As Busworld Europe 2025 approaches (4–9 October, Brussels Expo, Belgium), anticipation is building not only for global premieres and innovation showcases — but also for the prestigious Busworld Vehicle Awards, which have become a trusted indicator of excellence in the international bus and coach industry.
Two Grand Awards, Three ‘Best of Category’ Labels
The Busworld Vehicle Awards recognise outstanding achievement in two main categories: Bus and Coach. One model in each will receive the Grand Award Bus and Grand Award Coach. In addition, Best of Category Labels will be awarded for vehicles that excel in: Ecology, Safety and Comfort.
These criteria reflect both the jury’s evaluation framework and the priorities of a rapidly evolving industry.
A 12-Group Jury with a Holistic Approach
The jury consists of around 30 international experts, divided into 12 dedicated working groups, each responsible for one aspect of vehicle performance or design. These include:
Driving dynamics, Emissions, Ecology & Maintenance, Driver & Passenger Comfort, Guide Equipment, Vehicle & Fire Safety, Digital technologies, Battery systems, and Design.
Every working group is led by a chairperson, and the evaluation sheets are updated each edition to reflect the latest technological and operational developments. The jury includes professionals from operators, operator associations, technology firms, trade media, and public transport consultancy.
Eleven Strong Contenders
The 2025 edition sees 11 competing vehicles — 5 buses and 6 coaches — including BEVs, hydrogen buses, and long-distance electric coaches:
Bus category
- Yutong U15 (Yutong Bus)
- 12m Procity EV (BMC)
- Mercedes-Benz eCitaro (Daimler Buses)
- H2.City Gold – 18m Hydrogen (CaetanoBus)
- Otokar e-Kent (Otokar)
Coach category
- Yutong IC12E (Yutong)
- NEOPLAN Skyliner (MAN Truck & Bus)
- Scania Irizar i6S Efficient -with a completely new powertrain yet to be revealed- (Scania)
- Setra S 515 HD (Daimler Buses)
- e-Territo (Otokar)
- Yutong T14E (Yutong Bus)
Real Road Tests in Kortrijk
The vehicles will be assessed in detail during the official test day on 27 September 2025, which takes place at Kortrijk Xpo — Busworld’s former home from 1971 to 2017. The location offers quieter surroundings and varied traffic conditions, making it ideal for realistic, on-road testing. As always, the driving experience remains a crucial part of the jury’s decision-making process.
A Separate Design Award – Judged on the Show Floor
For the first time, the former “Design Label” becomes an independent award: the Busworld Design Award. Every vehicle exhibited at Busworld is automatically eligible. The same jury will tour the exhibition to select vehicles with outstanding design and ergonomics quality — one in the bus and one in the coach category.
Awards Ceremony at the Opening Gala
The winners of the Grand Awards will be revealed on Friday, 3 October, during the official opening gala of Busworld Europe 2025.
These awards are more than just symbolic — they serve as a reliable benchmark for quality, performance, and innovation across the global bus and coach landscape.
This article was originally published by Busworld.
