible for the management 

of large operators – both government and 

private, Volvo confirms. 

Effective September 1, Christina Cortese 

will assume the role of senior manager, 

major accounts, with a primary focus on 

Western Australia, South Australia, the ACT 

and Queensland. 

Cortese will be responsible for the 

management of large governmental and 

private operators and will also assume the 

market responsibility for New Zealand, 

working alongside Volvo Bus distributor 

MTD. 

Meanwhile, having worked in the UD 

Trucks & Volvo real estate business control 

teams since April 2019, Svetlana Guerin is 

now in the Volvo Buses’ business control 

and finance team, while Ali Alali is now 

regional service manager, NSW (Metro). 

Alali has spent the past two years as RSM 

for Queensland and Northern Territory, 

Volvo explains. 

Australian bus industry stalwart David 

Woodward will resume his role as national 

competency manager full time, with a 

focus on NSW face-to-face training, and 

performing training remotely using Volvo 

Buses new ‘Go To Training Portal’, Volvo 

says. 

Whilst Woodward officially commenced 

the newly created role on 1 March, the 

original training calendar was disrupted 

due to Covid-19, and Woodward has 

instead focused his time on the continued 

support of the Metro Sydney customers, 

the company explains. 

Above: Tony Lowrey is now senior manager, 

major accounts. 

Finally, Volvo Bus Australia welcomed 

Kevin Benat to its team on August 1 as 

regional service manager, Queensland and 

Northern Territory. 

With 14 years of mechanic experience 

in the heavy commercial vehicle trade and 

working in international markets, Benat 

has gained extensive industry experience 

and developed vital relationships with key 

stakeholders, Volvo states. 

ABC-HH-5174476-CS-386 


13

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NEWS 

BUSTECH APPOINTS AXALTA AS 

KEY SUPPLIER 

AUSTRALIAN body builder 

Bustech, now part of Australian 

Bus Corporation, has announced 

a strategic partnership with 

leading paint and coatings 

supplier Axalta. 

This strategic partnership with 

Bustech – supplier of government 

bus and public transport private 

sector passenger vehicles – involves 

more than just the delivery of paint, 

Axalta states. The companies will 

work closely together to develop 

an innovative product portfolio 

and paint processes to ensure 

exceptional quality and timely 

delivery, it says. 

“As a market leader in 

Australia, Axalta fits well with the 

requirements of Bustech, to be a 

partner that is tuned into delivering 

quality products and solutions to 

meet customer requirements,” said 

Steven Brett, managing director, 

Axalta Australia and New Zealand. 

“With more than 150 years of 

expertise in the paint and coatings 

industry, we can leverage our global 

experience to deliver local solutions 

to the Bustech team and its 

customers in Australia.” 

Bustech, based at Burleigh Heads 

on Queensland’s Gold Coast, is 

Australia’s largest privately-owned 

bus manufacturer, it states. 

Designing, engineering and 

manufacturing chassis and bodies 

for mass passenger vehicles, 95 per 

cent of all parts and components 

are sourced from local Australian 

suppliers, it explains. 

Bustech is owned by the 

Australian Bus Corporation, which 

also owns Precision Buses based in 

Edinburgh Parks, South Australia. 

Through this partnership Axalta 

will also work with Precision Buses 

in its Adelaide facility replicating 

the model it has with Bustech, the 


“Axalta’s experience in the 

commercial vehicle industry gives 

us great confidence that they will 

be able to provide the necessary 

products and support as we 

continue to build on the strong 

platform we have, positioning 

ourselves for future product 

development with our strategic 

partners,” said Bustech CEO 

Thinus Steyn. 

Above: 

Through this 

partnership Axalta 

will also work with 

Precision Buses 

in its Adelaide 

facility replicating 

the model it has 

with Bustech, the 


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15

NEWS 

CNH INDUSTRIAL AND 

FIAT-CHRYSLER FACE 

DIESEL-EMISSIONS PROBE 

The diesel emissions scandal that 

plagued Volkswagen (VW) for much 

of the last decade looks like causing 

a world of pain for Iveco parent 

CNH Industrial (CNHI), along with 

Fiat-Chrysler Automobile (FCA), 

according to European and local 

media reports. 

Alleged use of ‘defeat devices’ on 

Iveco, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep 

engines is the focus of raids in three 

European countries. 

Reports from Germany put Fiat 

and Iveco commercial vehicle 

engines in the same ‘Dieselgate’ 

spotlight. 

“CNH Industrial confirms that 

a number of the Group’s offices 

in Europe have been visited 

by investigators in the context 

of a request for assistance by 

magistrates in Germany,” the 

global firm said in a statement. 

“The company immediately 

made itself available to the officials, 

providing its full cooperation. 

“CNH Industrial is examining the 

relevant documentation in order to 

properly address any requests that 

the magistrates may have.” 

Five years ago, when VW was the 

focus of legal action over its diesel 

defeat program, the Australian 

Competition and Consumer 

Commission (ACCC) led the 

domestic regulatory reaction. 

“This enforcement investigation 

is a priority for the ACCC,” chairman 

Rod Sims said at the time. 

“We are very concerned about 

the potential consumer and 

competition detriment from this 

alleged conduct. 

“Using defeat devices is 

specifically prohibited under the 

Australian Design Rules, which are 

picked up as Australian Consumer 

Law (ACL) mandatory safety 

standards.” 

RAIDING FOR EVIDENCE 

An ACCC spokesperson told 

ABC’s sister magazine ATN that it 

“cannot comment on any potential 

investigations”. 

Without naming the two vehicle 

giants controlled ultimately by 

the Agnelli family, the European 

Pictured: 

The raids seek to 

gather evidence 

on ‘defeat 

devices’ used 

to cheat diesel 

emissions testing, 

the marketing 

of vehicles 

and individual 

responsibility 

to the alleged 

actions. 

Union Agency for Criminal Justice 

Cooperation (Eurojust) says 

investigators from Germany, Italy 

and Switzerland are searching 

three commercial properties, 

“...of a company located in 

Baden-Württemberg and Hesse 

in Germany, as well as in three 

locations in Italy’s Piedmont region 

and one location in the Swiss 

canton of Thurgau”. 

The raids seek to gather evidence 

on ‘defeat devices’ used to cheat 

diesel emissions testing, the 

marketing of vehicles and individual 

responsibility to the alleged actions. 

In addition, “UK authorities have 

ordered two companies in London 

to produce relevant documents”. 

“Judicial authorities in Germany 

are conducting an in-depth fraud 

investigation on the use of more 

than 200,000 diesel ‘defeat devices’ 

in cars produced by an international 

automotive group and international 

commercial vehicle manufacturer, 

as well as their subsidiaries,” 

Eurojust states. 

“The investigation is focused 

on the suspicion that diesel 

engines installed in several car 

models sold by the company 

would be equipped with an 

illegal defeat device.” 

The organisation explains that 

whereas the vehicles meet the 

emissions standards under test 

conditions, the defeat device 

allegedly effectively shuts down 

the emissions control system in 

real drive conditions. 

“Such defeat devices are illegal 

according to the European Union 

regulations in place,” it says. 

“Vehicles with defeat devices 

are not approved for road usage in 

the EU and consumers with such 

devices installed in their cars face 

possible driving bans. In Germany, 

more than 200,000 vehicles 

are subject to the investigation, 

including larger vehicles, such as 

camper vans. 

“The Prosecutor Office of Turin, 

Italy, is also investigating the crime 

of fraud in the framework of a 

parallel proceeding linked to the 

same case.” 

ABC magazine has contacted 

Iveco Australia for comment as to 

whether bus engines are included. 

16 


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To find out more about Shell Rimula and other 

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NEWS 

THE WOT!?! 

MORE MANAGEMENT 

CHANGES AT DAIMLER 

THE NEW HEAD of production 

Daimler Buses – and managing 

director production of EvoBus GmbH 

– is Michael Klein, as of August 1, the 

company has announced. 

Previously head of customer 

services & parts (CSP) Daimler Buses, 

56-year-old Klein replaces Dr. Marcus 

Nicolai, who decided to leave the 

company after 23 years of service, 

Daimler confirms. 

With this development, the 

management of the CSP business 

Daimler Buses will be taken over 

by Bernd Mack, who was previously 

head of international key account 

management and used vehicles in 

sales at Daimler Buses, it explains. 

SOLID PATH 

“With Michael Klein a highly 

competent manager with a strategic 

mindset is taking over the lead of the 

global production activities of Daimler 

Buses,” said Till Oberwörder, head of 

Daimler Buses. 

“In recent years he has managed 

the CSP business with absolute 

success, and in so doing made an 

important contribution to the business 

performance of Daimler Buses. 

“His success is largely due to 

his entrepreneurial mindset and 

leadership culture,” Oberwörder added. 

In further changes, after 35 years of 

service with Daimler, stalwart Ulrich 

Bastert will retire on September 30, 

2020, to be replaced by Mirko Sgodda 

as the new head of marketing, sales 

and customer services at Daimler 

Buses on October 1, the company 

confirms. 

Sgodda, 46 years old – and currently 

head of compliance trucks & buses – 

began his Daimler career in 2002 and 

has worked in various sales functions 

across all Group brands since then. 

Among many initiatives, he 

developed sales network strategies and 

successfully implemented commercial 

vehicle-specific product and service 

portfolios, Daimler says. From 2010 

to 2013, Sgodda was responsible 

for sales network development 

at Daimler Central & Eastern 

Europe, Africa and Asia (DCAA) 

and was responsible for the market 

management of all group brands in 

more than 120 markets, it explains. 

In 2013 he took over the 

‘Business Development’ area at 

Mercedes-Benz Retail in Berlin as a 

member of the executive board. He 

has been the responsible compliance 

officer for the Daimler Trucks & Buses 

business units in the integrity & legal 

division in Stuttgart since 2017, the 

company states. 

Below: Michael Klein has taken on the roles 

of head of production Daimler Buses and 

managing director production of EvoBus 

GmbH. 

STAY IN YOUR LANE 

There’s not looking before crossing the road, 

but this takes a whole new level of biscuit. New 

York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority 

(MTA) displayed that city’s famous blunt attitude 

recently after a wedding party blocked traffic 

in Midtown to take photos. “ARE YOU A BUS?” 

it bellowed at them on Twitter after a TikTok 

of the road-hogging group surfaced online. 

Answers on a postcard if you will. 

