Euro Bus Expo 2026 opened at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, on November 3, local time. Together with its UK distributor, Harris Bus & Coach, HIGER showcased three models—the Azure 9, V12, and V10—and officially launched the Azure 9, a city-bus developed specifically for the UK market. From intercity roads to city streets, HIGER is making a strong entry into the UK market with a comprehensive product line-up.

The Azure 9 is HIGER’s first model to enter the UK’s mainstream city-bus market, a mid-sized city-bus developed specifically for urban bus operations in the country. At 8.9 metres, it features a 4.5-litre Cummins Euro-6 engine paired with a Voith automatic transmission. Air suspension and disc brakes on both axles, together with a WABCO electronic braking system (EBS), equip the vehicle to handle the demanding stop-and-go conditions of urban routes. Standard interior features include an LED next-stop information display, USB-C charging ports at every seat, and an Ardent hearing loop system. The vehicle has a rated capacity of 63 passengers, with a flexible mix of fixed and folding seats, a dedicated wheelchair space, and a lightweight wheelchair-accessible boarding ramp. Its compact dimensions and flexible passenger accommodation directly address the challenges of operating urban feeder routes in the UK.

For the UK market, HIGER and its distributor have put together an ultra-competitive operation support plan for the Azure 9: a 3-year/300,000km manufacturer's warranty and a service network built around approximately 50 Harris Bus & Coach service locations. Every operating area is within 150km and a 90-minute drive of the nearest service location. “We see significant opportunities for the Azure 9 in the UK scheduled-service market,” said newly-appointed Harris Bus & Coach Managing Director, Dave Porter. “This is an established HIGER product, with Euro-6 Cummins power and Voith automatic transmission – a proven combination for operators – and a specification designed specifically around the demands of urban bus operation.

“Just as importantly, we’re bringing it to market with ultra-competitive pricing and backing it with our 3-year / 300,000km manufacturer’s warranty. Our increasingly established 50-point dealer network will also be a key consideration for operators. That combination gives customers another option in a market where acquisition cost, reliability and whole-life economics are increasingly important considerations.”

The V12, displayed alongside it, sent an even stronger signal to the industry. The HIGER V12 luxury coach had already joined the FlixBus UK network, beginning large-scale trials in regular service to comprehensively assess its reliability, operational performance, and whole-life economics. At this year’s exhibition, the V12 stood out in FlixBus’s iconic green livery. Shamil Maindiratta, Managing Director, FlixBus UK, said, “Delivering a high-quality experience for every journey is our priority. This starts with safe, reliable and modern vehicles which include the key features expected from every FlixBus service: the iconic green, charging points and comfortable seats. As we continue our path towards market leadership, with our ambitious growth plans for 2027, we are keen to see the results of the HIGER V12 as part of our expanding network.” The V10, exhibited alongside the V12, has also gained market recognition: it has already been purchased by UK operator BENNETTS. Together, the two models gave UK visitors a comprehensive view of the capabilities of HIGER V-series.

The UK is one of the world’s most mature and demanding bus and coach markets. Euro-6 emissions regulations, rigorous operational assessments, and deeply entrenched brand perceptions create formidable barriers to entry. HIGER is meeting these challenges head-on with a complete package of product, warranty and dealer-network support: vehicles developed specifically for local operating conditions, nationwide parts and service support, and warranty standards benchmarked against leading global manufacturers. This approach reflects confidence in the quality of Chinese-built vehicles, alongside a deep understanding of European operating needs.

From BUSWORLD in Belgium to FIAA in Madrid and Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham, HIGER is gaining access to European markets through proven products, giving operators meaningful reassurance with responsive service support, and delivering tangible value to customers through whole-life economics. By bringing dependable, cost-effective Chinese-built buses to Britain’s streets, HIGER is supporting more sustainable and efficient mobility across Europe’s bus and coach sector.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

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