Bus Search Buyers Guide

After last year’s focus on more than just the bus, this year’s Bus Search Buyer’s Guide incorporates a wider range of the industry than ever seen before

For years, the ABC Bus Search Buyer’s Guide has been a leading guide when it comes to the latest bus and coach products, providing in-depth details on existing and fresh chassis and body models. Now, this popular handbook has become much more than just a bus and coach vehicle guide.

Last year, the Bus Search Buyer’s Guide included specifications on certain HVAC, seats and door models for the very first time, widening its scope to include more than just chassis and bodies. At the turn of every year, the guide now features products from various emerging and solidified markets.

The 2025 edition of Bus Search Buyer’s Guide expands this focus, maintaining the focus on chassis and bodies, as well as completely built units, while also featuring an even broader range of HVAC, seating, doors and, for the first time, passenger information systems products.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2025 BUS SEARCH BUYER’S GUIDE

See below for individual manufacturer specifications and the latest editorial updates

Individual Specs

BYD

In only a year, global vehicle and battery manufacturing heavyweight BYD has quickly solidified its presence in the Australasian bus and coach industry. After cutting ties with Nexport in early 2023 and establishing its own full factory backed commercial vehicle division responsible for commercial vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, BYD Australia has gone from strength to strength.

STYLERIDE

When StyleRide delivered its first seat in 1996, I doubt the company understood how much of an impact it would have on the Australasian bus and coach industry. Now, almost 30 years later, it continues to cement its foothold as a market leader by providing not only high-quality products, but exceptional service. The past 12 months in particular have seen StyleRide ‘refresh’ its business model, prioritising customer experience and connections.

VENTURA SYSTEMS

Both globally and locally, Ventura Systems has taken its capabilities to the next level in 2024. Following its best year to date in the Australian market, the bus door supplier is becoming a well-known member of the industry. With the zero-emissions transition well underway, a key part of Ventura’s local growth has been its ability to provide the latest in electric bus door technology.

MCCONNELL

As the leader in the Australasian bus and coach seating market, McConnell Seats has plenty of expectation to live up to each year. In 2024, it didn’t disappoint, delivering one of its best years in recent history. “While 2024 won’t be the biggest year on record for us, it’s certainly going to be in the top five in my time with McConnell over the past 15 years,” McConnell Australia general manager James Lowe told ABC.

GOZERO GROUP

It’s been a whirlwind year for the GoZero Group. Starting in February, when the Group, which incorporates Nexport, North Sydney Bus Charter and Foton Mobility Distribution, received $105 million in Commonwealth Bank (CBA) asset and trade finance to fund the replacement of its existing diesel fleet with zero-emissions buses, GoZero's year went from strength to strength when it was listed as a preferred bus supplier on Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) Procurement Panel 4.

DENSO

With global expertise at its fingertips, 2024 has seen DENSO expand locally as a trusted Australian air-conditioning supplier for buses and coaches. While the wider DENSO group has been selling HVAC systems since 1949 and is the second largest tier one supplier to the automotive industry, locally the brand has spent 51 years developing its products in Australia.

SPHEROS

It’s been over a decade since Spheros first came to Australia, bringing high-quality, innovative products to a market with unique conditions. While many would shy from the challenge that is Australia’s climate, Spheros managed to hold its own and eventually emerge as a leader in the HVAC market.

SEGE

Sege Seats is continuing to grow as it plans a major 2025 with new, innovative seating heading to Australian shores shortly. Coming off the back of an incredibly successful 2023, the past 12 months for Sege Seats have been nothing short of eventful.

QTK

For Queensland Thermo King, 2024 was a year of change and growth. The market leader in Australia’s bus and coach HVAC space decided to not rest on its laurels throughout the year, expanding and extending its Brisbane premises while also looking at an internal refresh. It all paid off for the HVAC supplier as it reached a milestone delivery of more than 120 electric air-conditioning units in 2024.

BCC

For decades, BCC has been at the forefront of the bus HVAC industry. With a legacy rooted in trust and a bold vision for the future, the brand is dedicated to setting a new standard in climate control for tour and coach bus operators worldwide.

HANOVER

Passenger information systems have quickly evolved in the bus and coach industry, with companies such as Hanover Displays at the forefront of technology change in the sector. Long gone are the days of the good old roller blinds or flip dot technology, with LED displays and a variety of extras now allowing Hanover's latest product range to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

BLK Auto

In multiple areas, 2024 was a successful year for BLK Bus & Coach Sales. The bus and coach supplier had its best year yet of vehicle sales, with deliveries taking place right across the country. With the sales side excelling throughout the year, BLK Auto has been able to put more focus into other key parts of the business to grow its overall product offering.

Challenger

With a wealth of innovative models running smoothly each day on Australian roads, Challenger Bus and Coach has cemented itself as a major force in the local bus and coach industry. Since exploding onto the scene in 2017, Challenger’s customer-focused approach to design and service has found incredible success with local operators, yearning for its hands-on experience that not many can offer.

Irizar

After a magnificent year of growth in the Australian market in 2023, Irizar Asia Pacific backed it up in 2024 with another impressive year. While forging through constant supply chain challenges, the bodybuilder managed to improve on its stellar 2023 deliveries to remain a dominant presence in the bodybuilding market.

Man-Penske

MAN has recorded another strong year in 2024 with increased delivery numbers and the ability to provide a constant stream for major customer orders in Queensland being highlights for the brand this year.

Scania

There have been plenty of innovations and celebrations for Scania Australia since its first fully imported bus hit Australian roads in 2010, with 2024 cementing itself as a breakthrough year for the brand. Starting back in March, popular demand spurred Scania onto breaking ground on its latest heavy vehicle branch in WA’s Hope Valley. The new sales and service outlet aims to be open for business in 2025 to capitalise on the increasing sales of Scania products and steady growth plan.