LIGHTBULB 

MOMENT 

Just next door in 

New Jersey, NJ 

Transit has begun 

testing the use 

of ultraviolet-c 

(UVC) to disinfect 

its bus fleet from 

viruses such as 

Covid-19. Working 

with Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced 

Infrastructure and Transportation, the study 

will include electronically mapping the interior 

of different bus models to determine the best 

placement for the UVC source. It points out that 

passengers themselves will not be irradiated, in 

case bus drivers were getting any ideas. 

POLES APART 

Hot on the heels of Dutch city Utrecht’s beefriendly 

bus stops, Polish capital Warsaw’s first 

environmentally friendly bus stop is now up and 

running, sporting a fetching sedum roof and 

anti-bird-crash glass. This is the first of 21 green 

stops that will be built by the end of the year. 

With the claim that the lawn roof could lower 

temperatures inside the bus stop, maybe we 

should stick sedum on everything? Might need 

to be 10m deep, mind you, over here… 

18 


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BIC 

MICHAEL APPS 

A great opportunity 

Our industry is part of Australia’s economic recovery story. 

Michael Apps 

BIC executive 

director 

PO Box 6171, 

Kingston ACT 2604 

p: 02 6247 5990 

f: 02 6273 1035 

e: admin@bic.asn.au 

I 

have no desire to add to the social or political 

commentary currently circulating the ‘epicentres’ 

of Covid-19 across the globe (and most recently 

on our own home turf). I will, however, make an 

obvious observation. Despite what has gone before, 

the Victorian government has pivoted and is trying 

(some may argue not efficiently) to get the state 

back to health. As I write this column, Victoria is 

barely into its first 24-hours of an expected six-week 

‘lockdown’. We all need to acknowledge that times 

are especially tough for our colleagues and associates 

in Victoria and be ready to support our bus and 

coach friends now and after they emerge from 

their current predicament. 

I think it is important to recognise that this pandemic 

came close to shutting down the entire ‘moving people’ 

task across Australia. Within a matter of days of the 

pandemic being declared on March 11, 2020, by the 

World Health Organisation, BIC was aware of a number of 

businesses already making decisions to completely close 

or suspend business. 

By March 23, Australia was in Stage 1 of its emergency 

response (social gathering restrictions) and, two days later, 

closed its international borders. In the past few months 

we have had so many state-border closures, opens 

and re-closures that one cannot help but muse how we 

ever managed to get along, for long enough, to federate 

our states. 

It is my observation over these past few months that 

industry has proven its resilience, its capacity to bare 

the burden and its ability to be flexible and provide 

“The bureaucratic process can 

be slow, but I am confident that 

we are well placed to negotiate 

some good stuff for us ‘busies’.” 

clever and sensible solutions. The ‘federation’ of our 

own bus associations – the Bus Australia Network – is 

a fine example of what can happen when we all pull 

together, share our knowledge-base and resources to 

find the solutions. 

Working with governments and regulators is at times 

challenging, but the Bus Australia Network has set a fast 

pace to provide information to governments to help them 

landscape a transport position as part of their emergency 

response plans and to ensure the industry is on the 

economic-recovery agenda. 

In recent weeks, the BIC has been on the phone, digital 

face-timing and putting the pen to paper to garner 

federal, state and local government support for industry in 

their economic recovery plans. There are three significant 

areas that we have advocated to governments: 1) bus 

infrastructure projects from shovel-ready to major works; 

2) tourism restart to encourage Australians to travel 

across the continent, not over it; and 3) diversification 

and innovative technology in our manufacturing and 

supply sector. 

The response that we have had from all levels of 

government across a range of jurisdictions has been 

extremely supportive of our ideas. A number of politicians 

and bureaucrats are enthusiastic to hold discussions on 

how we might progress these initial ‘economic boosters’ 

into action. The bureaucratic process can be slow, but I 

am confident that we are well placed to negotiate some 

good stuff for us ‘busies’. 

The most recent announcement (July 22) from the 

Morrison government to form the National Covid-19 

Commission Advisory Board (formerly the Coordination 

Commission) has been charged with looking at business 

initiatives to support a “supply-side” economic approach 

to Covid-19 recovery. I think the main game is to create 

jobs – and lots of them – and in order to do this the 

Morrison government will be looking at opportunities 

for relaxing tax on business (make it less costly to run 

a business) and to ‘de-regulate’ the regulated (cut the 

red tape). 

This ‘supply-side’ approach presents a great 

opportunity for industry broadly to reap some benefits. 

Our manufacturing and supply sector are expert 

producers and suppliers of goods and services in our 

industry. It is also important to note that our supply sector 

goes well beyond just the building of buses and coaches 

and offers a unique labour skill set and innovation in 

technology and safety. 

I hope after reading this column you are on board with 

me in acknowledging that the businesses in our industry 

are strong, highly skilled and we are unique providers 

of automotive vehicles, purveyors of people movement, 

engineers of safety and high-tech solutions. Together we 

can all be part of Australia’s economic recovery. 

Keep safe and well. Keep informed at the Industry Hub: 

ozebus.com.au/covid. 

20 


SPECIAL EVENTS 

LOCKED & LOADED 

Key partners – 

including ATN 

publisher Bauer Media 

Group – have been 

locked in for 2021 

Brisbane Truck Show. 

The Brisbane Truck Show has 

renewed long-term 

partnerships with National 

Transport Insurance (NTI), BP 

Australia and Bauer Media 

Group ahead of the launch of the highly 

anticipated 2021 event. 

The southern hemisphere’s largest 

automotive business event will return 

to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition 

Centre from Thursday, May 13 to Sunday, 

May 16, 2021. 

The show is presented by Heavy Vehicle 

Industry Australia (HVIA), whose founding 

members held the first event in 1968, prior 

to formalising their association two years 

later. Following last year’s show, HVIA was 

presented with two prestigious awards 

at the Australian Event Awards, with the 

Brisbane Truck Show named Australia’s 

Best Corporate Event and Best Exhibition 

or Tradeshow. 

HVIA chief executive Todd Hacking says 

the accolades only serve to inspire more 

energy to further improve the show. 

“We are delighted with the enthusiasm 

of our members and other exhibitors 

to confirm their participation; I think 

everyone is chomping at the bit for the 

opportunity to get together in person and 

it is a privilege for us to play hosts for that 

reunion,” he said. 

“We are delighted to welcome back BP 

Australia as Gold Partner, and to announce 

that our organisation’s Principal Partner, 

National Transport Insurance (NTI), has 

stepped up into the role of Platinum 

Partner for the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show. 

“NTI has been an amazing partner for 

our organisation and for the show, but 

that is nothing on the breadth of their 

contribution right across industry for over 

30 years.” 

Hacking says the renewed partnership 

with Bauer Media Group – publisher of 

Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) – adds 

further evidence of its commitment to 

supporting Australian transport. 

“As publisher of market-leading titles 

ATN, Deals on Wheels, Earthmovers & 

Excavators, Farms & Farm Machinery, and 

Owner//Driver and their accompanying 

online titles, Bauer Media Group is 

connected deeply into the heart of 

our industry.” 

Graham Gardiner, Bauer Media Group’s 

general manager – industry, says the 

publisher is delighted to once again 

partner with HVIA as the exclusive Official 

Media Partner for the 2021 Brisbane 

Truck Show. 

“Through our comprehensive suite of 

print, digital, and video and broadcast TV 

platforms, Bauer Media Group provides 

unprecedented opportunities for exhibitors 

to promote their show presence to the key 

target industries of transport, agriculture 

and construction, before, during and after 

the show. 

“That includes the 2021 Brisbane Truck 

Show Official Program containing a full 

preview of the show and exhibitors, plus 

maps and other important details,” he said. 

Hacking adds that Australian Heavy 

Vehicle Industry Week will be back for 

2021. He says the creation of the new 

umbrella event formalised something that 

has been happening for years alongside 

the BTS. 

“Our exhibitors have long been holding 

launch events, customer dinners, dealer 

conferences, drive days, factory tours and 

much more in tandem with the truck 

show,” he said. 

“The reaction to last year’s expansion into 

South Bank Parklands was fantastic. 

“All of that success is a reflection on 

the leadership shown by so many of 

our exhibitors who did such an amazing 

job showcasing the values of their 

companies and our industry to the 

broader community.” 

Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week 

is underpinned by a set of themes that 

exhibitors chose to represent the values of 

industry: safety, innovation, sustainability, 

knowledge, careers and community. 

For all the latest information visit 

www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au. 

22 


INNOVATION - SUSTAINABILITY - SAFETY - KNOWLEDGE - CAREERS - COMMUNITY

Bauer Media publishes across six key platforms to maximise 

audience reach, engagement and response.

For more infomation, visit 

industry.bauer-media.com.au

IN FOCUS BUS 80 

BRISBANE HERITAGE 

‘BUS 80’ LANDS 

AT MUSEUM 

Following its long-awaited refurbishment, iconic heritage ‘Bus 80’ 

is now on display undercover for the first time in its 72-year life, project 

organisers have announced. 

BUS 80 was relocated by Barnes 

Auto Co on Sunday, July 

12, 2020 to Gatton – a rural 

town in the Lockyer Valley of 

Queensland – where it stayed 

overnight in the Gatton Bus Service depot, 

courtesy of owner Jim Hill. It was then driven 

by Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society 

(QOCS) members to the Queensland 

Transport Museum. Here it will remain 

until July 2021. 

“Having one of our heritage bus fleet 

on public display for the first time is an 

important milestone for our organisation, as 

we are actively working to establish our own 

museum in Brisbane, which will be known 

as the Brisbane Transport Museum,” said 

QOCS president Nick Wilson. 

“We currently have our eye on a World War 

II aircraft hangar at Eagle Farm, known as 

Hangar 7, which is owned by the Brisbane 

City Council and currently undergoing 

refurbishment for use as a museum. 

“We believe this is the ideal location to 

establish a transport museum, as it is a 

large undercover area with vast historical 

significance to Brisbane,” he said. 

Aside from the Brisbane Tramway 

Museum at Ferny Grove, there is currently 

no dedicated transport museum in Brisbane 

to celebrate and recognise the Brisbane 

City Council’s (BCC) 95-year involvement 

with the city’s transportation needs, 

Wilson explains. 

QOCS is seeking to fill this void and is 

hoping that Council’s Hangar 7 premises 

will eventually be home to the Brisbane 

Transport Museum, he adds. 

