What we saw at APTA EXPO 2026: Solaris makes U.S. debut, new COR Transit brand, ZAVIR shuttle concept (and more)

APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026 in Chicago brought new market entries and vehicle concepts in a context that showed a clear focus on conventional and hybrid propulsion technologies, as U.S. federal funding priorities have shifted toward a broader mix of bus powertrains.

The exhibition at McCormick Place included the North American premiere of the Solaris Urbino 40 electric, the launch of ABC Companies’ COR Transit brand, the first presentation of ENC’s ZAVIR shuttle platform and the announcement of VinFast’s planned entry into the U.S. electric bus market through NexMove. The vehicle displays also included three GILLIG buses covering diesel, hybrid and battery-electric propulsion, three vehicles from NFI Group and the battery-electric Nova Bus LFSe+.

APTA TRANSform & EXPO is being held in Chicago from 4 to 7 October. The event combines the American Public Transportation Association’s conference programme with an exhibition for public transport agencies, vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

Here is a manufacturer-by-manufacturer overview of what we saw at the show.

APTA EXPO 2026, manufacturer by manufacturer

ABC Companies

ABC Companies used APTA EXPO to introduce COR Transit, a new brand established for the North American heavy-duty transit bus market. The first vehicle under development is a 40-foot diesel transit bus, with prototype activity targeted for 2027 and initial deliveries planned for 2028. Production is planned in the United States.

The launch adds a dedicated transit vehicle manufacturing activity to ABC Companies’ existing operations in vehicle distribution, parts, service, refurbishment, training and technical support. According to the company, its current network comprises ten facilities, more than 142 service bays and over 730,000 square feet of parts and service infrastructure. The company supplies parts to more than 700 transit agencies.

The COR Transit project announced at APTA EXPO was the main news from ABC Companies at the exhibition, where the company also displayed several vehicles for specialized applications.

ENC

ENC brought a conventional clean-diesel transit bus to its stand while also using the Chicago exhibition for the first public presentation of ZAVIR, its new medium-duty vehicle brand.

Two versions of the ZAVIR shuttle concept were presented, with low-floor and high-floor configurations. Both are 22 feet long and 8 feet wide and have been designed for up to 18 seated passengers plus standees. Wheelchair access can be provided through either a lift or ramp.

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