Contract signed for the procurement of 131 Credobus Econell Next buses

On April 23, the procurement process between MÁV Passenger Transport Ltd. and Kravtex Trading Ltd. officially concluded with the signing of a sales contract. This agreement will see 131 new low-entry, suburban-style solo Credobus Econell Next buses join the Volán fleet. The contract results from a procurement process initiated in January, with Kravtex Ltd. from Győr, as the sole valid bidder, emerging victorious.

As per the signed contract, MÁV Passenger Transport Ltd. will purchase 131 Credobus Econell 12 Next buses from Kravtex Trading Ltd. The net unit price per vehicle is 89,950,000 HUF, bringing the total contract value to a net 11.78 billion HUF. The sale includes not only the buses but also training for operators and maintenance staff, along with diagnostic tools, software support, and training packages. The agreement also provides the option to order 13 diagnostic devices at a net unit price of 2,515,000 HUF, totaling 32.7 million HUF. The supplier offers a 24-month general warranty without mileage limitation, which includes mandatory manufacturer service.

The buses feature LED lighting systems both inside and out

Deliveries will occur in three phases. Between the 61st and 90th days from the contract’s commencement on April 23, 40 buses will arrive, followed by another 40 between the 91st and 120th days, and finally, 51 buses between the 121st and 150th days. Consequently, the manufacturer must deliver the last buses by September 20, 2025, at the latest.

The buses are powered by a 6728 cm³ six-cylinder FPT NEF 6 (Iveco Tector 7) diesel engine, familiar from Kravtex models, delivering 320 horsepower (235 kW) and a peak torque of 1100 Nm. This Euro 6 E compliant engine is paired with a second-generation ZF EcoLife 2 (ZF 6 AP 1220 B) automatic transmission, which includes an integrated intarder with 1900 Nm braking torque. Additional braking systems include an electronic parking brake, EBS, ESP, ABS, and ASR.

The buses are 12,230 mm long with a low-entry design. The floor height is 320 mm at the front door and 350 mm at the second door. They can accommodate 93 passengers, including 43 seated. A manually foldable ramp at the second door facilitates accessible boarding.

With a 240-liter fuel tank, the buses can travel up to 775 kilometers, while the 30-liter AdBlue tank provides additive for over 2000 kilometers. The model’s fuel consumption is 30.94 liters/100 km according to the UITP SORT 3 (suburban) cycle.

The interior features include 42 USB charging points, an onboard camera system with a three-unit surveillance camera, a HC Linear passenger counting system, luggage racks, and mobile phone holders. Passenger information is provided through an integrated visual and audio system linked to a GPS-based fleet tracking system (the visual passenger information is delivered via Bustec equipment, including 1 front display, 1 side display on the boarding side, 1 interior display, and 1 rear number display). Temperature control in the passenger area is handled by a 30 kW air conditioning unit and a 30 kW independent heating device. In compliance with EU regulations, the buses are equipped with automatic fire suppression systems in the engine and heater compartments.

Drivers are assisted by a multi-functional steering wheel-controlled, fully digital Continental instrument cluster, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, and rain and light sensors.

*Update (2025.05.13.) – The winning bidder initiated a contract modification on May 6, 2025, granting a 5.05 million HUF discount per vehicle to the purchaser, without altering the technical specifications. Consequently, the original net unit price of the Credobus Econell 12 Next buses decreased from 89.95 million HUF to 84.9 million HUF, and the total contract amount was revised from 11.78 billion HUF to 11.12 billion HUF.

Photos: Kravtex