Poland / Belgium - Solaris Bus & Coach SA, now part of CAF Group, underlined its major success in alternative fuel segments with displays of its latest Urbino 18 Electric articulated bus, Urbino 12 Hydrogen (Fuel Cell) and 24m bi-articulated Trollino trolleybus.

New CEO, Javier Callega said concerns over CO2 emissions from cities, increasing gridlock and congestion required provision of transport solutions which would take more people out of cars by offering reliable, cost-effective public transport services in the form battery or hydrogen electrification for zero emissions – possibly with the inclusion of vehicle autonomy. He said the move was vital to achieving emissions standards reductions proposed by the EU for 2050 – aiming for 50% electrification by 2025 and 75% by 2050. To meet these new requirements, he stressed, many more cities would need to begin issuing larger orders and/or contracts. While Solaris was working with many cities to facilitate such a transition, he felt some major manufacturers would struggle to provide the numbers required.