Hidral Gobel

What Hidral Gobel does

Hidral Gobel S.L.U. is a Spanish manufacturer specializing in accessibility solutions for collective and private road transport. The company designs, produces, and distributes a portfolio of platform lifts (Semiautomática EVO, Semiautomática MICRO, Automática GOBEL, and Vertical), bus ramps (HGR COMFORT, VÍCOLI, EWR, GOLDEN), wheelchair restraint systems, and complete adapted vehicles under the KIVI Mobility Freedom sub-brand. Manufacturing is concentrated at the company's plant in Lanciego (Álava), with commercial operations in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) and the parent group headquarters registered in Sevilla. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and UCA automotive type-approval certifications, which are prerequisites for supplying components into European OEM bus production.

Hidral Gobel operates a B2B enterprise go-to-market, supplying accessibility equipment to Spanish bus OEMs (MAN Truck & Bus, Castrosua, Beulas, Irizar) for integration during vehicle manufacturing and to transport operators (ALSA, Avanza, TUSSAM, Bilbobus, Moventis) for fleet retrofit and compliance. Pricing is custom-quoted based on vehicle specification and adaptation scope, with revenue drawn from hardware sales plus recurring after-sales services including technical training, maintenance, legal advisory, and spare parts supply. Secondary revenue streams include private-vehicle adaptations (KIVI Mobility Freedom), adapted vehicles sold through AG-MOTOR, and Kit de Rebaje floor-lowering kits distributed via partnership with Focaccia Group. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HIDRAL S.A., a diversified Spanish industrial conglomerate celebrating 50 years of operation in 2025. In April 2026, the parent group acquired UK-based Passenger Lift Solutions (PLS), extending the group's footprint into the British accessible-minibus market.

Name

Hidral Gobel

Legal name

Hidral Gobel S.L.U.

Website

https://hidralgobel.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hidral Gobel is a Spanish manufacturer of accessibility solutions for road transport, producing platform lifts, ramps, restraint systems, and adapted vehicles for bus OEMs, transport operators, and private vehicle users with reduced mobility. It operates as a subsidiary of HIDRAL S.A.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vehicle Accessibility Equipment

NAICS

Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing (33699)

SIC

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Paratransit & NEMT Vehicle Upfitting / Accessibility Equipment Providers (TLAFAKAL)

Keywords

• Vehicle accessibility equipment
• Bus wheelchair lifts
• Transport ramp systems
• Mobility adaptation solutions
• Accessible vehicle manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Torrejón De Ardoz

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Accessibility Equipment Sales: Sale of elevating platforms, ramps, restraint systems, and vehicle adaptation equipment to bus manufacturers and transport operators. Products are sold as OEM components or aftermarket additions.
2. After-Sales Services: Technical support, maintenance, legal advisory, assembly, and training services for customers. Provides ongoing revenue through service contracts and spare parts.
3. Adapted Vehicle Sales: Strategic collaboration with AG-MOTOR for sale of complete adapted vehicles for persons with reduced mobility
4. Kit de Rebaje (Floor Lowering Kits): Sale of Focaccia Group floor lowering kits for Volkswagen Caddy 5 Max and Ford Tourneo Connect, including homologation, sale, and installation services

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Hidral Gobel designs, manufactures, and supplies accessibility equipment for road transport, including elevating platforms, ramps, wheelchair and passenger restraint systems, and complete vehicle adaptation kits for persons with reduced mobility. Products are sold as OEM components to bus manufacturers and as retrofit/aftermarket solutions to transport operators and private individuals, complemented by installation, homologation, technical training, and after-sales services.

