IVECO BUS announces the signature of a framework agreement with Transport Operator of Wallonia OTW for the supply of CROSSWAY Low-Entry Hybrid vehicles. The deliveries will begin at the end of 2023 and will be spread over four years. The agreement covers two lots of 21 units of 12-metre CROSSWAY Low-Entry Hybrid and 9 units of 14.5-metre CROSSWAY Low-Entry Hybrid, with additional optional orders, for a total of 42 units. This is the second contract signed with the Walloon operator this year.

Following a first contract for the supply of 13 DAILY Access and 9 DAILY Tourys minibuses, OTW (Operateur du Transport de Wallonie) continues its partnership with IVECO BUS with a further agreement for the delivery of 42 CROSSWAY Low Entry Hybrid. The new framework contract, which covers a four-year period, includes two batches of 21 units + 9 optional units of the 12-metre-long version, and 9 units + 3 optional units in the 14.5-metre-long version. The first vehicles will begin operation on the roads of Wallonia at the end of 2023. 

These vehicles will be operated on Express lines, some of which will be propose new Express links between walloon cities. Thanks to their low entry configuration, accessibility for wheelchair passengers and commercial speed will be improved, in comparison with the existing fleet.

"This new contract with OTW represents a significant success for our brand and we wish to thank OTW for its confidence in our models. The CROSSWAY Low Entry buses that will soon join OTW's fleet benefit from the excellent reliability of our new hybrid technology, as well as the reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions it achieves. The new CROSSWAY Low Entry Hybrid also offers superior comfort on board and excellent driving position ergonomics," said Giorgio ZINO, IVECO BUS Head of Bus Commercial Operations in Europe.

Presented for the first time at FIAA 2022 in Madrid in October 2022, the CROSSWAY LE Hybrid meets operators' expectations in terms of performance and respect for the environment.

The VOITH DIWA NXT gearbox, fitted to the CROSSWAY LE Hybrid, is combined with a powerful 35 kW peak electrical recovery motor, which acts as a starter and generator to recover the kinetic energy accumulated during the deceleration and braking phases, with a high-energy LTO battery (48 V) mounted on the roof. The electric motor supports the Cursor 9 engine during the starting phases.

With these features, the CROSSWAY LE Hybrid delivers fuel savings compared to the non-hybrid version. In addition, when combining XTL (X-To-Liquid) renewable fuels, it reduces CO₂ emissions.

The CROSSWAY LE Hybrid models chosen by OTW will offer a maximum capacity of 67 passengers, including 45 seated for the 12-metre version and 107 passengers including 61 seated for the 14.5-metre version. Designed to improve the well-being of passengers and drivers, they will be equipped with air conditioning, high comfort seats with integrated USB sockets, luggage racks, individual lights and a driver's area combining ergonomics and safety.

IVECO BUS

IVECO BUS is a brand of Iveco Group N.V., a global leader in commercial and specialty vehicles, powertrain, and financial services, listed on the Borsa Italiana in Milan.

A major player in the field of public transport, and among the leading bus and coach manufacturers in Europe, IVECO BUS designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of vehicles that meets all the needs of public and private operators: - school, intercity and tourism coaches; - standard and articulated city buses, including BRT dedicated versions; city midibuses - minibuses for all passenger transport missions.

IVECO BUS benefits from a strong expertise in alternative energies vehicles and is now capable of offering a complete range running on compressed natural gas – fully compatible with biomethane – and in the electromobility field, to suit every kind of transport need. Thus, IVECO BUS positions itself as a reference partner to face the numerous challenges of sustainable mobility.

IVECO BUS employs over 5,000 people across four production units, in Annonay, France, Vysoké Myto, Czech Republic, Brescia, Italy and in Rorthais, France with its electromobility center of excellence.

The extensive IVECO BUS and IVECO service network guarantees assistance around the world wherever an Iveco Bus vehicle is at work.

For further information about IVECO BUS: www.ivecobus.com

For further information about Iveco Group: www.ivecogroup.com

For further information, please contact:

Isabelle FILLONNEAU

Mobile + 33 6 87 71 36 24

isabelle.fillonneau@ivecogroup.com