Dutch bus and coach manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach had invited the international trade press for a sneak preview of VDL's new Futura, shortly before Busworld. The project is still under development and goes by the name “Vision Futura”. It will be the third generation of the Futura coach. VDL Bus & Coach plans to unveil this latest Futura over about one year. Interesting is that the new platform will be developed with several propulsion systems in mind, electric, fuel cell, hydrogen combustion engine and diesel.
Unfortunately the press was not aloud to take any pictures. However VDL will present at Busworld its “Vision” behind the development of this third generation Futura. Also the mock-ups that were shown to the press will be on the VDL-stand at Busworld. The main novelties of the “Vision Futura” are to be found in the front and rear of the coach. The front is characterized by the curved convex windscreen for improved aerodynamics. The rear has a sharp edge design also to benefit the aerodynamics with rearlights that are the same as the Citea: synergy. The head lights are especially developed for this new Futura. But overall the coach is very recognizable with a clear VDL identity. VDL Bus & Coach organized this sneak preview in order to lift a tip of the curtain – with Busworld in mind – because next year the new EU directive GSR (General Safety Regulation) will come into
effect. The new requirements have led VDL to create a completely new platform for the Futura, suitable for different drive lines as VDL is in cooperation with DAF Trucks also developing hydrogen powered trucks. But at first the Futura will be launched with a diesel powertrain followed later by alternative drivelines depending demand. This Vision Futura is said to be 400 kilograms lighter then is predecessor, and thus prepared for the instalment with heavy batteries while maintaining full passenger capacity. The driver gets a new cockpit with a completely new instrument panel, new GSR-compliant driver assistance systems and a new collision protection in the front. The current generation of VDL Futura was presented in 2010. VDL has sold over 4,900 copies of the Futura.