Product overview

Hidral Gobel manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of accessibility solutions for public and private road transport. The product line centers on platform lifts (Semiautomática EVO, Semiautomática MICRO, Automática GOBEL, and Vertical platforms) and bus ramps (HGR COMFORT, VÍCOLI, EWR, and GOLDEN) for collective transport, complemented by KIVI Mobility Freedom adapted vehicles and restraint systems for private vehicles. The portfolio also includes Kit de Rebaje floor-lowering solutions developed with Focaccia Group for passenger vehicles. All products are manufactured at Hidral Gobel's plant in Lanciego (Álava), Spain, with comprehensive after-sales services covering installation, technical training, and support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kivi Mobility Freedom: Adapted vehicles for people with reduced mobility, including acceleration and braking systems on the steering wheel
• HGR COMFORT
• VÍCOLI
• GOLDEN
• EWR

Products and services

• Plataforma Semiautomática EVO Semi-automatic elevating platform lift designed for buses and coaches to enable wheelchair access; features automated deployment and is targeted at OEM bus manufacturers such as MAN Truck & Bus.
• Plataforma Semiautomática MICRO Compact semi-automatic platform lift intended for minibuses and smaller vehicles with space constraints, providing wheelchair access.
• Plataforma Automática GOBEL Fully automatic platform lift with automated deployment mechanism for wheelchair access on public transport vehicles, targeting bus manufacturers and operators.
• Plataforma Vertical Vertical platform lift designed for vehicles with higher ground clearance, enabling wheelchair access for passengers in higher-floor buses and coaches.
• Rampa HGR COMFORT Access ramp for buses that provides comfortable wheelchair access with durable construction; sold to OEM bus manufacturers and transport operators.
• Rampa VÍCOLI Electric access ramp for buses with automated deployment and retraction for wheelchair access.
• Rampa EWR Bus access ramp system designed for specific bus models, including hybrid and electric fleets, used by OEMs such as Castrosua.
• Rampa GOLDEN Premium access ramp for buses designed for wheelchair accessibility in public transport applications.
• KIVI Mobility Freedom Complete vehicle adaptation range for persons with reduced mobility, including wheelchair restraints, lowered floor kits, and driving adaptations for private transportation.
• Sujeciones y Raíles Wheelchair and passenger restraint systems including four-point anchoring systems and seat belts for safe transportation of wheelchair users in vehicles.
• Kit de Rebaje Floor lowering kits developed with Focaccia Group for Volkswagen Caddy 5 Max and Ford Tourneo Connect vehicles, including homologation, sale, and installation services to enable wheelchair access.
• Vehículos Adaptados en Venta Complete adapted vehicles for sale through a strategic partnership with AG-MOTOR, offering vehicle transformation in Hidral Gobel workshops along with homologation and final delivery services.
• Servicio Postventa After-sales service including legal advice, assembly, technical training, and ongoing maintenance for proper use and upkeep of Hidral Gobel accessibility products; provided to bus manufacturers, transport operators, and private customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40 vehicles adapted in under one year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Fundación ONCEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Strategic collaboration agreement signed in 2022 for joint development of accessibility solutions. Fundación ONCE (Spanish Foundation for Disability) provides expertise in accessibility standards and advocacy. Partnership supports Hidral Gobel's mission for universal mobility design and accessibility in transport. Joint initiative includes accessibility manifesto development and industry advocacy.
• CONFEBUScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with CONFEBUS (Spanish Bus Confederation) for industry advocacy and accessibility standards. Hidral Gobel co-founded the 'Manifesto for Urban Transport for All People' initiative. Partnership supports regulatory compliance and industry transformation toward accessible transport.
• Focaccia GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Focaccia Group for homologation, sale, and installation of floor lowering kits (kit de rebaje) in Spain. Products include specialized kits for Volkswagen Caddy 5 Max and Ford Tourneo Connect vehicles. Enables Hidral Gobel to offer complete vehicle adaptation solutions for private transportation.
• KIVI Mobility FreedomcoreTechnology or IntegrationProduct partnership for complete vehicle adaptation solutions including driving controls, acceleration and braking systems for drivers with mobility needs. Provider of specialized adaptations for private vehicle users with reduced mobility.
• AG-MOTORcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic collaboration for sale of adapted vehicles. AG-MOTOR provides over 25 years of automotive experience specializing in vehicles for persons with reduced mobility. Partnership offers complete solutions from vehicle transformation in Hidral Gobel workshops to final delivery.
• Passenger Lift Solutions (PLS)coreTechnology or IntegrationUK-based company specializing in wheelchair lift platforms for accessible passenger vehicles, particularly minibuses. Acquired by Grupo Hidral to strengthen international presence and market positioning in accessible transport solutions. PLS continues to operate independently maintaining its identity and market focus.
• MAN Truck & BuscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMajor OEM partner for bus accessibility solutions. MAN incorporates Hidral Gobel platforms (EVO18) into their vehicle offerings. Strategic partnership enables coordinated product development and market expansion for accessible bus transport.
• B.A.S.E. LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based transport company and strategic partner for Hidral Gobel products in the British market. Collaboration enables accessible travel solutions for UK bus operators. B.A.S.E. Ltd provides testimonials praising product quality and versatility.
• MoventisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish transport operator adhering to the accessibility manifesto. Represents commitment to accessible urban transport and collaboration on industry initiatives.
• AvanzaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Spanish transport company signatory of the accessibility manifesto. Partnership supports industry-wide accessibility standards and universal transport initiatives.
• TUSSAMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeville municipal transport company adhering to accessibility manifesto. Represents public sector commitment to accessible transport solutions.
• AISAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransport operator signatory of accessibility manifesto. Company receives technical training from Hidral Gobel for accessibility equipment use and maintenance.
• ALSAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor intercity transport operator supporting accessibility manifesto initiatives. Commitment to inclusive transport services and industry collaboration.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• BraunAbility: Global leader in wheelchair-accessible vehicles and mobility solutions, including wheelchair lifts, ramps, and driving aids. Competes with Hidral Gobel's KIVI Mobility Freedom line in private vehicle adaptations and is also an existing technology partner.