LONG JOURNEY 

As one of Brisbane City Council’s first 

purpose-built buses – a 72-year-old 

diesel-powered British AEC Regal III – it 

recently debuted to the public in action 

with a ‘sentimental spin around the city’ last 

July 10, as ABC reported earlier. 

According to sources at the time, the 

restoration was funded by an AUD$19,000 

26 


Queensland Government Gambling 

Community Benefit Fund grant. 

Bus 80 – with a Commonwealth 

Engineering body built in Sydney – 

was one of 12 diesel-powered 

buses brought into service in 1948, 

QOCS explains. 

“Between October 1947 and April 

1948, the Brisbane City Council 

began consolidating the bus 

system in Brisbane by compulsorily 

acquiring 20 private operators,” 

Wilson said. 

The bus began operating from the 

BCC’s Light Street depot in Fortitude 

Valley in June 1948, and remained in 

service until September 1971. 

SOUND SUPPORT 

Queensland State Minister for 

Transport and Main Roads Mark 

Bailey MP unveiled the restoration 

alongside BCC chair of the public 

and active transport committee 

Cr Murphy, in July. 

Wilson says QOCS was grateful 

the Queensland government 

funding allowed Bus 80 to have 

another lease of life. 

Acacia Ridge-based firm 

Coachworks conducted the 

Having one of our heritage bus fleet on public 

display for the first time is an important 

milestone for our organisation. 

restoration, which began in May. 

Coachworks general manager Scott 

Isaacs says it was an enjoyable 

project to work on as the coronavirus 

lockdown created uncertainty in the 

transport industry. 

A not-for-profit organisation 

dedicated to preserving Brisbane’s 

bus history, QOCS’s plan is to one 

day feature Bus 80 and its fleet of 16 

other vintage buses in a proposed 

Brisbane Transport Museum at 

Council’s Hangar 7 facility at Eagle 

Farm, it states. 

Above: 

The restoration 

was funded by 

an AUD$19,000 

Queensland 

Government 

Gambling 

Community 

Benefit Fund 

grant. 

Left: 

The bus began 

operating in 

June, 1948, 

and remained 

in service until 

September, 1971. 

Opposite, Above: 

It’s been a long 

road, but historic 

Brisbane Bus 

80 is now on 

display in the 

Queensland 

Transport 

Museum until 

July 2021. 


27

IN FOCUS 

CUSTOM EXPANDS 

CUSTOM BUS 

PREMISES EXPANDS 

A new facility offering increased floorspace for key upgraded bus-making 

machinery at its western Sydney premises is allowing Custom Bus Group 

to better accommodate production demand for its latest bus models. 

With its latest Denning 

Adventurer schoolcharter 

bus recently 

released, and its 

green-emissions 

electric Element plus ‘Element H2’ (you 

heard it first!) hydrogen fuel-cell bus soon 

to be revealed, Custom has maximised any 

pandemic downtime to completely refurbish 

it St Marys location, install new advanced 

equipment and improve its quality processes 

and procedures, it states. 

According to the company, the production 

facility is almost unrecognisable from 

what it was four months ago, having added 

four completely new lines with three full 

bays per line. 

New cranes have been installed; 

mezzanine areas built to improve efficiency; 

fencing and caging has been installed 

around robot welders for safety; floors have 

been painted; bays have been lined with 

new gantries and fitted with gas supply, 

air reels and racking containing the critical 

quick-turnover parts required for each 

specific section, it explains. 

Custom Denning’s manufacturing 

manager Danny Mottley said: “We 

manufacture all the steel components for 

our production line here on site, and pack 

them into stillage kits for delivery to our 

production facility. 

“We do all our own in-house cutting, laser 

cutting, CNC bending, aluminium welding, 

TIG welding and mandrel tube bending for 

stanchions, seat frames and square tubing 

as well. 

“From the smallest of parts to the largest, 

it’s great to see it all manufactured right here, 

and then come together to create an entire 

bus – it’s fantastic! 

“I am also excited about us doing our own 

powder coating, which should be up and 

running in a couple of months and, with 

more good things to come, I can’t wait!” 

Mottley explained. 

REFINED SYSTEMS 

Whilst the refurbishments were taking place 

the company simultaneously worked on 

the implementation of new work processes; 

tighter controls; increased quality measures; 

and the installation of a completely new 

parts system that interacts with all the 

various business units, which it says merges 

“...all divisions as one to further solidify the 

company”. 

Custom Denning managing director Scott 

Dunn envisaged such an expansion and, as 

early as late 2019, he purchased additional 

space – also at St Marys – to alleviate 

anticipated production line congestion as 

business increased to offer the group further 

28 


expansion avenues, Custom says. 

The new facility houses new 

CNC routers, CNC benders, folders, 

laser cutters, tube cutters, robot 

welders, and a soon-to-be-installed 

powder coating works, the company 

confirms. 

As it explains, Custom Denning is 

slowly increasing its self-reliance by 

gradually bringing increasing work 

that was once outsourced now under 

one roof. 

COMMUNITY BOOST 

Purchase of the new site has 

enabled Custom Denning to 

broaden its range of specialised 

products, leading to an increase of 

skilled labour required, additional 

training, and further employment 

opportunities for Western Sydney, 

the company says. 

Contributing to the local 

community has always been 

important to Dunn and he believes 

strongly in local manufacturing, 

local production and contributing to 

Australia’s long term sustainability, 

the company states. 

Custom attainted ‘Australian Made’ 

certification in 2019, it confirms. 

NEW MODELS 

Tapping into a manufacturing 

pedigree dating to 1955 and pitched 

as ‘Aussie built for local conditions’, 

Custom Denning’s recently released 

Adventurer school-charter bus is 

described as a game-changer by 

national sales manager Mick Neskes. 

“We’re extremely proud of the 

Adventurer,” Neskes said. “It’s in our 

heritage to design the buses that 

move Australia and, for us, that 

means producing a combination of 

technology and toughness.” 

From the chassis up, the 

Adventurer has taken the lessons 

of reliability and toughness from 

the past and combined them with 

today’s technology, he explains. 

It’s suitable for a variety of chassis 

makes; the 57-seat Category 4 school 

bus is available on a Volvo, Scania, 

MAN, Mercedes-Benz or Hino chassis. 

The shorter, 43-seat Category 3 

Adventurer is available on a Volvo, 

MAN, Mercedes or Hino chassis. 

MODULAR EASE 

Neskes says the Adventurer’s 

It’s in our heritage to design the buses that move 

Australia and, for us, that means producing a 

combination of technology and toughness. 

modular components set a new 

benchmark. 

“We have recently carried out 

extensive renovations throughout the 

factory, adding new methodologies 

to our operation. We have changed 

our procedures, so that we are more 

efficient, and have improved our 

already high levels of quality,” he said. 

“Our modernised engineering 

process and improved design allows 

us now to build multiple upper 

body sections extremely quickly, and 

being “non chassis specific” means 

commonality of parts, regardless of 

chassis utilised,” he explained. 

“This increases efficiencies for all 

involved, but most importantly, for 

the bus operators! 

“It means the downtime is 

reduced if the vehicle needs a 

window or panel replacing. We 

can hold hundreds of parts, and 

we can supply customers with 

consignment stock, and they pay 

for it as they use it.” 

Custom Denning says the 

Adventurer was designed using 

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) 

software, which simulates real-world 

wear and tear using a computer 

model to find the perfect design. 

The FEA analysis covers: 

mechanical stress, mechanical 

vibration, metal fatigue, motion, 

heat transfer, fluid flow and 

electrostatics. 

Above: 

Custom Bus Group has 

refurbished its St Marys 

facility to expand 

throughput and 

improve processes. 

Left: 

Finite Element Analysis 

software has been 

used to simulate wear 

and tear to improve 

component design. 

Opposite: 

Custom Denning’s 

new Adventurer 

school-charter bus has 

been described as a 

‘game changer’. 


29

COVERSTORY 

VOLGREN-MARCOPOLO 

30 


LONG 

DISTANCE 

RELATIONSHIP 

Nearly 10 years since Marcopolo purchased local bus-body 

manufacturing icon Volgren, the anniversary shines light on the 

massive global bus innovator truly making its mark in Australia. 

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY VOLGREN/MARCOPOLO 

Brazilian bus manufacturer 

Marcopolo is closing in on 

a significant milestone – yet 

it has nothing to do with 

bus numbers on Rio de 

Janeiro roads or even South American 

sales figures. In just over a year it will be a 

decade since the company extended its 

global footprint to Australia, purchasing a 

stake in Volgren. 

Marcopolo acquired 75 per cent of 

Volgren in 2012; since April 2017, it has 

owned 100 per cent of the company 

and remains best known in Australian 

bus circles as a parent company. There’s 

much more to the Marcopolo story than 

that, however. 

The company is one of the largest 

bus body manufacturers in the world 

employing more than 14,300 people in 

16 different factories and generating an 

average production capacity of 240 units 

per day. Across sites in Mexico, Colombia, 

Argentina, Egypt, South Africa, India, 

China, as well as Brazil and Australia, it 

produced 15,740 units last year. To put 

that in context, Volgren manufactured 

approximately 500 buses in 2019, the 


Established in 1949, Marcopolo today 

has one of most varied product portfolios, 

from mini buses to double deckers, 

running on the roads of more than 100 

countries, it adds. 

Marcopolo CEO James Bellini says while 

the companies are vastly different in size, 

Volgren and Marcopolo share historical 

parallels. 

“Volgren has a similar background to 

Marcopolo’s. Both companies started as 

Above: 

Marcopolo CEO 

James Bellini 

Opposite: 

Marcopolo 

generates 

an average 

production 

capacity of 240 

units per day. 


31

COVERSTORY 


family companies decades ago and 

made their way to the top providing 

the best products and solutions to 

operators, drivers and passengers,” 

Bellini stated. 

“Like Volgren, we work closely with 

multiple chassis manufacturers: Volvo, 

Scania, Mercedes, MAN, Iveco, BYD and 

[the Brazilian OEM] Agrale.” 

The differences, though, are 

arguably more interesting than the 

resemblances. 

The company posted a consolidated 

net revenue figure of R$4.314,5 

billion (A$1.16 billion) for 2019. It has 

the kind of financial resources that 

an Australian vehicle manufacturer 

could arguably only ever dream of, 

and it invests heavily in research 

and development. And not just into 

improved bus construction, it says. 

