The new VDL Bus Group launches the VDL Futura 3 at Busworld

With the launch of Futura 3 and the integration of the companies VDL Bus & Coach and VDL Van Hool, VDL Bus Group is taking a significant step forward and showcases the future of mobility at Busworld 2025.

VDL Bus Group will be prominently present at Busworld 2025, the largest trade fair for the bus and coach industry in Europe, taking place this year from 4 to 9 October in Brussels. Under the theme MOVE.TOGETHER., VDL Bus Group presents two significant milestones: the launch of the new VDL Futura 3 and the introduction of the integrated bus company VDL Bus Group, which combines VDL Bus & Coach and VDL Van Hool.

Launch of VDL Futura 3

Especially the launch of the third generation VDL Futura is a highlight at Busworld. During Busworld 2025, the Futura 3 will be presented to the general public for the first time. This new coach is the result of years of continuous development and marks an important step in the vision for long-distance transport for passengers, drivers, and operators. The Futura 3 represents a significant leap forward for customers in terms of lifecycle costs, primarily driven by fuel savings of up to 15 percent. Furthermore, the new coach features a completely new interior concept with comfort and ergonomics for passengers; an optimised driver environment with improved visibility, intuitive controls, and digital support; a redesigned exterior that enhances aerodynamics and brand identity; advanced safety and assistance systems in accordance with the latest European regulations (GSR); and a modular powertrain architecture, prepared for future drive types.

One bus company, two strong brands

With the integration of VDL Bus & Coach and VDL Van Hool, a single powerful bus company is created: VDL Bus Group. This new company will operate with two complementary brands – VDL and Van Hool – each projecting their own identity and market focus. Both brands will be represented at Busworld, with the synergy between innovation and customer orientation as the central theme.

The production at VDL Bus Group is geographically organised based on vehicle type and brand. The VDL Citea for public transport is built in the state-of-the-art, energy-efficient factory in Roeselare (Belgium). The VDL Futura touring coaches are produced in Valkenswaard (Netherlands), where VDL has decades of experience in high-quality coachbuilding. The production of the Van Hool touring coaches takes place in Macedonia, enabling VDL Bus Group to focus on efficiency, craftsmanship, and economies of scale.

Busworld

In addition to two VDL Futura 3 touring coaches, a VDL Citea 13.5 metre Low Entry will also be exhibited at Busworld. On behalf of Van Hool, an Astron super-high decker and an Astromega double-decker are being displayed. VDL Bus Group will use these five buses to position itself in both the touring coach market and the public transport market.

VDL Bus Group at VDL Groep

The integration of VDL Bus & Coach and VDL Van Hool into the new bus company VDL Bus Group is a powerful signal of how VDL Groep, as a family business, commits to collaboration, long-term synergy, with continuity as its main driver. By combining the strengths of both companies, a strong foundation is created for further growth, innovation, and customer focus in the European and North American bus markets. VDL Bus Group will operate with two strong brands – VDL and Van Hool – each with their own identity, expertise, and market focus. This collaboration underscores VDL Groep's vision: building future-proof mobility solutions together, with an eye for quality, reliability, and entrepreneurship: strength through cooperation.