Busworld Vehicle Awards 2025: Honouring the Best in Bus and Coach Innovation

As Busworld Europe 2025 draws near, scheduled to be held from 4–9 October at Brussels Expo, Belgium, anticipation is rising not only for global premieres and technology showcases but also for the prestigious Busworld Vehicle Awards – long regarded as a barometer of excellence in the international bus and coach industry.

Two Grand Awards, Three ‘Best of Category’ Labels

The Busworld Vehicle Awards recognise outstanding achievements in two core segments – Bus and Coach. One standout model in each segment will receive the coveted Grand Award Bus and Grand Award Coach. In addition, Best of Category labels will be conferred on vehicles demonstrating exceptional performance in three areas: Ecology, Safety, and Comfort.

These award categories reflect both the jury’s evaluation framework and the evolving priorities of the global mobility ecosystem.

A 12-Group Jury with a Holistic Evaluation Process

The jury is comprised of approximately 30 international experts, divided into 12 dedicated working groups, each responsible for evaluating a specific aspect of vehicle performance or design. These categories include:

Driving Dynamics, Emissions, Ecology & Maintenance, Driver & Passenger Comfort, Guide Equipment, Vehicle & Fire Safety, Digital Technologies, Battery Systems, and Design.

Each working group is led by a chairperson, with updated evaluation criteria introduced in every edition to keep pace with industry developments. The jury includes representatives from transport operators, industry associations, technology providers, public transport consultants, and trade media.

Eleven Strong Contenders for 2025

The 2025 edition features 11 competing vehicles – five buses and six coaches – spanning BEVs, hydrogen-powered models, and next-generation electric long-distance coaches:

Bus Category

• Yutong U15 (Yutong Bus)
• 12m Procity EV (BMC)
• Mercedes-Benz eCitaro (Daimler Buses)
• H2.City Gold – 18m Hydrogen (CaetanoBus)
• Otokar e-Kent (Otokar)

Coach Category

• Yutong IC12E (Yutong)
• NEOPLAN Skyliner (MAN Truck & Bus)
• Scania Irizar i6S Efficient – featuring a completely new powertrain to be revealed (Scania)
• Setra S 515 HD (Daimler Buses)
• e-Territo (Otokar)
• Yutong T14E (Yutong Bus)

Real-World Testing Returns to Kortrijk

Detailed vehicle evaluations will take place during the official test day on 27 September 2025 at Kortrijk Xpo – Busworld’s former venue from 1971 to 2017. The site provides quieter surroundings and varied traffic conditions, creating ideal conditions for on-road assessments. As always, the driving experience remains a critical element of the jury’s scoring process.

A Dedicated Design Award – Judged Live on the Show Floor

In a first, the former “Design Label” will be presented as a standalone honour – the Busworld Design Award. All vehicles displayed at Busworld 2025 will be automatically considered. The jury will tour the exhibition floor to identify one bus and one coach that demonstrate outstanding design and ergonomic excellence.

Awards to be Announced at Opening Gala

Winners of the Grand Awards will be announced on Friday, 3 October, during the official opening gala of Busworld Europe 2025.

More than just trophies, the Busworld Vehicle Awards have come to symbolise trust, innovation, and industry leadership – offering a credible benchmark for quality, safety, and technological advancement in the global bus and coach sector.