ANTI-VIRUS 

Marcopolo’s response to the Covid-19 

pandemic is perhaps the best, and 

certainly the most, immediately 

relevant example. 

“Marcopolo was the first bus 

body producer to launch biosafety 

initiatives in Brazil. We believe that 

we are dictating trends among 

customers in the face of this ‘new 

normal’ way of life,” said Bellini. 

In fact, Marcopolo Next – the 

company’s innovation division – has 

launched a full suite of safety products 

as part of its BioSafe initiative. Among 

them is a UV-C light sterilisation 

solution, antimicrobial materials and 

driver protection kits, but the most 

striking invention, and potentially the 

most valuable, is a disinfectant mist 

called FIP Onboard. 

As reported earlier on ABC 

magazine’s website www.busnews. 

com.au, FIP stands for ‘Fog In Place’ 

and the product works by releasing 

a cloud of nanoparticles, totally 

non-toxic to humans, into a closed 

vehicle, Marcopolo states. It sanitises 

the entire bus interior without leaving 

moisture behind in a matter of 

minutes, it adds. 

According to the company, tests 

certified by Caxias do Sul University 

in southern Brazil have demonstrated 

the technology’s effectiveness and 

it will likely be applicable in buses 

throughout the world, but also – 

possibly – in trams and trains, and 

even schools, hotels, shopping centres, 

restaurants and sporting grounds. 

BUS BUILDING 

This is just one of numerous 

32 


Marcopolo was the first bus body producer 

to launch biosafety initiatives in Brazil. 

promising projects that 

Santiago, the capital city of Chile. 

Marcopolo Next is involved 

Marcopolo is the largest provider 

in, the company confirms. Yet 

of buses to that network. 

the larger company’s central 

Armaganijan explains Chile 

area of expertise remains 

is an important market for 

manufacturing. And in that 

numerous reasons, among them 

context, it is now well-established 

in Latin America and 

continues to receive massive 

orders from operators across the 

region, it says. 

Director of international 

business and strategy at 

Marcopolo André Armaganijan 

says the company has just 

finalised a shipment to 

Transantiago. 

“It’s more than 300 buses 

for the Chilean market,” said 

Armaganijan. 

Transantiago is the integrated 

public transport system – one 

of the most sophisticated on 

the continent – that services 

the metropolitan area of 

their leadership in considering 

zero-emission technology as 

part of their fleet mix. 

“There is a growing demand 

for zero-emission buses in many 

Latin American countries. Chile 

is leading the introduction of 

electric buses. Interest from 

governments varies across 

the countries but it will 

definitely continue to grow,” 

Armaganijan said. 

“We are well-placed to meet 

market demands for fully electric 

buses and adapt our product 

to different technologies such 

as hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell 

and opportunity charge type 

vehicles,” he added. 

Top: 

Marcopolo today 

has one of most 

varied product 

portfolios, from 

mini buses to 

double-deckers, 

running on 

the roads of 

more than 100 

countries. 

Above, Right: 

Marcopolo 

director of 

strategy and 

international 

business André 

Vidal Armaganija. 

Opposite, Below: 

Marcopolo works 

closely with a 

range of chassis 

manufacturers, 

including Volvo. 

OTHER CONTINENTS 

Bellini says Africa is also a 

high-priority market for the 

company at the moment. In 

addition to owning a facility 

in South Africa, Marcopolo is 

investing heavily in countries 

such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory 

Coast and Ethiopia. 

“We are now finishing 

production of 130 Marcopolo 

Torinos for Angola’s public 


33

COVERSTORY 


CURRENT CHALLENGES 

A focus on employee safety and high service levels for customers has never been more 

important than it is right now for Volgren. 

The Covid-19 pandemic and the Victorian state government’s Stage 4 restrictions 

introduced in August, 2020, have created challenging conditions for the country’s largest 

bus body manufacturer, it says. 

Classified as an essential business, Volgren continues to operate all three of its sites 

without interruption, but remains vigilant about safety and finding new ways to respond 

to the pandemic, it explains. 

Since early March, Volgren implemented a number of company-wide changes, including 

no face-to-face meetings onsite with external company representatives and suppliers, 

splitting up teams and creating rotating rosters for office staff, enforcing social distance 

measures from lunch rooms to the boardroom and maintaining strong hygiene practices 

throughout the business, it says. 

Thiago Deiro, CEO of Volgren said: “We have four priorities guiding our decisions during 

this time of uncertainty: to keep our employees safe; to ensure the highest levels of service 

to our customers and partners; to be more agile and innovative; and to do our part in 

preventing the spread of the virus. 

“We’re grateful that our manufacturing operations are classified essential and we 

remain open as critical suppliers, maintaining our day-to-day operations. 

“Our office, our technical and customer support staff are fully available for our 

customers, chassis partners and our suppliers.” 

In addition to introducing Marcopolo’s dry fogging technology (FIP On Board) into the 

Australian market to make passenger travel safe during the pandemic, Volgren has also 

developed a ‘contactless cash payment system’ to remove any contact between the driver 

and the passenger and a range of air-con filter brackets – to accommodate a wider range 

of air grille doors and filters, it explains. 

“Embedding biosafety measures into public transport is an important step towards 

restoring passenger confidence and will preserve the safety of the travelling public.” 

“Covid-19 has created challenges for many sectors. Public transport and student 

transport have been especially impacted. 

“We believe that the measures developed under Marcopolo BioSafe and our own 

initiatives can play a role in helping Australia’s bus industry recover economically by 

making commuters and school children comfortable returning to bus travel,” Thiago said. 

34 


transport system, all fitted with 

BioSafe technology.” 

In many ways, Australia is the final 

piece to the Brazilian giant’s southern 

hemisphere puzzle. Bellini says it’s a 

crucial region for the company, and 

they are making a concerted effort to 

build a closer relationship between 

Volgren and its parent. 

“For Marcopolo the Australian 

market is also very important and we 

want to be recognised as a premium 

brand there,” he said. 

“Both companies are constantly 

learning from each other. The 

Marcopolo Group has a lot to offer 

in terms of improving processes, 

products, components, innovation, 

knowledge and technology.” 

Thiago Deiro, a long-time Marcopolo 

executive, became Volgren’s CEO in 

2019 and has brought several fellow 

Brazilians into leadership positions 

at the Australian company. Bellini 

says the appointments have helped 

to deepen the connection between 

Australia and South America. 

“The talent coming from Brazil has 

created links between Marcopolo 

headquarters and Volgren. In the 

coming years, the team will begin 

The quality of Volgren’s products set it 

apart and we want to make sure Volgren 

products remain the best in this region. 

importing Marcopolo technology into 

the Australian market while expanding 

Volgren’s export reach,” Bellini 

explained. 

“Volgren has already been successful 

in cracking tough export markets 

like Japan, and we can see Australian-built 

products coming to Brazil as 

well as group facilities in other parts 

of the world.” 

Bellini says they will measure 

their success as the Australian 

manufacturer’s owner on how well 

they balance Volgren’s existing culture 

with the introduction of new ideas and 

new efficiency measures from Brazil. 

“When Thiago officially began at 

Volgren he spoke about the feeling 

of ownership that Volgren employees 

have. He said Volgren people 

considered the company their second 

home. We want to hold onto this 

culture. Happy and invested people 

do good work and create excellent 

products. 

“The quality of Volgren’s products 

set it apart and we want to make sure 

Volgren products remain the best in 

this region,” Bellini concluded. 

Above: 

Marcopolo’s New 

G7 Paradiso 1600 

Low Driver. 

Left: 

The growing 

demand for 

zero-emission 

buses in many 

Latin American 

countries is 

reflected in the 

recent delivery of 

300 new buses to 

Chile. 

Opposite, Top: 

Volgren CEO 

Thiago Deiro. 


35

OPERATOR 

RED BUS SERVICES 

Adapting to the ‘new normal’ is the how the team at one of the oldest 

bus companies in New South Wales, Red Bus Services, plans to emerge 

from the other side of the pandemic. Even though operations have 

been largely affected by Covid-19, depot and fleet manager John Shore 

remains optimistic for the future growth of Red Bus, albeit in a new way. 

36 


STAYING 

THE COURSE 

WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES BEN HOSKING 

Four generations of family 

history is behind the success 

of one of the oldest bus 

operators in Australia, Red 

Bus Services. The company 

operates commuter and school 

transport routes linking New South 

Wales Central Coast communities – from 

Gosford to Lake Haven, Bateau Bay, 

Ourimbah and Wyong. 

In 1939, the family of present-day 

owners purchased the bus service 

trading as The Red Bus Company 

– Tuggerah Lakes Motor. The new 

owners, the Sloman family, renamed 

the business to The Entrance Red Bus 

Service. In 1946, the family purchased 

a service running between Gosford 

and East Springfield, and renamed it 

Gosford Bus Service. The names of both 

businesses, Gosford Bus Service and The 


37

OPERATOR 


ABOUT RED BUS SERVICES 

Red Bus offers coach and bus charter services from Central Coast, Sydney, Hunter 

Valley and Newcastle, it states. It caters to a range of events, including school 

excursions and shuttles, educational tours and trips, private functions, day tours and 

extended tours, after school care and vacation care trips, leisure and senior groups 

trips, corporate events, and airport, hotel and cruise transfers, it adds. 

In July, 2006, Red Bus Services became the first private bus company outside of 

the Sydney Metropolitan region to enter into a contract with the state government to 

operate services to NSW’s Central Coast region, it confirms. 

“The original philosophy – to provide a good service for all passengers and a friendly, 

safe environment for all employees - still continues. A testament to that is the number 

of employees that have been with the company for most of their working years,” 

Shore said. 

Entrance Red Bus Service, remained in 

use until the late 1990s, when both were 

rebranded as Red Bus Services and all 

operations consolidated at the Bateau Bay 

depot, which continues to serve as the 

main depot to date. 

“The company has always been a 

family concern, with the present-day 

owners being fourth-generation 

descendants of the Sloman family, many 

of whom are involved with the day-to-day 

operations,” Red Bus depot and fleet 

manager John Shore said. 

With a staff of more than 160, 

Red Bus currently operates a fleet 

of 92 buses and 10 coaches, it 

states. The fleet livery used to be 

red and cream until the Transport 

for NSW white and blue livery 

was adapted in 2010. Most of the 

company’s services operate seven 

days per week, with some services 

operating at a frequency of up to 

20 minutes. 

