IBE expo: the Italian bus market under the lens of Rimini expo
The IBE Expo in Rimini, traditionally focused on the touristic bus segment, is increasingly showcasing public transport vehicles and e-buses, reflecting the growing importance of zero-emission mobility in the industry. All the main brands have been attending, with the (significant) exception of Solaris, that has been joining Next Mobility Exhibition early this year in Milan, […]
The IBE Expo in Rimini, traditionally focused on the touristic bus segment, is increasingly showcasing public transport vehicles and e-buses, reflecting the growing importance of zero-emission mobility in the industry. All the main brands have been attending, with the (significant) exception of Solaris, that has been joining Next Mobility Exhibition early this year in Milan, and the Chinese OEMs Yutong and BYD, having a strong foothold in the market.
The Italian market is growing strongly: 5,276 buses were registered in Italy from 1 January to 31 October 2024, an increase of 842 units over the same period last year, or +19%, as reported on Italian trade media and our sister media Autobusweb. 621 e-buses were registered in these ten months (+83.7% over the 2023 volume).
Scania, Sitcar, Irizar… and more. At IBE Rimini
While no major product debuts were unveiled, several vehicles made their Italian market premieres. Among them, the Scania – Castrosua LE intercity BEV bus—originally presented at Busworld 2023—garnered attention for its role in the Spanish market and potential appeal beyond.
Scania is achieving great performance this year on the Italian market, with 100 units already delivered. On the stand two Touring coaches too (the 12.1 metre two-axle and the 13.7 metre three-axle), a range that now also includes the possibility of LNG motorisation on the three axles version.
The event also marked a pivotal moment for Sitcar, the Italian bodybuilder now under Sira Industrie Spa’s ownership. Sitcar announced ambitious plans to produce zero-emission minibuses, targeting 200 units annually within three years, alongside its new role as the Italian dealer for Higer’s +8-ton bus segment.
Irizar e-mobility introduced the i3 LE Electric to the Italian audience for the first time (thanks to the use of lighter and stronger components, it was possible to reduce the weight by 1000 kg. Its range on a single charge, according to the Basque manufacturer, is over 400 km), while the Iveco Bus Crossway LE Elec, presented in 2023, appeared with the livery of ARST intercity public transport operator (Sardinia).
Finally, King Long showcased its zero-emission coach concept Merry Combo, already seen at IAA Transportation in Hannover and FIAA in Madrid. Length? 12,250 millimetres, a narrow width of 2,550 and a height of 3,880; the wheelbase is 6,300 and the minimum turning radius is 9.5 metres, while the suspension (independent at the front) is by ZF. Also at King Long stand (managed by Italian dealer Dierre), the urban electric buses Pev6 and Pev12, plus the diesel coach C10.
It’s also worth mentioning the Italian debut of Omnicar, a German company with 25 years of history, until now active in the bodywork of Sprinter and Daily minibuses. It launched this year its first vehicles with its own logo by presenting the W-Smile S6 and W-Smile S7 models at Bus2Bus. All batteries (up to 114 kWh on the 6-metre, 127 kWh on the 7-metre) are located at the rear. The supplier? CATL. The transmission is supplied by Dana for 135 and 150 kW respectively.
