Three former employees took the challenging initiative to restart Q-bus, a former semi government undertaking. As the negotiations did not achieve progress, they decided to start a brand new company: Tribus BV Tribus built the first minibuses that meet the new M1 EU Directive 74/408, 76/115, 77/541, 78/932. These minibuses were equipped with stainless steel tracks for fitting seats and wheelchairs. Crash tested, seats with three-point belts. This new wheelchair retraint system has four retractors that tighten themselves vwhen the release button is pressed or by turning the hand wheel. This facility saves a considerable amount of time when a wheelchair is being secured and makes it possible to avoid inappropriate working positions during the process itself. Tribus was the first company who introduced the M1 folding seat in the Netherlands. Flexible, foldable seats with the highest ergonomics and comfort. Tribus developed a multifunctional aluminum M1 floor consisting of several airline rails to create a flexible layout for seating and wheelchairs, the Triflexfloor. The floor is connected to the body by means of an adhesive bond a few bolts at the back. This on-piece reinforced polyester solution was miles ahead of the competition in terms of inproved acces, reliability and durability. No welding, secured through an adhesive bond and bolts. We developed a brand new chassis for minibuses. A new concept that has no steps to the entrance. Being low floor improves the accessibility of the bus for the public, particularly the elderly and those in wheelchairs. Tribus continues to innovate with the development of TriflexPLUS®. A new patented wheelchair retraint system in which the tensioning belts are integrated in the floor. This self tensioning belt is operated mechanically by means of a central lever in the floor. Nothing could be easier. Tribus is growing due to their new innovations. The innovations are approved by M1 European Type Approval. Tribus expands her horizon by exporting products to 18 different countries. A bigger location is needed and Tribus moves to a new businesspark in Utrecht, near highway A2. The Civitas is the first series low-floor minbuses especially developed for public transport providers. The Civitas based on the Fiat Ducato is suitable for 20 passengers: 10 seating and 10 standing. This Civitas can carry up to 20 passengers, and there is accommodation for a wheelchair user. We created a new design for the TriflexAIR seat. The seat has become lighter, stronger and ergonomic. A top quality design for intensive use. This electronic secure system takes not only care of a secure check of the wheelchair restraints, but also of the seat belts. This electronic secure system warns the driver in case of incorrect use. The organization is thriving and reaches another milestone by becoming a Certified ISO 9001 partner. Tribus is focused on meeting customer expectations and delivering customer satisfaction. New innovations are wel received by the market and export grows steadily. Our high quality vehicle modifications and good aftersales process results in a partnership with Mercedes-Benz. Tribus becomes an official Mercedes Van Partner. The partnership also benifts our customers, as they can relay on a goodpurchasing process that is subject to strict quality requirements. Tribus keeps innovating and introduces three types of 100% electric minibuses with fully integrated TriflexAIR seat and flooring system. Rewarded with the 2017 Dutch Taxi Innovation Award! Tribus celebrated its 20-year anniversary at the Taxi Expo in Houten. The booth was festively decorated and the back wall was covered with the historical timeline of Tribus, a bird’s-eye view through 20 years. We also showed a collection of old innovations from Tribus and products from the old days. Tribus endorses the government agreement for fully zero-emission passenger transport by 2025. 32 municipalities and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management signed the agreement in which they agree that all passenger transport will be completely zero-emission from 2025. In addition to the agreement, a covenant was signed by a large number of supplier market parties. The purpose of the agreement and covenant is that all parties will work together to realize the zero-emission vehicles. Tribus also showed its commitment and signed the covenant. The electric Movitas midibus: From drawing to working prototype within 2 years. This innovation power was crowned by a place in the top 3 of the prestigious Dutch Automotive Innovation Award with jury chairman Jan-Peter Balkenende. Tribus launched the first driving prototype at Busworld 2019. Designed as an e-bus, the Movitas is energy efficient and modular in various sizes from 8.20 – 9.70 meters. The many sustainable technologies, great maneuverability, excellent isolation and the unique design offer the traveler, public transport company and municipality a new choice when it comes to passenger transport in urban areas. 2019 is the year that Tribus launches several big developments. Tribus joins the international network of Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge as a Premium Partner. Together they develop the first fully electric Volkswagen Crafter wheelchair bus. This lightweight vehicle is the first electric minibus for M1 passenger transport that can be driven with a driving license B. With a practical range of 150 km, 8 seats and up to 2 wheelchair places, the vehicle is widely applicable for taxi companies. This vehicle is the first to comply with the strict environmental regulations that apply in big Dutch cities.
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1998
Founding of Tribus
1999
First M1-minibuses according EU-guidelines
2001
Introducing new standard wheelchair retraint system
2003
First Dutch M1 Folding seat
2004
Introduction Triflexfloor
2005
Lowered Front Entrance
2007
New concept Low Floor minibus
2009
Introduction TriflexPLUS
2010
New location Tribus
2011
Introduction Civitas
2013
New design TriflexAIR Seat
Safety check control
2014
Tribus becomes an ISO Certified 9001 Partner
2015
Official Van-Partner by Mercedes-Benz
2017
Introducing 100% electric minibuses
2018
Tribus celebrates 20th anniversary
Tribus signs government agreement for zero emissie passenger transport!
2019
Tribus develops electrical midibus Movitas
Tribus launches electric wheelchair minibus