“The majority of our fleet is Iveco 

Metro low-floor buses; we also run 

some Hino school buses, and a 

mixture of BCI and Higer charter 

buses,” explained Shore. 

“At the moment, our preference is 

Iveco because it’s Australian-made, 

but that could change in the near 

future with new government 

regulations. All our vehicles are 

maintained in-house by our body 

repair and maintenance teams.” 

CORONAVIRUS IMPACT 

Red Bus remains committed to 

38 


We encounter similar 

challenges to what most 

other operators in the 

industry face, such as 

ensuring we are up-to-date 

with changing legislation. 

(DFAT) and Australia’s chief 

medical officer, we’re working 

closely with Transport for NSW 

and BusNSW and preparing a 

pandemic plan in the event of a 

major outbreak in Australia. 

“Covid-19 has definitely 

affected public transport 

because Transport for NSW 

itself is advising people not to 

take public transport and use 

their cars instead, so of course 

that affects the commuter side 

ensuring it is a safe place to work 

and a safe form of transport for 

the community, Shore says. 

“We have introduced all 

measures required by the 

Australian Department of Health 

and are taking advice from Bus 

Industry Confederation, BusNSW 

and Transport for NSW,” he 

confirmed. 

“We are proud to be registered 

by the NSW government as a 

Covid-safe business. We have 

implemented new cleaning and 

disinfecting policies, protocols, 

and social distancing measures 

to ensure the safety of our 

employees and our customers. 

“Red Bus is monitoring the 

situation closely and keeping 

up-to-date with the impacts of 

government decisions about 

policy, healthcare and border 

protection. Along with following 

advice from the Department 

of Foreign Affairs and Trade 

of the business. Our patronage 

has dropped considerably, but 

we are continuing to operate 

because we are an essential 

service. Many of our vulnerable 

community members, who have 

no other option but the bus to 

move around, would be greatly 

affected if we did not operate. 

“The charter business has also 

been heavily affected by the 

pandemic and we have seen a 

reduction in turnover. We have 

got some charter vehicles, but 

passenger numbers are down 

because people aren’t travelling. 

Top (L-R): 

Four generations 

are behind the 

success of Red 

Bus Services; 

Redbus has been 

registered by the 

NSW government 

as a Covid-safe 

business as it 

continues to 

operate during 

the pandemic 

to provide an 

essential service. 

Above, Left: 

Red Bus currently 

operates a fleet of 

92 buses and 10 

coaches. 


39

OPERATOR 


Our plan is to get back to some sort of normality and make our 

charter business stronger and keep making our services stronger 

and better for the people to travel. 

Above: 

John Shore says 

despite the difficulties 

arising from the 

pandemic, Red Bus 

Services has managed 

to retail all of its staff. 

In NSW the mood is very 

subdued in general. People are 

not out and about.” 

Like most public transport 

businesses, Red Bus is 

spreading the message of good 

travel, the company announced 

at the time. 

UPHILL ROAD 

Many companies are feeling the 

Covid-19 pinch, even as things 

such as ensuring we are 

up-to-date with changing 

legislation so that we are 

compliant in areas of Chain of 

Responsibility, Heavy Vehicle 

National Law, Safe Work, WHS, 

Opposite, Above 

and Below: 

All Redbus’ vehicles 

are maintained 

in-house by its 

body repair and 

maintenance teams; 

The majority of the 

Redbus feet is Iveco 

Metro low-floor buses, 

rounded out with 

some Hino, BCI 

and Higer. 

hygiene and ‘stay at home if 

unwell’ to keep its staff and 

travellers safe. It is encouraging 

people to use their Opal 

cards or contactless payment 

methods and avoid using 

cash where possible. From 

March 25 this year, not all 

buses would continue 

accepting cash fares for 

are getting back to normal in 

most states except Victoria. 

However, there are other 

challenges, mostly regulatory 

and compliance, that operators 

deal with on a day-to-day basis. 

It is no different for Red Bus. 

“We encounter similar 

challenges to what most other 

operators in the industry face, 

Fair Work Australia and other 

legal aspects,” Shore said. 

“We have just been granted 

an extension with TfNSW for 

Region 7 Outer Metropolitan 

Bus Service contract until 

June 30, 2021. So we will begin 

negotiating another contract 

later in the year. Hopefully, this 

contract will be a commercial 

40 


contract for a period of up to five to seven 

years, so that we can invest in the future 

and continue to assist our community in 

providing mobility solutions.” 

THE OUTLOOK 

“Our plan is to get back to some sort 

of normality and make our charter 

business stronger and keep making 

our services stronger and better for 

the people to travel. Most of our staff 

have become used to the ‘new normal’ 

situation brought on by the pandemic. 

Some of our people have struggled 

with different bits of it, but overall we’ve 

all got our head around that it’s the new 

normal and we’ve got to live with it,” 

Shore said. 

“We haven’t had to make many tough 

decisions with staff numbers as our 

team has been very accommodating, 

using their leave so we can keep our 

people employed. It’s been very amicable 

between staff and management up ‘til 

now, which is great. 

“I don’t think we’ll ever get back to 

normal as it used to be until there is 

some sort of a vaccine or a cure to battle 

the virus, so it’s going to be the new 

normal from now on.” 


41

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1986 HDT VL SS GROUP A 

Build #419, 165,154kms, Polarizer fitted. WA. 08 6500 0943. 


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D9 

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2020 models just arrived, choice of 

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New 2020 models arrived. Leather 

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2015 Isuzu I-Bus 34 seater 

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2017 BCI Roadmaster 57 seater 

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2012 Mitsubishi Rosa 

25 seater Auto 

4.9 litre turbo diesel engine, automatic, 24 

fixed low back vinyl seats with seatbelts, 

A/C, P/S, very clean and tidy buses. 

Choice of 2 

From $50,000 plus GST 

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From $80,000 plus GST 

busstopsales.com.au 

AUSTRALIA WIDE 

Head office 07 3277 2115 

ABC-FP-5204582-TS-396

2006 MERCEDES 

BENZ 0500 

6sp manual, 12.5m Coach 

Design body, 48 lap sash 

seat belted recliners, 2 door, 

rear toilet, 5 x LCD monitors, 

tachograph, many extras, 

one owner, travelled approx. 

960,000klm 

$85,000+GST 

2015 IVECO 

EURORIDER 

Cursor 330hp, ZF automatic inc 

retarder, Irizar 13.2m body, 52 

recliners in leather, toilet, A/C, 

underfloor bins, travelled only 

102,000klm 

Reduced to 

$215,000+GST 

2011 SCANIA K440EB 

Opticruise inc retarder, Coach 

Concepts 13.5m body,50 lap 

sash seat belted seats in leather, 

2 door, mid toilet, Thermo King 

A/C, full service history, travelled 

approx. 750,000klm 

$215,000+GST 

2015 BONLUCK 

“PRESIDENT 2” 

10.8m, Cummins ISL320, Allison 

automatic inc retarder, 36 

leather reclining seats, Guide 

seat, toilet, underfloor bins, 

A/C, USB ports, many extras, 

travelled approx. 334,000klm 

$165,000+GST 

2016 BCI 

CLASSMASTER 

Cummins ISB300hp, Allison 

automatic inc retarder, 57 lap sash 

seat belted seats, A/C, underfloor 

bins, DVD, just repainted all 

over white, travelled approx. 

302,0000klm very clean 

Reduced to 

$145,000+GST 

2010 MERCEDES 

BENZ 1830 

6sp manual, Mills Tui body, 50 lap 

sash seat belted recliners, toilet, 

Thermo King A/C, underfloor bins, 

DVD, travelled approx 260,000klm 

$95,000+GST 

2013 QUALITY 

BUS & COACH 

Cummins ISL320, ZF automatic 

transmission inc retarder, 53 lap 

sash seat belted seats in leather, 

underfloor bins, Coachair A/C, 

travelled approx. 125,000klm 

$75,000+GST 

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-395 

2 X 2015 IVECO 

EURORIDER 

Cursor 330hp,ZF automatic 

inc retarder, Marcopolo 

12.5m body,57 lap sash seat 

belted seats,A/C,underfloor 

bins,travelled 245,000klm 

Reduced to 

$175,000+GST each 

2 X 2015 SCANIA 

K440EB 

Opticuise,13.5M Coach 

Concepts body, 50 Styleride 

lap sash leather recliners, 

tachograph, 2 door, mid toilet, 

many extras, one fitted with a 

Wheelchair lift, travelled approx. 

400 to 440,000klm 

from $380,000+GST each 

2010 BCI PROMA 

DELUXE 

Cummins isb185hp, Allison 

automatic inc retarder, 33 lap 

sash seat belted recliners, 

heat cool A/C, underfloor bins, 

school lights, travelled approx. 

272,000klm 

Reduced to 

$59,000+GST 

2 X 2013 SCANIA 

K440 

Opticruise inc retarder, Coach 

Concepts 14.5m body, 58 lap sash 

seat belted seats in leather, guide 

seat, Thermo King A/C, 2 door, mid 

toilet, Hanover sign,tachograph,full 

service history, travelled approx. 

780,000klm 

Reduced to 

$220,000+GST each 

2006 DENNING 

PHOENIX 4X2 

Cat C7 300hp, Allison auto inc 

retarder, 53 lap sash seat belted 

recliners, DVD, underfloor bins, 

Thermo King A/C, travelled 

approx. 720,000klm, full service 

history. 

