VDL Bus Group launches right-hand-drive Futura 3 coach at Euro Bus Expo 2026
VDL Bus Group is bringing a right-hand-drive version of its Futura 3 coach to the UK and Irish markets, debuting it at Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham.
- more than 20%
- 12.9 metres
- 57
- 13.4 metres
What Happened
VDL Bus Group will present the new right-hand-drive VDL Futura 3 at Euro Bus Expo 2026, which runs from 3 to 5 November at the NEC in Birmingham. The company calls the right-hand-drive version an important milestone for the UK and Irish coach markets and a sign of its continued commitment to safety, efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort. The coach follows its introduction to the European market in 2025 and makes its first major appearance in right-hand-drive configuration at the show. VDL says the vehicle showcases the next generation of long-distance passenger transport.
The VDL Futura 3 is introduced to the European market.
The right-hand-drive VDL Futura 3 makes its first major appearance at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC in Birmingham, on VDL Bus Group's stand V8.
more than 20%
Demonstrated by the VDL Futura 3 through advanced vehicle technology, aerodynamic optimisation, intelligent weight reduction and a highly efficient drivetrain.
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Austria
- Norway
“We are proud to introduce the right-hand-drive VDL Futura 3 to the UK market. This new generation coach combines outstanding passenger comfort with industry-leading efficiency, enabling operators to reduce costs while delivering an exceptional travel experience for passengers and drivers alike.”
The coach on the stand is a 12.9-metre right-hand-drive VDL Futura 3 with 57 passenger seats, RGB ambient lighting, integrated USB charging points and wheelchair accessibility. A camera monitor system replaces conventional mirrors, and the latest generation of ADAS safety technologies includes Blind Spot Information, Intelligent Speed Assistance and Driver Drowsiness Warning. VDL says the reduction in fuel consumption lowers operating costs, cuts CO2 emissions and helps operators meet increasingly demanding sustainability targets. The vehicle was developed with future requirements in mind and is prepared for further technological developments, including alternative powertrains and future vehicle updates. VDL also engineered it for lower lifetime repair and maintenance costs through smart engineering solutions, modular components and improved accessibility of technical systems, contributing to a significantly lower Total Cost of Ownership. For drivers it offers an ergonomically optimised cockpit, improved seating position and intuitive controls that reduce fatigue on long journeys, while passengers get enhanced seating comfort, premium interior finishes, ambient lighting and a refined climate control system; safety is supported by improved visibility and structural enhancements aimed at meeting the most stringent European safety standards.
- 13.4-metre right-hand-drive coach designed for premium long-distance travel
- 55 luxury full-leather passenger seats
- Panoramic central glass roof and enclosed parcel racks
- RGB ambient lighting and a Bosch Coach Infotainment System with multiple 22-inch monitors
- Hot-water servery and toilet facilities
- Powered by the DAF MX-13 engine, with a camera monitor system and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies
Previously from VDL Bus & Coach
VDL Bus Group delivered the first Futura 3 coaches to two touring car companies in January 2026, marking the new generation's transition to daily operation. In March 2026 the company handed over the first Futura 3 coach in Belgium to Reizen De Arend, which marked the start of international deployment.
- First VDL Futura 3 coaches delivered to customers
- VDL Delivers First Futura 3 Coach in Belgium to Reizen De Arend
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of VDL Bus & Coach's official releases.
Why this matters
The right-hand-drive Futura 3 gives UK and Irish coach operators access to a model VDL says already cuts fuel use by more than 20%, which lowers running costs and CO2 emissions. That matters for operators facing sustainability targets, for passengers in comfort and safety features, and for drivers behind a redesigned cockpit.
Terms in This Story
- ADAS
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: electronic safety features that help the driver, such as blind spot alerts or speed assistance.
- Total Cost of Ownership
- The full cost of running a vehicle over its life, including purchase price, fuel, maintenance and repairs.
- Right-hand drive
- A vehicle layout with the steering wheel on the right side, as used in the UK and Ireland.
- Camera monitor system
- A setup where cameras and screens replace conventional exterior mirrors.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.