Direct peers

• Masats: Spanish manufacturer of bus doors, accessibility ramps, and pneumatic systems for collective transport. Headquartered in Spain, competing for the same OEM bus manufacturer accounts (Castrosua, Beulas, Irizar) as Hidral Gobel.
• AMF-Bruns: German manufacturer of wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securing systems for buses and accessible vehicles. Most direct European competitor to Hidral Gobel, serving many of the same European bus OEMs and transport operators with a comparable product range.
• Unwin Safety Systems: UK-based manufacturer of wheelchair restraint systems, ramps, and lifts for accessible transport. Direct overlap with Hidral Gobel's restraint and ramp product families, and a relevant peer now that Hidral Gobel has acquired PLS in the UK.
• Lift-U: US-based manufacturer of wheelchair lifts and ramps for buses and paratransit vehicles. Direct product-line overlap with Hidral Gobel's platform and ramp portfolio, primarily serving North American transit agencies and bus OEMs.
• Q'Straint (Sure-Lok): Global supplier of wheelchair securement and occupant restraint systems for buses, paratransit, and accessible vehicles. Directly competes with Hidral Gobel's 'Sujeciones y Railes' restraint product line and is widely adopted across European and North American fleets.
• Ricon Corporation: Manufacturer of wheelchair lifts, ramps, and associated accessories for vans, minibuses, and buses. Overlaps with Hidral Gobel's smaller vehicle / MICRO platform offerings and serves similar accessibility-driven fleet customers.

Regional players

• ATS Group (Access & Transport Solutions): Spanish accessibility vehicle converter and supplier of adapted minibuses and accessible transport solutions. Competes with Hidral Gobel in the Spanish private-vehicle adaptation and taxi operator segments, though with less OEM bus-manufacturer focus.
• Caradano Mobilidade: Portuguese/Iberian manufacturer and integrator of accessibility solutions for buses and adapted vehicles. Comparable to Hidral Gobel on product range and Iberian market overlap, but primarily serves the Portuguese market.

Emerging players

• Autoadapt (a division of BraunAbility): Swedish-based specialist in vehicle adaptations for people with reduced mobility, including driving aids, hoists, and wheelchair securement. Comparable to Hidral Gobel's KIVI Mobility Freedom and AG-MOTOR private-vehicle adaptation lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HidralGobel
• LinkedInes.linkedin.com/company/hidral-gobel
• Instagraminstagram.com/hidralgobel
• Xx.com/HidralGobel

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hidral Gobel