The Busworld Europe Exhibition in Brussels was a clear demonstration of how the future of bus and coach transport is no longer just approaching; it is already taking shape. From established industry leaders such as IVECO Bus, Daimler Buses, and Irizar to fast-rising innovators like Zhongtong, every OEM on the floor shared a common drive toward smarter and more sustainable mobility.
Next-Gen buses: electric, hydrogen, autonomous
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Among the many standouts, MAN unveiled the Lion’s Coach 14E, becoming the first fully electric long-distance coach from a European manufacturer. Its sleek design and advanced specs, including a 330 kW motor, 480 kWh battery, and roof-mounted solar panels, represents a major milestone toward zero-emission intercity travel. Another highlight came from VDL, which introduced the Futura 3 FHD-129 LHD, a 12.86-metre coach. Powered by a DAF MX-11 Euro 6e engine, it combines improved aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and an optimised driveline, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
As one continued through the exhibition halls, the scale of innovation only grew more impressive. MCV showcased its first hydrogen-electric bus, the C127 Fuel Cell Low Entry, which merges everyday practicality with hydrogen efficiency. Zhongtong also made a strong impression with its all-electric double-decker bus – a clear statement of how far e-mobility for high-capacity transport has progressed. For many visitors, OTOKAR’s e-CENTRO autonomous bus smoothly navigating on its own in the outdoor exhibition area perhaps stood out as one of the most fascinating exhibits.
Together, these launches and countless others painted a clear direction for the industry: a future shaped by electrification, alternative energy, and automation.
What lies behind the innovations?
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By GlobalDataThe session “Overview of the Midi and Minibus Market: Commuter and School Bus Segments” revealed that many of the innovations on display are rooted in the rapid evolution of the smaller, more agile bus segment. Though a niche market, it is expanding at an estimated 5% CAGR, supported by evolving regulations and shifting transportation needs.
Across regions, decarbonisation is a common link. In Europe, low emission zones and EV minibuses are expected to dominate urban contracts. In the US, federal funding is fuelling the electrification of school fleets, with smaller Type A buses forecast to make up 30–40% of new sales by 2030. Across Asia-Pacific, China leads production while India and Japan are expanding EV pilots.
However, electrification is just one part of the story. Safety and vehicle intelligence are emerging as powerful drivers of innovation. Yutong, for instance, is advancing technologies that integrate enhanced fire protection, collision prevention, and AI-assisted driving features aimed at improving passenger and driver safety. Meanwhile, Karsan’s E-ATAK and E-JEST models show how autonomous minibuses are moving from trial to reality. With a claimed 99.5% success rate in real-world conditions, even in harsh weather, they demonstrate how automation can help cities address driver shortages and keep services running smoothly on narrow or challenging routes.
Driving the future of mobility
In summary, Busworld 2025 made one thing clear: electrification, innovative design, and self-driving technology are coming together to reshape the bus and coach industry. What was once a distant dream, autonomous buses, is becoming reality, offering cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport. The next generation of vehicles is set to transform not just how we travel, but how cities function, connect, and thrive.
Karishma Quessou, Analyst, Commercial Vehicles
This article was first published on GlobalData’s dedicated research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center.