Reduced to 

$110,000+GST 

2014 MERCEDES 

BENZ 0500R 

automatic,12.5m Irizar Century 

body, 65 (3 for 2) fixed coach 

seats including lap sash seat 

belts, A/C, underfloor bins, 8 

camera surveillance, travelled 

only 113,000klm 

$175,000+GST 

4 X 2011/12 HIGER 

“T SERIES” 

Cummins ISB300, automatic, 

57 lap sash seat belted seats, 

A/C, underfloor bins, travelled 

approx. 180-220,000klm 

$85,000+GST each 

PLUS MANY MORE, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT 

www.roddhoodsbusandcoachsales.com 

Mobile: 0417 699 980 - Email: rodd.hood@bigpond.com.au 

Over 34 years experience in the bus and coach industry 

LICENSED MOTOR DEALER 3341258 

Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne 

LIMITED 

STOCK 

NEW NEW USED 

IN STOCK 

$315,990 + GST & ORC Including Wheelchair Lift 

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom 

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Mercedes Benz engine with 

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Seats 57 School Bous 

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Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne - PH (03) 8376 7121 

24 Grasslands Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3064 

D7 

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, 

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NEW 

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IN STOCK 

Lou Riccardi | 0411426 148 | vicsales@yutong.com.au 

NEW 

D12 

D9 

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EBS, ECAS and many more features. ECAS and many more features. 



yutong.com.au 

48 

ABC AUGUST 2020 busnews.com.au

ABC SALES 

& MAINTENANCE 

Australian Owned and Operated 

Supplier of Yutong Buses 

and Coaches 

QUEENSLAND / NORTHERN TERRITORY / NORTHERN NSW 

$275,000 

1x 2018 MINING D12 EX DEMO MINING SPECS 

MINING SPECS EQUIPMENT, fire suppressor, tyre 

monitor, Seat belt Alarm system. 

$230,000 

1x 2017 YUTONG D9 ZK6930H 

35 seater + toilet, diesel euro 5- Cummins IBS 6.7litre. 

250hp, heat and cooling system. 

$95,000 

1x 2017 YUTONG D7 ZK6760DAA 

82,00kms, Cummins isb4 4.5l, Euro5 103kw Allison 21006sp, auto, a/c. 

$60,000 

1x 2015 YUTONG D7 ZK6760DAA 

144,00kms, Cummins ISB4 4.5l, Euro5 103kw, Allison 

21006sp, auto, a/c. 

$96,000 

1x 2010 HIGER BOSS 

45+1 Leather recline,cummins isl 250 hp engine, allison 

6 sp auto, thermoking heat/cool a/c, alloy bull bar, 

windscreen stone guard. 

$65,000 

1x 2013 HIGER MUNRO 

28+1 seater, cummins isf 3.8 litre turbo engine, allison 6 

sp auto, leather seats, spider mirrors, windscreen stone 

guard, front nudge bar. 

Barry Henderson: qldsales@yutong.com.au 0427 750 885 

David Green: sales@abccoachsales.com.au 0418 253 422

Looking for a new car? 

Find which car is right for you. 

At WhichCar our team of motoring 

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WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154 Bookings for next issue close on Sept 18th 2020 

Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane 

LIMITED 

STOCK 

NEW NEW USED 

IN STOCK 

$295,990 + GST & ORC 57x Seater School Bus 

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom 

A premium vehicle that looks as good on the outside as it does in. Here, 

passengers receive more spacious luggage compartments, reduced noise 

ride comfort and high-end audio/visuals, while the driver enjoys greater 

manoeuvrability and performance. The T12 also features customisable seating 

options to suit your needs. 

Mercedes Benz engine with 

11.97L displacement and up to 

1850N/m torque 

Optimised ZF automatic 

transmission and rear axle ratio 

11m 3 capacity luggage 

compartments 

Exceptional ride comfort with 

reduced noise 

Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD 

Seats 53 Coach 

Seats 57 School Bous 

Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift 

D7 

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, 

DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar 

optional, Great little mini-bus. 


IN STOCK 

NEW 

2016 YUTONG Goanna 

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, 

EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP 

AUTO A/C. 


IN STOCK 

NEW 

D12 

D9 

57 Seats, Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, 39 Seats, Cummins ISB6, 250hp, School 

School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, 

EBS, ECAS and many more features. ECAS and many more features. 



yutong.com.au 

Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane 

Yutong Bus Centre Cairns 

Barry Henderson | 0427 750 885 | qldsales@yutong.com.au 

David Green | 0418 253 422 | david@abccoachsales.com.au 

CONTACT Phil 03 5623 5377 

admin@warragulbuslines.com.au 

2000 VOLVO B7 

P&D Body, 57 Seatbelts, Automatic 

2000 MERCEDES 0405 

Volgren body, Lowfloor, 2-door, AC 

1999 VOLVO B7 

Auto Bus Body, Auto, 

53 Seatbelt seats, 

Air Conditioned. 

2015 IVECO MARCO POLO 

57 Seatbelts, Automatic, Air 

Conditioned. 

$43,000 + GST 

$32,000 + GST 

$65,000 + GST 

$175,000 + GST 

2013 HIGER 

T-Series, 12m, A/C, 

57 Seatbelts 

$98,000 + GST 

2002 IVECO 

Custom CB50 body, 61 seats, Manual, 

Thermoking. 480,000km 

$50,000 + GST 

2006 HINO RK260 

P&D body, 57 seats, Manual. 

295,000 KMS 

$58,000 + GST 

2010 MITSUBISHI 

ROSA DELUXE 

Manual, 390,000km 

$28,000 + GST 

ABC-HH-5171496-TS-395 

busnews.com.au AUGUST 2020 ABC 51

DIGITAL EDITION 

Get Australasian Bus & Coach on your iPad or tablet 



VALUED AT OVER $59,000 

Australian residents only 

ISSUE 354 February 2017 $5.95 inc GST 

ROLLING WITH THE TIMES 

Brisbane Bus Lines eyes the future 

COASTAL CHARM 

Victorian operator finds 

a wiser way to travel 

TECH REVOLUTION 

A look at some exciting tools 

for transport providers 

NEW 

LOOK 





VALUED AT OVER $59,000 

Australian residents only 

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 

Charter boom for 

NSW operator 

CONFERENCE CALL 

School ol run improvement 

ment 

on cards for 

Qld 

ISSUE 356 April 2017 

$5.95 inc GST 

ISSUE 355 March 2017 

$5.95 inc GST 

DOUBLE UP! 

ELECTRIC BLU 

Sydney operator teams up with leading eBus maker 

BCI’S HUGE NEW CITY BUS BREAKS THE MOULD 

+ 

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BUILT TOUGH 

BONLUCK PRESIDENT 2 BORN FOR RUGGED AUSSIE CONDITIONS 

+ 

SEATING BUYERS’ GUIDE SPECIAL FEATURE INSIDE 

ABC 356.cls 1 

VIC OPERATOR’S MILESTONE Crown Coaches’ half century 

OPEN DOOR POLICY Ventura creates space with outward-sliding doors 

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Future embraced at BIC Suppliers Summit 

6/04/2017 11:57 am 

ABC 354 1-2.indd 1 7/02/2017 12:56 pm 

ABC_355 1-2.indd 1 7/03/2017 10:52 am 

To Subscribe visit magshop.com.au/abc or call 136 116

WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154 Bookings for next issue close on Sept 18th 2020 

FOR SALE 

Like ABC on Facebook for a 

unique mix of bus news, reviews, 

events & entertainment 

visit facebook.com/ABCBusnews 

2013/14 MERCEDES BENZ 0500RF IRIZAR I6 

287,000 kms, 3 axle with steerable tag, 500 litres 

(2 tanks), one owner, 52+ driver + hostess seat 

capacity, auto heating and cooling, 7 security 

camera. Located in NSW. 

$260,000 + GST 

Like ABC on Facebook for a 

unique mix of bus news, reviews, 

events & entertainment 

visit facebook.com/ABCBusnews 

2008 HIGER 

298,000 kms, fully rebuilt engine, 2 axle, 200 litres, 

37+ driver seat capacity, reverse & saloon camera, 

reading lights, curtains. Located in NSW. 

$48,000 + GST 

0414 295 367 

buses 

large & small 

$$$ 

bounty paid 

on 

collection 

(03) 9782 3207 

ACCIDENT REPAIRS 

We pride ourselves on understanding the important needs that arise from 

accidents, from transporting incapacitated vehicles and speedy quotations, 

to insurance company requirements and minimising the downtime of your 

vehicle during the repair process. 

Accident Damage: Body frame, panel and paint repairs. 

Storm Damage: Hail dent and flood damage repairs. 

Major Accident: Full body rebuilds and mechanical repairs. 

Insurance Support: Quick quotations, prompt insurance repairs. 

Vehicle Retrieval if and when required. 

P: (07) 3344 4544 

E: info@coachworks.com.au 

W: www.coachworks.com.au 

ABC-QH-5164872-CS-396 

busnews.com.au AUGUST 2020 ABC 53

DELIVERIES JULY 2020 

Deliveries still resilient 

despite monthly dip 

July sees a decrease on historically high end-of-financial-year June 

figures, exclusive ABC data reveals. 

Bus and coach deliveries dropped back below the 

triple-figure mark in July, but still hold a buoyant 

line in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, 

settling on 91 for the month. 

The result, down from 146 in June, continues 

the rise-and-fall rollercoaster trend of the past six months, 

with no two months of consecutive increases or decreases, but 

steers clear of the yearly low of 80. 

The chassis sector was largely propped up by Volvo, which 

rebounded from consecutive low months of 28 deliveries to 

post 40. Conversely, Scania reported a decrease, down from 46 

to a yearly low of 16. Alongside it on 16 was Mercedes-Benz, 

the only other maker to reach double figures. 

There was a general decrease across the board for 

most body builders, though Volgren maintained its 

status at the top with 33. Custom Bus had a notable 

month-on-month increase from one reported 

delivery last month to 10 in July. 

A long tail saw in this sector 10 other makers with 

three or fewer deliveries. 

After a bumper month of 88 in June, air-conditioning 

market leader Thermo King dropped to its lowest yearly total 

of 42, though it remains well ahead of the chasing pack. 

Hispacold returned to double figures for the month to claim 

second place. 

New South Wales returned to the top of the state 

chart, occupying 37 per cent of the market. Little 

separates Victoria and Queensland with 20 and 

18 per cent, respectively. 

Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach 

delivery information for July. Please note all data is as 

supplied from manufacturers, with their involvement 

at their discretion. 

The result, down from 146 in June, 

continues the rise-and-fall rollercoaster 

trend of the past six months. 

54 


VOLGREN 33 

ABC* 14 

CUSTOM 10 

IRIZAR 9 

YUTONG 8 

COACH DESIGN 3 

EXPRESS COACHES 3 

BCI 2 

CHALLENGER 2 

COACH CONCEPTS 2 

BONLUCK 1 

COACHWORKS 1 

MARCOPOLO 1 

OMNIBUS 1 

SCANIA HIGER 1 

SALES BY BODY 

There was a general decrease across the board for 

most body builders, though Volgren maintained 

its status at the top with 33. Custom Bus had 

a notable month-on-month increase from one 

reported delivery last month to 10 in July. A long 

tail saw in this sector 10 other makers with three 

or fewer deliveries. 

