VDL Bus Group presents new touring bus at Busworld in Brussels

VDL Bus Group unveiled its new touring coach on Thursday, 2 October 2025 at Busworld in Brussels, Europe’s largest trade fair for the bus and coach industry. The VDL Futura 3 is the result of years of development and signifies an important step in long-distance passenger transport for passengers, operators, and drivers. A significant leap forward is the total cost of ownership of the vehicle, primarily driven by a fuel savings of up to 15 percent.

VDL Bus Group is prominently present at Busworld 2025, which takes place from Saturday 4 October to Thursday 9 October in Brussels. Under the theme MOVE.TOGETHER., VDL Bus Group presents two major milestones: the launch of the new VDL Futura 3 and the introduction of the integrated bus company VDL Bus Group, bringing together VDL Bus & Coach and VDL Van Hool.

Craftsmanship

“We are proud of our employees who demonstrated their craftsmanship during the development and production of this new flagship,” said Marc van Doorn, Coach Director of VDL Bus Group during the launch of the VDL Futura 3 in Brussels. “We are very confident that with this third generation VDL Futura, we will provide our customers, their passengers, and their drivers with an optimal travel experience.”

The development of the Futura 3 involved feedback from all stakeholders, including customers, drivers, passengers, and the after-sales network. It is also prepped for updates, including future alternative drivetrains.

Much attention has been paid to ergonomics. The driver benefits from an optimized layout, improved seating comfort and intuitive controls. This enhances usability and reduces physical strain during long journeys. For passengers, improved seating comfort, unique ambient lighting, and interior choices also contribute to a pleasant travel experience.

The design and user experience have been taken to a higher level. The Futura 3 combines a sleek, modern exterior with a cozy and functional interior. The materials, lighting and finishes have been carefully selected to create a premium feel that matches contemporary expectations.

Fuel consumption

One of the main pillars is the reduction of fuel consumption. Through a combination of advanced vehicle technology, aerodynamic improvements, and weight reduction, the Futura 3 is more efficient than ever, with fuel savings of up to 15 percent. This not only contributes to lower operational costs but also to a more sustainable fleet.

In the field of safety, the Futura 3 takes a new step forward. With the latest generation of ADAS driver assistance systems, improved visibility lines, and structural reinforcements, the vehicle is prepared for the strictest safety standards. Another important focus is the completely renewed climate control system. It offers quiet and efficient temperature regulation ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Efforts have been made to reduce repair and maintenance costs. Through smart engineering, modular components, and improved accessibility of technical systems, the Total Cost of Ownership is significantly reduced. A feature that makes the Futura 3 even more economically attractive for operators.

VDL Bus Group

VDL Bus Group will operate with two complementary bus brands – VDL and Van Hool – each projecting their own identity and market focus. Both brands are represented at Busworld, with the synergy between innovation and customer focus at the core. VDL Bus Group is deliberately taking the next step and showcasing the future of mobility at Busworld 2025.

In addition to two VDL Futura 3 touring coaches, a VDL Citea 13.5 metre Low Entry will also be exhibited. On behalf of Van Hool, an Astron double-decker high-floor bus and an Astromega double-decker will be displayed. VDL Bus Group will use this to position itself with 5 buses in both the touring coach market and the public transport market.