At the end of December, Credobus and Hungary's largest bus service provider, VOLÁNBUSZ Zrt., signed a sales contract for the delivery of 47 suburban articulated buses. This is the first order for the Econell 18 Next, produced by Credobuses.
Thanks to the contract, Hungarian articulated bus production, which had been suspended for years, could be restarted. The first vehicles can enter the market as early as spring this year. Credobus Econell 18 Next is according to the manufacturer the world's lightest articulated bus in the 18-meter category and weighs only about 14 tons which means lower consumption. Credobus says it should generate fuel savings of up to 15 to 20% which should addup to 4,000 liters of fuel per year. The bus can transport 56 seated and 70 standing passengers (5/sqm). The Econell 18 Next is equipped with an FTP Euro 6 E engine, is air-conditioned, and is also equipped with a
passenger information, passenger counter, and CCTV system. The seats have phone holders and USB charging points. Not only the assembly of the buses but also the production of the parts takes place largely in Hungary: the self-supporting frame structure, the suspension and metal parts are made by Kühne, which belongs to the Kravtex-Kühne Group, off which Credobus is a subsidiary. The Econell Next family is available in midi, solo and articulated versions, with diesel and electric drive options. The electric solo model is expected to be introduced in 2023 and the articulated model in 2024.