Almost 200 exhibitors have been confirmed for Coach & Bus UK 2017 taking place at the Birmingham NEC next month.
More than 6,000 operators, local authorities and transport planners are expected to attend to see the latest in vehicle, technology and service innovation, as well as hear from some of the industry’s leading experts at a series of seminars.
Running from October 4-5, the event is designed to cover everything needed to operate a fleet of passenger vehicles, including buses; coaches; mini- and midi-vehicles; workshop equipment; parts and accessories; insurance services; financial advice; training and development providers; and safety solutions.
The show has also confirmed its line-up for The Theatre where key topics affecting the industry will be discussed. This year subjects such as electric vehicles, counter-terrorism and customer relations will be covered. There will also be a mock public inquiry featuring a lawyer and a representative from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
The last Coach & Bus show was held in 2015 and organisers are hoping the number of visitors will exceed the 6,081 attendance record set two years ago.
Key exhibitors include Arriva Bus and Coach, SmartDrive, 21st Century Technology, E-Leather, Kiel Seating, Lytx Europe, Timespace Technology, Tranzaura, TruTac, Webasto, Maha UK and Mercedes-Benz.
New names include Caetano UK, Treka Bus (wheelchair accessible minibuses), Auto-CUBY (custom built minibuses), Phoenix Seating, NMI Safety Systems, Harrison Hire and Sales, Ceramex (DPF cleaning and refurbishment), Freeway Fleet Systems, Tachosys, Fivebars Mobile, Sure24 (commercial vehicle protection and surveillance), Barrett Steel, K and M Acoustics; Cgon (emission reduction technology), ServMetric (customer engagement solutions), and Fit2go TPMS.
The show’s exhibitor list is at www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/visiting/exhibitor-list.
Confirmed speakers include Giles Fearnley, MD of First Group’s UK Bus Division; Adrian de Courcey, CEO of Travel de Courcey; Richard Grey, MD of Grey’s of Ely; Ian Luckett, director at Luckett’s Travel; Steve Whiteway, former MD of Epsom Coaches; Helen Scholes, marketing manager at Stagecoach South West, and David Sidebottom, director of Transport Focus.
Event director Helen Conway said, “Coach & Bus UK 2017 is an unmissable opportunity to experience first-hand, the next-wave of new vehicles, products, technologies and services from leading industry innovators.”