6% 

ACT 

11% 

18% 

QLD 

5% 

SA 

3% 

TAS 

Percentage by 

REGION 

37% 

NSW 

% 

SALES BY 

AIR-CONDITIONER 

After a bumper month of 88 in June, air-conditioning 

market leader Thermo King dropped to its lowest yearly 

total of 42, though it remains well ahead of the chasing 

pack. Hispacold returned to double figures for the month 

to claim second place. 

Thermo King 42 

Hispacold 11 

Coachair 9 

Cling-Yutong 8 

Denso 8 

Spheros 7 

N/A 3 

Konvekta 1 

MCC 1 

Valeo/Spheros 1 

WA 

20% 

VIC 

VOLVO 40 

MERC-BENZ 16 

SCANIA 16 

YUTONG 8 

ABC (Bustech) 4 

CHALLENGER 2 

Sales by chassis 

The chassis sector was largely propped up by Volvo, which rebounded from consecutive low months of 

28 deliveries to post 40. Conversely, Scania reported a hefty decrease, down from 46 to a yearly low of 16. 

Alongside it on 16 was Mercedes-Benz, the only other maker to reach double figures. 

MAN 2 

BONLUCK 1 

HINO 1 

IVECO 1 


55

DELIVERIES JULY 2020 

MANUFACTURER, 

OPERATOR & LOCATION 

UNITS 

CHASSIS 

(Model) 

BODY 

BUILDER 

HP* 

ENGINES 

Rear / Front 

Emissions 

standard 

AUST BUS CORP* Kinetic (Surfside Buslines) QLD 1 Bustech XDI Bustech 340 R Euro 5 

(*Bustech/Precision/Elphinstone) MetroTas TAS 3 Bustech XDI Elphinstone 300 R Euro 6 

BONLUCK MIA Passenger Express NSW 1 Cooper Bonluck 210 R Euro 5 

CHALLENGER Victorian School Bus Operator VIC 2 V10 GT Challenger 300 R N/A 

HINO N/A WA 1 FD240 Omnibus 240 F Euro 5 

IVECO Cavanaghs NSW 1 Euromidi CC150 Express 250 F Euro 5 

MAN Walter's Passenger Service VIC 1 RR8 19.320 IC Coach Design 320 R Euro 5 

Outback Aussie Tours QLD 1 15.290 4X4 BUS Coachworks 290 R Euro 5 

MERC-BENZ N/A VIC 1 OC500RF E6 1939 BCI 388 R Euro 6 

N/A NSW 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Irizar 360 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Irizar 360 R Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 OC500LE E6 Custom 360 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

N/A QLD 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Irizar 360 R Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 OC500LE E6 Custom 360 R Euro 5 

N/A QLD 1 O500RS Irizar 348 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 OC500RF E5 1936 Coach Concepts 360 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 OC500RF E5 1936 BCI 360 R Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 OC500LE E6 Volgren 360 R Euro 5 





SCANIA Christians Bus Co VIC 2 K 310 IB4X2 Coach Design 310 R Euro 5 

Dept. of Public Transport Infra SA 5 K 320 UB4X2 Precision Buses 320 R Euro 6 

Edwards Coaches NSW 1 K 310 IB4X2 Express Coaches 310 R Euro 5 

Hornibrook Bus Lines QLD 1 K 320 UB4X2 Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Lake Brothers VIC 1 K 440 EB6X2*4 Coach Concepts 440 R Euro 5 

Transport Canberra Operations ACT 5 K 320 UB4X2 Precision Buses 320 R Euro 6 

W Christian (Terang) VIC 1 K 310 IB4X2 Scania Higer A30 310 R Euro 5 

VOLVO Busways NSW 3 B8R Irizar 330 R Euro 5 

Transit Systems Authorities NSW 7 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Interline Bus Services NSW 2 B8RLE Custom 320 R Euro 6 

Reg Osborn NSW 1 B8R Express 330 R Euro 5 

CDC Victoria VIC 4 B8RLE Volgren 330 R Euro 5 

CDC NSW NSW 1 B8R Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

CDC NSW NSW 1 B8R Marcopolo 330 R Euro 5 

Busabout Wagga NSW 6 B8RLE Custom 330 R Euro 5 

Brisbane City Council QLD 6 B8RLE Art Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

Perth Transport Authorities WA 9 B8RLE Volgren 320 R Euro 6 

YUTONG N/A QLD 1 T12 Yutong 350 R Euro 5 

N/A QLD 1 T12 Yutong 350 R Euro 5 



N/A NSW 1 T12 Yutong 350 R Euro 5 

N/A NSW 1 D12 Yutong 360 R Euro 5 

N/A VIC 1 D9 Yutong 250 R Euro 5 

N/A QLD 1 D7 Yutong 160 F Euro 5 

TOTAL DELIVERIES 91 

56 


TRANS MISSION 

A: Automatic 

M: Manual 

AS: Auto-Shift 

O: Opticruise 

TRANS 

MAKE 

AXLES 

BODY 

LENGTH 

(metres) 

AIR-CON 

(Brand) 

NUMBER OF SEATS 

Fixed 

Coach 

Recliners 

Metro 

Long 

Distance 

APPLICATION 

SEATING 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 52 – – – – X – Styleride N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 52 – – – – X – Styleride N 

A Allison 2 8.5 Spheros 33 – – – X – – Fainsa Y 

AS Cummins 2 10.5 Thermo King 45 – – – – – X Fansia Y 

PS Hino 2 10 Thermo King 43 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A Allison 2 10.5 Thermoking 43 – – – – – X Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King – X – – X – – Styleride Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King – 48 – – X – – SEGE Y 

A ZF 2 13.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X SEGE N 

A ZF 2 13.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 13.5 DENSO – – 51 – – X – Custom N 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 13.5 Hispacold 57 – – – – – X McConnell N 

A ZF 2 13.5 Denso – – 51 – – X – Custom N 

A ZF 2 12.5 N/A – – – – – – – N/A N/A 

A ZF 2 13.5 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 13.5 MCC – 53 – – X – – Sege N 

A ZF 2 13.5 Thermo King – – 45 – – X – McConnell N 





A ZF 2 12.5 Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 12.5 Hispacold – – 42 – – X – Styleride N 

A ZF 2 N/A Thermo King 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 13 Coachair – – 44 – – X – McConnell N 

N/A Scania 3 13.5 Thermo King – 52 – X – – – McConnell Y 


A ZF 2 12.3 Konvekta 57 – – – – – – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Hispacold – 49 – X – – X Sege Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermoking – – 44 – – X – McConnell N 

A Voith 2 10-12.9 Coachair – – 50 – – X – Custom N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Coachair 57 – – – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Coachair – – 41 – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Coachair – – 57 – – – X McConnell Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Valeo / Spheros – – 57 – – – X Marcopolo Y 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Denso – – 53 – – X – Custom N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Spheros – – x – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 10-12.9 Thermo King – – 41 – – X – McConnell N 

A ZF 2 12.4 Cling-Yutong – – 53 – – – X N/A Y 





A Allison 2 12.4 Cling-Yutong – – 57 – – – X N/A Y 

A Allison 2 10 Cling-Yutong – – 39 – – – X N/A Y 

A Allison 2 8 Cling-Yutong 28 – – – X – – N/A Y 

Charter 

City or 

Route 

School 

SEAT 

BELTS 

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


57

DRIVEN 

BCI-MB CRUISER 

58 


EASY RIDER 

In business, an enduring collaboration usually proves two 

things: the relationship is strong and there is trust in the 

product or service. BCI built its first Mercedes-Benz-based 

coach almost a decade ago and this MB OC 500RF chassis 

Cruiser is the latest member to the BCI family. 

WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE 

Speaking with BCI Bus and Coach 

Victoria state manager Cameron 

Millen, you soon get the idea 

this latest coach collaboration 

was never going to be anything 

but a new design using the Mercedes-Benz 

technology BCI trusts. 

We first saw this latest BCI Cruiser at the 

2019 BusVic Bus Expo [and doesn’t that time 

seem a lifetime away now? – Ed], an event 

where, as a visitor, you get to see the latest 

and greatest bus product showcased in one 

spot while also giving bus builders a chance to 

show their wares; come up with something a 

bit different or great looking, and they get that 

all-important attention. 

This new BCI Cruiser coach body is painted 

in a silver Mercedes-Benz car colour and, 

under the showroom lights at the expo, 

it certainly looked accomplished, stylish 

and impressive. 

FEEDBACK TICK 

Millen says this is an entirely new coach body 

with a long list of new features. 

“We’ve been building the same model 

for five years and a couple of years ago we 

all sat together and looked at what design 

improvements we could make to come up 

with a new model,” he said. 

“This new build has been designed 

specifically around the Mercedes chassis, 

but we’ve also taken on board the customer 

feedback we’ve had over the years and we’ve 

integrated the feedback into this model, from 

enhancements and things like that, to really 

improve it.” 

Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty 

Ltd national sales manager for Bus and Coach 

Grant Simmonds added: “With the RF chassis 

we’ve grown our market share considerably 

with this product. We’ve got various Euro 

emissions and horsepower ranges. We’ve got a 

Euro 5 12-litre engine, then we’ve got the Euro 

6 new-generation engine, which comes with 

7.7-litre up to 10.7-litre. So, it’s a versatile, very 

fuel efficient product and certainly feedback 

from the marketplace when anyone drives the 

product is that everyone is impressed.” 

Hmmm… So with all the changes, has the 

target market changed? 

“The BCI coach body could suit everyone 

from a school bus to the high-end coach user, 

so two-axle, three-axle. We’ve got two models, 

a school bus version and a coach version. This 

one is the coach version, so you go from school 

bus right up to three-axle 14.5-metre coach. 

This particular chassis is a high-end coach 

chassis and it would be ideal for a V/Line or 

that type of application,” Millen answered. 

EURO LOOK 

When asked which features BCI is proud 

of with this new coach, Millen explained: “I 

think the fact that we’ve designed this from 

the ground up so this is a completely brand 

new model. We had three or four designers 

come in and present and then we chose 

Opposite: 

A European look 

has been aimed 

for: a striking 

combination of 

silver paintwork 

with black 

highlights and 

mirrors. 

Below: 

The driver’s 

area has been 

changed, with a 

newly designed 

dash and the 

option for a mini 

fridge. 

