With a strong focus on energy efficiency and innovative materials, the HÜBNER Group is presenting its latest developments for articulated bus systems at Busworld Europe. Highlights include a weight-optimised articulation unit, newly engineered folding bellows fabrics, and design upgrades for improved passenger comfort. Visitors can experience these innovations in Hall 7, Booth 755 in Brussels from 4–9 October.
Drawing from decades of expertise
“With experience from more than 100,000 HÜBNER systems in use worldwide, our focus remains on enhancing sustainability and passenger comfort,” said Uwe Bittroff, Managing Director, HÜBNER Group. “We are constantly developing our ‘1.60 Meters of the Bus’ with state-of-the-art components and tailored solutions for our customers.”
E-Mobility and weight reduction
The low-floor articulation HNGK 28.2 has been designed to meet the evolving needs of electromobility. Thanks to advanced cast materials and significant weight optimisation, the unit provides improved ground clearance and ease of maintenance. Its latest-generation articulation control unit, ACU4, also complies with all functional and cybersecurity standards.
“Our goal is to make a meaningful contribution to weight reduction in articulated buses,” explained Christian Arndt, Sales Manager for Articulation Systems, Mobility Road. “Compared to our previous standard articulation, the weight has been reduced by 42 percent. This frees up capacity for longer battery ranges and increased passenger loads.”
Ecoflex: A new standard in bellows fabric
Another key innovation is the Ecoflex folding bellows fabric, which sets benchmarks in fire safety while offering superior sustainability and insulation performance. Combined with a newly developed inner bellows, Ecoflex enhances thermal and acoustic insulation, optimising both energy consumption and passenger comfort.
At Busworld, HÜBNER is presenting Ecoflex in a modern carbon-look finish developed in-house. With its very low fire load, the fabric also significantly raises safety standards in public transport.
Passenger comfort through integrated lighting
HÜBNER has also reimagined passenger comfort in the articulation area with new design options. LED lighting integrated into the folding bellows improves the sense of safety and ambience. Depending on customer requirements, lighting elements can be installed in the centre frame or directly into the bellows, complementing existing translucent fabric designs.