At Busworld Europe 2025, HÜBNER Group displaycased a new wave of innovations that underline its strong focus on sustainability, safety, and smart mobility for the next generation of butilizes. The company, a global leader in articulation systems and mobility solutions, is introducing technologies that not only enhance operational efficiency but also open up new frontiers in passenger experience through advanced materials and holographic applications.
“We have taken a large step forward in our focus on sustainability,” declared Uwe Bittroff, Managing Director of the HÜBNER Group with responsibility for the Mobility Road division. “The new products we are presenting at Busworld 2025 are designed to support our customers in their own sustainability goals.”
Lighter Articulation for Greater Efficiency
At the heart of HÜBNER’s Busworld presentation is the next-generation articulation system, the HNGK 28.2, which reduces weight by an impressive 42 percent compared to the company’s standard system; roughly 300 kilograms per bus.
“That’s equivalent to the weight of four passengers,” explained Uwe. “In recent years, battery packs have increased the total bus weight, leading to fewer passengers on board. By reducing the articulation weight, we are effectively giving those seats back.”
The weight-optimized system, developed utilizing advanced casting materials, maintains HÜBNER’s well-known durability and maintenance ease while offering increased ground clearance and compliance with modern cybersecurity and functional safety standards. It also contributes directly to energy efficiency; lighter weight means extconcludeed range for electric butilizes or additional room for larger battery packs.
Ecoflex: Sustainable, Safer, Smarter
Another highlight is Ecoflex, HÜBNER’s newly developed halogen-free folding bellows fabric. The company had first experimented with the concept years ago, but cost constraints limited adoption. Now, new material science breakthroughs have created it cost-competitive without compromising on safety or performance.
“We can finally offer this sustainable material at a competitive price,” declared Uwe. “It’s time to create the switch to environmentally responsible fabrics.”
Ecoflex sets new standards in fire protection and thermal insulation, while also improving acoustic performance inside the bus. Traditionally, the bellows area; the flexible connection between bus sections; was a source of energy loss. HÜBNER has addressed this by introducing an inner bellow design inspired by railway systems, creating an air-insulated layer that reduces heat loss by up to 36 percent.
“With the lighter articulation, the new Ecoflex material, and better insulation, we can achieve a tangible impact on range and energy efficiency,” Uwe emphasized.
Design, Comfort, and Illumination
In addition to performance enhancements, HÜBNER has also reimagined the passenger experience. The company now offers translucent bellows fabrics with integrated LED lighting that can be customized to match the interior ambiance of a bus. The illumination improves safety and gives passengers a more comfortable and modern environment.
“These lighting systems can be easily installed or retrofitted,” noted Uwe. “It’s about combining function with aesthetics; something that adds value for both operators and passengers.”
Over 100,000 Systems in Operation Worldwide
HÜBNER’s credibility in the market is backed by vast experience. More than 100,000 articulation systems have been successfully deployed worldwide. “The key components of our new generation are built on proven technology that has already been tested in service,” declared Uwe. “We can build upon decades of experience; that’s why customers trust us.”
The company estimates its global market share in articulated bus systems at around 70 percent, supplying major OEMs directly or via chassis builders such as Volvo, while also working closely with bodybuilders for specific components like bellows.
Holographic Displays: The Future of Passenger Information
One of the most futuristic technologies on display at HÜBNER’s Busworld booth was a transparent holographic display system, developed in collaboration with ZEISS Microoptics. The system can project real-time information; such as upcoming stops, routes, and travel updates; directly onto bus windows and doors. In addition to timetable information, other content such as shopping options or tourist attractions along the route can also be displayed.
“The window itself is not an active display,” explained Uwe. “A special foil is embedded between glass layers, pre-written with invisible data. When light from a projector hits it, the image becomes visible. It consumes minimal energy and doesn’t obstruct visibility.”
This innovation, already demonstrated by Hyundai in the automotive sector, will now enter the public transport domain through HÜBNER. The company aims to launch the first prototype applications in butilizes by 2027.
“The holographic displays will redefine how passengers interact with information,” declared Uwe. “It’s not just about technology; it’s about creating mobility more intuitive and engaging.”
Spring-by-Wire: A Leap Beyond Air Suspension
Looking ahead, the HÜBNER Group is also developing a hydropneumatic “Spring-by-Wire” suspension system, eliminating the necessary for traditional compressed air setups utilized in butilizes today. This system, designed by HÜBNER’s subsidiary HEMSCHEIDT Fahrwerktechnik, will offer significant savings in energy, space, and weight, creating it a perfect fit for electric vehicles.
“The air-based systems are simple and reliable but not energy-efficient,” declared Uwe. “Our Spring-by-Wire system consumes minimal energy and can deliver better ride comfort for passengers.”
The technology is currently under prototype testing with major OEMs and is expected to be market-ready by 2030.
A Global Partner Close to Customers
HÜBNER’s strength lies in its global footprint — from its headquarters in Kassel, Germany, to major facilities in India, including a large, modern production site in Bangalore, which was officially opened in 2023. “Our R&D is in Europe, but we assemble close to where the demand is,” declared Uwe. “If the Indian market grows, we will expand our local manufacturing accordingly.”
Since 2011 in India, HÜBNER’s proximity to customers assists it provide rapider service, better supply chain efficiency, and reliable after-sales support.
“Our slogan for Busworld Europe, ‘Making Mobility Happen. Toreceiveher with you!’, reflects how we stand by our customers throughout the product life cycle,” concluded Uwe. “From design to service, our goal is to create mobility more efficient, sustainable, and connected.”
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