A couple of years ago we all 

sat together and looked at 

what design improvements 

we could make. 


59

DRIVEN 


one. From there it went to engineering and 

was engineered, but I think we’ve achieved 

that European look we wanted, it’s quite 

stylish. We’ve gone all the lower skirt panels of 

fiberglass composite, which are lightweight as 

well as very strong - even with a sledgehammer 

you can’t break them!” 

The brochure states the new model is “easier 

to fix and more resistant to damage caused by 

impact”, so the new model is more than just 

improved looks. Quicker and cheaper repairs 

are always welcomed by operators. 

“I think these fibreglass skirt panels are 

the big gun, opposed to all-aluminium skirt 

panels,” Millen pointed out. 

“The big difference is, when you crash into 

an aluminium panel you’ve got to replace it, 

whereas with these it’s very hard to break, and 

if you do break them, it’s fibreglass, so you can 

repair them quite easily. 

“We first introduced these panels about 

three or four years ago on some Trainlink 

Coaches. So the first lot of buses we put out 

had aluminium panels and we were constantly 

replacing panels; we couldn’t keep up with 

the supply. Now, on the second lot of buses 

we did for the same operator, we put in these 

panels and we haven’t had to replace a single 

panel yet.” 

The BCI coach body is built on a ferritic 

stainless steel frame made of 4003 stainless 

steel made in Finland. Millen explained that 

by using the stainless framework, BCI can go 

from a 50 by 50 frame to a 40 by 40 frame so 

the internals of the buses are a little bit wider 

as well. 

“Importantly, this steel has more strength 

and it’s lighter because we need to use less 

material to get the required strength,” he 

added. 

DRIVER’S WORLD 

With all the changes and upgrades 

externally, has the driver also benefited 

from the new build? 

“So we’ve changed the whole driver’s 

area; it’s got a whole brand new dash,” 

Millen said. 

“And you’ll see a lot of it when you drive 

it. [It’s] very driver friendly with the option 

to have a fridge in the dash area. It’s very 

much a coach-looking dash, [which has 

been] ergonomically designed. A lot of 

this design comes out of Europe. You’ll see 

when you drive it, it’s a very nice feel.” 

Due to the overseas components, the 

expected turnaround build time for this 

model is about five months from when BCI 

receives the chassis in the factory, which is 

shorter than it could have been. 

“The warranty as standard we offer 

three-year/300,000 [km] for the complete 

chassis, so it’s not just the drive train, it 

includes the electrics complete chassis,” 

explained Simmonds. 

“Servicing all depends on the mileage, so 

for that we have various categories. It differs 

for short haul and long haul. Depending on 

the mileage, you can get extended 

service intervals, so it can be 60,000 or 

even up to 120,000 [km] depending 

on the application.” 

What’s next for BCI in this constantly 

evolving market? 

“What we’re looking at for the future 

builds in the next 12 months is going to 

be adding digital, electronic mirrors. We’re 

going to trial some very shortly. I have seen 

them in Europe; they work really well, but 

I’ve never driven a bus with them on. So 

we’ll get some feedback from operators. 

We see it as a real feature; for one, the 

quality of the vision is a lot better at night 

in rainy conditions and also the savings of 

60 


not damaging mirrors is another 

bonus,” Millen said. 

NO COMPROMISE 

“We do manufacture in China, but 

we don’t build buses for China,” 

explained Millen. 

“Everything’s built for export. We 

only build for Australia on our own 

chassis or the Mercedes chassis. 

When it comes to designing the 

bus, it’s purpose designed for that 

chassis, so you’re not putting it on 

multiple chassis types where things 

are all slightly different, [which] may 

compromise the build. Everything’s 

been designed around that 

Mercedes chassis. We work closely 

with our engineers just to make sure 

we get it all right. There’s a lot of 

work to get it right and we are really 

proud of what we’ve come up with.” 

The passion and commitment 

that goes into a new design is 

evident when you speak with people 

like Millen and Simmonds. There’s 

so much background trial, error 

and collaboration involved to get a 

company like BCI to a point where 

it is proud to exhibit its “new family 

member” at the BusVic Expo and 

see what operators and critics alike 

think. Now off for the drive… 

TEST DRIVE 

Today’s drive of the BCI coach body 

with Mercedes-Benz OC 500RF 

chassis was a mix of city driving and 

country rolling hills to get a feel for 

the coach in a mix of conditions its 

likely to drive in. Setting off from BCI 

headquarters in Hallam, Victoria, we 

headed out to the highway through 

urban Hallam in medium traffic. 

Straight away the quietness 

internally is impressive; there’s no 

doubt this coach is well insulated 

and sound proofed - the plug door 

is doing its job well. The steering 

was just right – not too light, not too 

heavy, with a nice feel. At all speeds 

this doesn’t change – it keeps at a 

perfect constant. 

The driver’s cabin has good 

vision. The changed windscreen 

sits lower than the previous model 

and there were no complaints 

with visibility. The blind spot mirror 

The new front of the coach 

certainly has the desired 

European look BCI sought. 

works well, providing a wide field 

of view and plenty of glass for clear, 

unobstructed vision. The driver’s seat 

was comfortable with a fold-down 

armrest. What was a very nice driver 

inclusion was the 12.3-inch (31.2cm) 

media screen with an optional 

navigation system, including access 

to Googlemaps. How did we all 

survive before Googlemaps? As 

standard there are four cameras at 

the front, left and right side, and rear 

for 360-degree vision. 

It would be easy to be fooled 

by the smoothness of this coach 

into thinking that the power of 

the motor and the torque aren’t as 

great as they actually are. The added 

bonus of great soundproofing, 

incorporated with specifically 

coach-designed rear axles and 

Above: 

Stainless steel has 

been used for the bus 

framework, to achieve 

a lighter vehicle. 

Opposite, Above and 

Below: 

For passenger comfort 

there is VIP reclining 

leather Sege seats with 

armrests, folding trays 

and USB ports; There’s 

10.3 cubic metres of 

storage for luggage. 


61

DRIVEN 


Specs 

MODEL: BCI Cruiser coach 

CHASSIS: Mercedes-Benz 0500RF 

LENGTH: 12.3m 

ENGINE OUTPUT: Mercedes- 

Benz OM470LA Euro 6 291kW 

(390hp)@1,800 rpm 

TRANSMISSION: Automated 

Mercedes-Benz GO250-8 

Powershift eight-speed with Voith 

secondary water retarder 

BODY: BCI 

SEATS: Sege; two-axle max. 57 

seats/three-axle max. 63 seats 

STORAGE: 10.3 cubic metres 

AIRCON: Thermo King 

STEERING: ZF Servocom 8098 

SAFETY SYSTEMS: Standard 

– ABS, ASR, EBS/BAS, fire 

detection system in the engine 

compartment; Options – LDWS, 

AEBS, TPM, axle load display 

There’s a lot of work to get it right 

and we are really proud of what 

we’ve come up with. 

transmission all combine for one 

super-quiet, impressive drive. The 

automated Mercedes-Benz GO250-8 

Powershift eight-speed with Voith 

secondary water retarder, for the 

291kW (390hp)@1,800rpm, is the 

perfect match for this coach. As a 

driver, few wouldn’t be wanting any 

more than what’s offered. 

As standard, the OC 500RF comes 

with anti-lock braking system 

(ABS), traction control system 

Top: 

Power comes from 

the Mercedes- 

Benz OM470LA 

Euro 6 engine. 

Above: 

Even from behind, 

this is a greatlooking 

coach. 

(ASR), electronic stability program 

(ESP) and electronic braking 

system with brake assist (EBS/BAS) 

and is available with an optional 

lane-departure warning system 

(LDWS) and advanced emergency 

braking system (AEBS). The 

integrated hydraulic Mercedes-Benz 

retarder system is outstanding, 

This is a constant standout in the 

Mercedes-Benz platforms and a 

feature that certainly will positively 

affect both driver fatigue and 

reduction of brake pad servicing 

intervals. 

The new front of the coach 

certainly has the desired European 

look that BCI sought, with a striking 

combination of silver paintwork and 

black highlights with mirrors and 

some chrome work trim features. 

Not only is the front great visually, 

there’s a two-door, flip open hatch 

with easy access to headlights, 

pressure regulator for the door, horn 

and spare tyre. 

As Millen mentioned earlier, both 

the front and rear of the new BCI 

coach body have been completely 

redesigned. From the rear the 

shaped panelling and integrated 

perforated mesh grilles in the engine 

compartment hatch means even 

from behind this is a great-looking 

new coach. 

For passenger comfort there is 

VIP reclining leather Sege seats with 

armrests and folding trays. These 

have the all-important USB ports 

that no high-end coach could be 

without these days. 

A smart look is the LED strip 

lighting on both the roof and floor; 

the blue and white lights evoke the 

internal design of an aircraft - great 

for night-time travel, especially on 

models with the toilet included. 

Both for looks and driveability, 

the BCI-Mercedes Cruiser coach 

OC 500RF didn’t disappoint. This 

coach, although obviously luxurious, 

didn’t have every bell and whistle 

option included, but it was still an 

impressive vehicle. Great European 

looks, an affordable price point and 

Mercedes-Benz reliability make for 

one great collaboration and a job 

well done by BCI. 

62 


Take the Challenge... 

Our NEW Challenger V10 & V12 Coach 

Quality Large and medium capacity 

Quality Materials Known & trusted running gear 

Custom-build flexibility Improve your running costs 

V12 - 57 seater in stock ready to go 

V10 - the new mid size bus in Australia 

STANDARD FEATURES 

Mobile eye proximity sensor system 

Fibreglass and alloy panels, PVC Floor 

Blind spot mirrors and reversing cameras 

Alloy bullbar, stone guard, alcoa alloy wheels 

Stella tube stainless steel chassis and body frame 

CANBUS wiring Telematics, lane departure warning 

Cummins isl engine, Allison transmission, Zf drive train 

Greg Sloan m: +61 418 314 642 (International) 0418 314 642 (Australia) 

e: greg@challengerbusandcoach.com.au w: www.challengerbusandcoach.com.au 

AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED AND OWNED

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NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER 

Mick Neskes 

National Sales Manager 

0422 224 117 

Mick Hall 

NSW Sales Manager 

0478 768 387 

Don Imrie 

VIC Sales Manager 

0478 762 897

ABC #396

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