Carril Bus is one of the most important publications in Spain related to our sector of activity. The director of this magazine, which also has a very dynamic web version, has accepted our request for an interview and has offered us her vision on the evolution and future of the sector
1.- Who is Carril Bus mainly aimed at?
The magazine Carril Bus is mainly aimed at owners and managers of bus and coach passenger transport companies. Although other professionals linked to transport companies, associations, politicians responsible for transport (both at regional and national level) and members of the industry involved in this activity, such as members of the vehicle and component manufacturing sector, among others, also receive this magazine.
2.- How many people make up the team of the publication you direct?
Our direct staff consists of three people, although there is a broad network of collaborators who support the various activities that Carril Bus carries out. Thus, we have an industrial engineer who carries out technical tests and reports on vehicles. A driver with marketing expertise, who provides assessments from a more “practical” point of view.
In relation to transport policy, we have the regular collaboration of Gregory Carmona, who has been with us for many years and produces successful reports such as “Trams in Spain, waste and successes,” which was echoed by the Spanish daily and economic press.
We also have the collaboration of a market analyst from MSI who provides us with data on registration trends. The company CONSESUR, through Fernando Fernández, advises and informs us on new legislation and changes in this area.
We also have the collaboration of two people in layout, one more person in photography and video, etc. In addition, throughout the year, we usually receive proposals for new collaborations that we incorporate… In short, about ten people work each month to move our project forward.
3.- What do you believe are the main challenges facing bodywork companies in our country?
I believe that the bodywork sector has been facing the same challenges for quite some time. The first would be competition in a European market dominated by full vehicle brands. And the second, the internationalization process with the aim of not dying out, and that crises like the one we have experienced in recent years do not jeopardize their own existence.
In the first case, I believe that a change in mentality towards integral vehicle manufacturing would be logical. In the second case, the entire national bodywork industry is already aware of this need to internationalize and is working on this expansion line.
4.- Since you started directing Carril Bus until now, how has the sector evolved?
If you are referring to the bodywork sector, I think its evolution is impressive. Naturally, some companies have fallen by the wayside, which is a real shame due to job losses and because the disappearance of a company, with all the effort, enthusiasm, and work involved in its creation, is, let’s say, very sad.
To talk about evolution in this market is to talk about this, about a process that has consolidated the national bus and coach industry and, in a way, has made it much stronger. In recent years, I have found it very interesting to see alliances between these companies, such as those you, Grupo Castrosua, have made with INDCAR to combine synergies in sales and after-sales.
And what surprises me about this evolution is the development capacity and the brilliant engineers working in your sector developing electric vehicles, self-supporting vehicles, double-deckers, etc. There is nothing that the Spanish bodywork industry cannot do, and it is proving it.
5.- Do you think our company, Grupo Castrosua, enjoys a recognized brand image in the market?
Of course… I have no doubt about it. Castrosua has been the benchmark in urban transport for decades and continues to be. But also, I believe that your effort in recent years to compete in intercity transport is being recognized by the Spanish market. Don’t forget that we receive and publish information about your deliveries. We know that entrepreneurs also trust Castrosua for long-distance transport. And that, besides being novel, is the result of your work and your commercial and marketing strategies.
