Coach & Bus UK, the two-day biennial show on 4-5 October, will bring together thousands of bus and coach operators, local authorities, and stakeholders with nearly 200 exhibitors.
For 2017, there is 16,000 m2 of exhibition space – transforming the NEC’s Halls 17-19 into a giant showcase of the latest ‘must have’ buses, coaches, mini and midi vehicles, equipment, parts, accessories, technology, and business services. 
Demonstrating its growing importance to the UK and Ireland’s passenger transport sector, a host of big industry suppliers have increased the size of their stands this year. SmartDrive, 21st Century Technology, E-Leather, Kiel Seating, Lytx Europe, Timespace Technology, Tranzaura, TruTac, and Webasto are among the companies to double their stand presence. While Maha UK and Mercedes-Benz have more than tripled theirs.
Significantly, Arriva Bus and Coach has opted for a second stand this year, and Irizar UK has taken an extra 100m2 to promote its integral range.
Distinctive Systems, INIT, Novadata, Parma Group, Tecalamit Garage Equipment, Thorntons Bus Refurbishments, Ticketer, and Transmach Systems have also gone ‘bigger’ to build on their success at the last show, in 2015, which welcomed a record 6,081 attendees (Euro Bus Expo was held last year).
Returning exhibitors also include fleet management solutions company Traffilog UK, Chapman Driver Seating, Continental Automotive Trading UK, Mellor Coachcraft, Don’t Travel Empty, Greatdays Travel Group, Dawson Rentals, Lloyd Morgan Group, Nu-Track, Omnibus, PSV Glass, Uniform Express, and Minis to Midis. EvoBus is also back with a big launch, with the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD high-deck touring coach set to make its UK debut at the show.
There’s also been strong exhibitor uptake from a raft of first timers. Key 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 initial exhibitor list is now available to view online at www.coachandbusuk.co.uk/visiting/exhibitor-list.
“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. Many of which won’t be exhibiting at any other event in the UK this year. Visitors will be able to compare what’s on offer in the market, and get advice, ideas and inspiration to ensure they make the best decisions for their business,” says event director Helen Conway.
Coach & Bus UK is frequently cited as a ‘must attend’ for discovering new ideas and concepts, with Peter Robinson, operations manager at Stagecoach UK Bus, calling it “the destination show for our industry”. Twelve weeks out from doors opening and many of the biggest names in the business have already pre-registered to visit.
For 2017, the show is on track to welcome over 6,000 attendees – including senior representatives from National Express, Stagecoach, First Group, Arriva, The Go-Ahead Group, Metroline, Abellio, Transdev, RATPDev, Translink, Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Co, Metrobus, Reading Buses, Nottingham City Transport, trentbarton, Bus Eireann, Lothian Buses, Shearings, Centrebus, Epsom Coaches, Edwards Coaches, Bakers Dolphin, Transport For Greater Manchester, Transport for London, Tower Transit, and more.
To register free in advance, please visit www.coachandbusuk.com.
The prestigious routeone Awards take place on the first night of the show (Wednesday 4 October) in the Monarch Suite at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. The 2017 finalists are now available to view at www.routeoneawards.com/categories.
