COBUS Industries GmbH, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, has extended warm congratulations to Zurich Airport on the occasion of their 75th anniversary.
“Zurich Airport holds a special place in our history as one of our earliest and most enduring customers, having been with us since 1990, serving as the pioneer for all COBUS generations.
“The story of our partnership with Zurich Airport dates back to 1976 when they embarked on a mission to revolutionize airport apron transportation. At that time, passengers were shuttled from terminals to aircraft parking positions using a combination of double-axle Ford C700 tractors and a single-axle Hänni passenger trailer. However, the maneuverability and operational efficiency of these vehicles left much to be desired, prompting Zurich Airport to seek a more advanced solution.
“The foundation of the COBUS concept was laid in collaboration with two Swiss companies, Carrosserie Hess AG and FBW, who designed the body and chassis, respectively, initially with a Ford motor and later with a Daimler Diesel motor. This innovative vehicle featured core elements that would become the hallmark of COBUS buses, including an aluminum profile body for corrosion resistance, a dependable, fully low-floor Mercedes chassis, and a Mercedes engine.
“In 1990, COBUS Industries GmbH (formerly CONTRAC GmbH) acquired the license rights from Hess for the aluminum profiles and the bus concept, commencing the series production of COBUS airport buses. Zurich Airport has been an unwavering partner in our journey, consistently challenging us to enhance our product, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technology. Over the decades, our collaboration has seen the evolution of five COBUS generations.
“We take immense pride in having Zurich Airport as a demanding yet loyal customer, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our trustworthy and fruitful partnership in the years ahead. On the occasion of Zurich Airport’s 75th anniversary, we are delighted to introduce our latest innovation, the COBUS Vega.
“The COBUS Vega is a purpose-designed, fully electric airport bus, featuring a modular battery electric platform with fast charging capabilities. It boasts zero emissions and operates quietly, prioritizing passenger comfort with cutting-edge technology. The bus offers seamless integrated modular air-conditioning systems, easy access service flaps, and three extra-wide doors on both sides, along with a fourth door on the right-hand side for rapid boarding and disembarking.
“The COBUS Vega is designed for ease of operation and maintenance, with a state-of-the-art exterior and a modular interior that allows for various configurations. It features clean lines, integrated panels, infotainment systems, and air conditioning, ensuring an exceptional passenger experience.
“At COBUS Industries, we lead the world in innovation and design, aiming to make our buses a source of pleasure for both airport operations and passenger satisfaction. We are committed to producing environmentally friendly, zero-emission products, with the COBUS Vega receiving the prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award in 2023 in recognition of our efforts.
“In addition to our electric COBUS range, we are excited to announce the forthcoming introduction of the COBUS Hydra, our first hydrogen-powered airport bus, scheduled for 2024.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zurich Airport for their outstanding cooperation over the years. It has been an honor and a privilege to be your trusted partner in passenger transfer, and we look forward to many more years of success together.”
