Our history
The history of SAFRA goes back to 1955, when the Albi-based company was building coach bodies on manufactured chassis units.
Over the years, the company has learned to diversify its activities and skills, specialising in the urban transport sector in the 1970s.
Our knowledge of the market and the needs of the transport authorities which we have acquired over the years has enabled us to develop and constantly improve our services.
This experience now allows us to offer a complete range of solutions to meet the needs of our clients and reduce the carbon footprint of our passenger transport.
Discover how SAFRA has grown using the timeline below.
2024
H2-PACK® certification
Approval of our H2-PACK® coach retrofit kit for Mercedes Intouro coaches.
2023
HYCITY® launched
HYCITY® launch on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Busworld in Brussels!
Dunkerque - 10 HYCITY®
On July 03, 2023, the Communauté Urbaine Dunkerque Grand Littoral announced an order for 10 Hyciity buses for its DK’BUS public transport network.
Dublin - First international contract
In June 2023, Safra completes its first international contract with the repair of Dublin’s Citadis type 401 tramway.
First presentation of the retrofit kit
First presentation of our hydrogen retrofit kit at the International Public Transport Summit (UITP) in Barcelona, June 4-7, 2023
Trophées Hydrogénies
SAFRA wins an award for its program “Let’s accelerate together towards decarbonized mobility”, at the Trophées Hydrogénies.
ITxPT
SAFRA joins the ITxPT (Information Technology for Public Transport) association as an associate member in January 2023.
2022
SAFRA markets VHYSION®, a connected portal for bus fleet management
To provide our customers with the best possible support, SAFRA has developed a tailor-made service dedicated to the maintenance and monitoring of their vehicle fleets. These services are brought together in a functional and intuitive portal, entirely developed by SAFRA, and marketed under the VHYSION® brand.
H2-PACK® launched
At the autocar expo trade show, we announced the launch of our H2-PACK® hydrogen coach retrofit kit.
New visual identity - Logo
During the EUMO trade show in Paris on June 7, 2022, SAFRA presented its new visual identity with a new logo that represents the company’s values, while bringing modernity and simplicity.
Development of the HYCITY® hydrogen bus
Official design presentation at the European Mobility Expo (EUMO) in Paris on June 7, 2022.
HYCITY® is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio of products and services dedicated to accelerating low-carbon mobility, featuring the latest proven technologies and a sleek design.
2021
Fundraising
Entry into the capital of SAFRA of our new shareholder, Transition Evergreen, managed by Aqua Asset Management.
2020
Train Renovation
SAFRA wins its first contract for the renovation of SNCF trains in the Occitanie region. A new building has been built to accommodate the TER trains.
2018
Businova H2
Launch and marketing of the Businova H2, the first hydrogen vehicle built in France.
2015
Businova
Marketing of the first Businova. The city of Gaillac becomes the first French city to receive a Businova.
2011
1st Businova prototype
Launch of the Businova program and unveiling of the first Businova prototype in Strasbourg.
2010
Renovation of funicular
Diversification of renovation skills with the first funicular project for the city of Pau.
2006
VAL's first renovation project
The renovation activity wins the contract for the renovation of the VAL in Lille, which includes the renovation of the bogies and the body.
2006
Renovation of bogies
First railway mechanics site with the renovation of bogies
2005
New skills
SAFRA extends its competences in railway equipment with the renovation of the metros of Lyon and Marseille.
2004
Creation of the design office
Creation of the design office for new renovation projects and the first discussions on the construction of buses under the Businova® brand.
2002
First renovation project
SAFRA wins its first renovation project for railway equipment with the Saint-Etienne tramway.
1995
New building for the Body Shop
The activities of the Carrosserie Industrielle still need space, and a more spacious building is therefore built at 25 rue Copernic, a little further in the Fonlabour area. Several plots of land were acquired in anticipation of further expansion.
1978
New activity
Diversification of our activities with the launch of the renovation of public transport buses.
1955
The Esperou-Bodoira bodywork
The story begins when Roger Bodoira founds with Marcel Esperou the ESPEROU-BODOIRA bodywork, located in rue de la Poudrière in Albi.
Marcel Espérou was CEO until 1962, when he sold his shares to Roger Bodoira.
The company is specialized in the bodywork of coaches on chassis-cabs manufacturers.
