VDL Futura

VDL Futura
Eurolines VDL Futura FHD2-129
Overview
ManufacturerVDL Bus & Coach, previously VDL Bova, originally Bova
Production1982–present
AssemblyNetherlands: Valkenswaard
Body and chassis
ClassCoach
Doors1-2
Floor typehigh floor or double floor
Powertrain
EngineDAF MX-11 1,900
DAF MX-11 2,100
DAF MX-11 2,300
DAF MX-13 2,600
Power output270kW, 300kW, 330kW, 390kW
Transmission
  • ZF Traxon, ZF intarder3:

12 TX 2011 BO
12 TX 2411 BO
12 TX 2811 BO

  • ZF Ecolife, ZF retarder:

6 AP 2000 B
6 AP 2300 BO
6 AP 2300 B

Dimensions
Length
  • FMD2: 12.88 m - 14,85 m
  • FHD2: 10.61 m - 14.85 m
  • FDD2: 13.09 m - 14.15 m
Width2.55 m
Height
  • FMD2: 3.50 m
  • FHD2: 3.70 m
  • FDD2: 4.00 m
Curb weight19.3 - 27.0 tonnes
Chronology
PredecessorBova Europa
Bova Futura
Bova Magiq
VDL Synergy

The Futura are coaches made from 1982 to the present day, They are made by VDL Bus & Coach at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands.

Bova Futura

From 1982 to 2003, Bova made a coach called the Bova Futura.

By 1986, exports were two thirds of production.[1]

Bus Australia ordered over 40 Bova Futuras.[2] Some were imported and made by JW Bolton in Perth.[3][4] Four were imported and the bodies were made by BHB Engineering.[5][6][7]

In 2003, Bova was purchased by the VDL Groep and the coach was called the VDL Bova Futura.

Improvements

The Bova Futura has had improvements over the years, the years and improvements were:

  • 1982 - large circular headlamps at the bottom corners of the coach front, the indicators were on the side of the coach above the headlamps
  • 1988 - small rectangular headlamps in higher up the coach front, with similar fog lamps in the corners underneath the headlamps, the indicators were on the front of the coach above the headlamps, the indicators had orange plastic to the side of the indicators to give the impression the indicator went further than it did
  • 1999 - small transparent circular headlights with smaller circular transparent indicators/turn signals next to the headlights, the lights were spaced out and were higher up. Small circular fog lamps in lower corners.
  • 2007 - small circular headlights with smaller circular indicators/turn signals next to the headlights, the lights were closer together. Small circular fog lamps in lower corners.
  • Bova Futura (1982 improvements)
  • Bova Futura (1988 improvements)
  • Bova Futura rears, left; 1988 improvements, right; 1999 improvements
  • Bova Futura (1999 improvements)
  • Bova Futura rear (1999 improvements)
  • Bova Futura (2007 improvements)
  • VDL Bova Futura (2007 improvements)
  • VDL Bova Futura (2007 improvements)

Bova Magiq

From 1999 to 2010, Bova made a coach called the Bova Magiq.

In 2007, the Magiq was improved, It had new headlamps.

In 2010, the Magiq was replaced by the VDL Futura 2.

  • Bova Magiq
  • Bova Magiq rear

VDL Futura 2

From 2010 to the present day, VDL make a coach called the VDL Futura (often called the Futura 2).

The Futura 2 was named International Coach of the Year 2012 on 29 August 2011.[8]

  • VDL Futura
  • VDL Futura rear

VDL Futura FDD2

From 2015 to the present day, VDL make a double decker bus called the Futura FDD2.

It is made in two lengths, 13m (FDD2-130) and 14.1m (FDD2-141).[9]

In 2015, the Futura FDD2 replaced the VDL Synergy double decker bus.

  • Futura FDD2

References

  1. ↑ "Bova expands | 1st March 1986 | The Commercial Motor Archive". archive.commercialmotor.com. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  2. ↑ Victorian Buses in the Eighties Australian Bus Panorama issue 6/6 February 1991 page 6
  3. ↑ Bova coaches for Australia Truck & Bus Transportation March 1986 page 122
  4. ↑ Bus Australia launches Sleeper Coaches Truck & Bus Transportation January 1989 page 75
  5. ↑ Australian built Bovas Australasian Bus & Coach May 1989 page 9
  6. ↑ First deliveries from Bova Australia Truck & Bus Transportation July 1990 pages 192/193
  7. ↑ First Aussie Bovas delivered Truck & Bus Transportation January 1991 page 101
  8. ↑ "VDL Bus & Coach - Coach of the Year 2012". VDL Bus & Coach. Archived from the original on 2019-02-25. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  9. ↑ "Range". VDL Bus & Coach. Archived from the original on 2019-10-14. Retrieved 2025-02-04.

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