American vs European buses

[tonyp]

This is an interesting, light-hearted look at the differences between North American and European city buses. It seems that Australia is very much in the North American mould, though with a bit of both, but the Custom Denning Element clearly has European genetics - its similarity to Solaris designs is very strong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMwoIi5ijPY

The comment from a German in the comments that buses in Germany only have a life of 5-7 years is very interesting.

[Merc1107]

The comment from a German in the comments that buses in Germany only have a life of 5-7 years is very interesting.

That must be a mix of concern about emissions, perhaps patriotism to the local bus making scene, and no doubt the impact of adding salt to roads for extra flavour and texture in winter, too

[Lt. Commander Data]

This is an interesting, light-hearted look at the differences between North American and European city buses. It seems that Australia is very much in the North American mould, though with a bit of both, but the Custom Denning Element clearly has European genetics - its similarity to Solaris designs is very strong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMwoIi5ijPY

The comment from a German in the comments that buses in Germany only have a life of 5-7 years is very interesting.

I think Australian buses generally (Bustech excluded) take a more European design approach externally, but internally with our high floors become more American. Bustech integrals excluded, most of our dash layouts are from European manufacturers so again are modern looking and comfortable. A Bustech body with a new Scania/Volvo/MAN dash is then quite a contrast.

[tonyp]

I think Australian buses generally (Bustech excluded) take a more European design approach externally, but internally with our high floors become more American. Bustech integrals excluded, most of our dash layouts are from European manufacturers so again are modern looking and comfortable. A Bustech body with a new Scania/Volvo/MAN dash is then quite a contrast.

Since we mostly buy European chassis (and the Chinese ones copy the European), the driver's cab is going to be European too. As you say, our bodies are more American - though one could say they were actually British until the Brits started to go more for low-floors.

That completely horizontal steering wheel on the American bus wouldn't go astray on a steam road roller!