HÜBNER at Busworld 2025: “Strengthening bus transportation is a shared responsibility”
The HÜBNER Group will showcase its innovations at Busworld Europe from October 4 to 9, 2025, in Brussels in Hall 7, Booth 755. In this interview, Managing Director Uwe Bittroff, a member of the HÜBNER Group’s General Management and responsible for the Mobility Road division, discusses the company’s latest advancements and how the slogan “Making Mobility Happen. Together with you!” is brought to life through close collaboration with customers and partners.
Sponsored by HÜBNER Group
The HÜBNER Group will showcase its innovations at Busworld Europe from October 4 to 9, 2025, in Brussels in Hall 7, Booth 755 (LEARN MORE). In this interview, Managing Director Uwe Bittroff, a member of the HÜBNER Group’s General Management and responsible for the Mobility Road division, discusses the company’s latest advancements and how the slogan “Making Mobility Happen. Together with you!” is brought to life through close collaboration with customers and partners.
Mr. Bittroff, what can visitors expect from the HÜBNER Group at Busworld Europe?
We will once again present innovative systems and solutions to showcase our capabilities as a globally established key player in the bus transportation sector. With more than 100,000 systems in operation worldwide, we emphasize our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Our top priority is the continuous enhancement and further development of our complete system, the “1.60 Meter Bus”, the centerpiece of our product portfolio.
What does HÜBNER mean by “1.60 Meter Bus”?
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Busworld: Hübner to present lighter articulation, new ecoflex bellows and passenger comfort features
This term refers to our bus articulation systems, which include the bellows, power connection systems, and electronic articulation control. These components are offered as ready-to-install “plug-and-play” solutions for our customers. We are especially proud to introduce our new weight-reduced low-floor articulation system as the latest addition to our extensive portfolio. The HNGK 28.2 model is weight-optimized and up to 42 percent lighter than our previous standard model. This represents a real breakthrough, particularly in the field of electric mobility, where every kilogram makes a difference. By using lighter components, we enable greater battery ranges and increased passenger capacities. When combined with the latest generation of our ACU4 articulation control system, this innovation sets a new benchmark in weight efficiency and safety.
Impressive. Are there any other highlights regarding the articulation systems?
We have also made a groundbreaking advancement in materials: Ecoflex is an entirely new folding bellows fabric that sets new benchmarks in fire protection and sustainability. Coupled with our new inner bellows, which we will also showcase in Brussels, it provides the ideal combination of improved thermal and acoustic insulation with significantly improved sustainability. These advantages in noise reduction and energy efficiency also contribute to greater passenger comfort. Finally, with innovative design concepts such as translucent folding bellows fabrics, diverse color options, and integrated lighting elements, we create a more welcoming atmosphere within the articulation system – a true added value for all passengers.
Your company pursues a strong sustainability commitment. How does the HÜBNER Group contribute to reducing the bus sector’s carbon footprint?
Sustainability is a fundamental part of our corporate identity. It begins with product development: For example, we increasingly use fabrics with a superior carbon dioxide balance compared to conventional fabric blends. This is achieved through the use of recycled materials or sustainable raw materials, many of which we produce in-house. In addition, we focus on energy-efficient, space-saving, and weight-optimized components to reduce the overall weight of buses and commercial vehicles. This not only enhances performance and range – particularly for electric vehicles – but also facilitates the electrification and decarbonization of the sector. Furthermore, as a corporate group, we have made significant investments in renewable energy systems. A growing share of our production processes now runs on “green” electricity generated by in-house photovoltaic systems. We firmly believe that the mobility of the future must be climate-friendly, and we are committed to making a meaningful contribution through our innovations.
The images of the holographic applications look impressive. Could you tell us more about them?
We are especially proud of this groundbreaking technology! In cooperation with our partner ZEISS Microoptics, we are developing holographic applications designed to transform public transportation. Imagine transparent holographic displays seamlessly integrated into window and door panels, providing information such as arrival and departure times directly within passengers’ field of vision. This innovation is not only futuristic but also highly practical and convenient.
Additionally, we are introducing the Holo-Button – an innovation that enables contactless door opening in buses and trains using holographic technology. This feature is not only visually striking but also highly functional, enhancing both hygiene and passenger comfort. At Busworld Europe, we are excited to offer visitors a glimpse into the future of public transportation.
The availability of vehicles and fleets plays a central role in public transportation. How will HÜBNER shape its service offerings for the bus sector in the future?
We are introducing a new proactive maintenance concept with a range of tailored service packages for our customers. Combined with our digitized remote service, this represents a comprehensive and robust solution. Thanks to our globally positioned production network, we can respond quickly to repair requests and ensure 24-hour delivery of spare parts within Central Europe. We see ourselves as a reliable partner supporting both manufacturers and transport operators throughout the entire product lifecycle. Our primary focus is on delivering tangible added value to our customers – enabling us to jointly create mobility solutions that are better, more reliable, and more efficient for the future.
Finally, what are your personal expectations for Busworld Europe 2025?
I am truly excited about Busworld Europe 2025! It is always inspiring to engage in face-to-face exchanges with customers, partners, and industry colleagues. Strengthening bus transportation with tailored solutions is a shared responsibility, and as a group – together with our affiliated companies HEMSCHEIDT Fahrwerktechnik, V.S.E., ATG, and Plastocell – we aim to make a meaningful contribution. Our slogan, “Making Mobility Happen. Together with you!” perfectly reflects this mission. Let’s take on this challenge together: We warmly invite you to visit us at Busworld Europe, Hall 7, Booth 755.
