The Futura was introduced in September 1982 by Bova, as successor to the previous Europa model.

In 1990 the range was expanded with the introduction of a shorter (10.4m long) version of the high floor coach, the FH10.

A third length option for the two-axle Futura coach was added in 1996, this being the 12.7m long FH13/FL13.

Towards the end of the original Bova Futura's production run the type codes were revised to more accurately reflect the length of the vehicle.

However identifying the age of individual vehicles by this method is now complicated as many older coaches have retrospectively been fitted with newer style front panels to modernise their appearance or repair accident damage.

Differences from the Futura included a flatter front profile, but a more curvaceous rear.

An extensively restyled Futura was launched by VDL Bus & Coach on 7 September 2010.

The new model was henceforth marketed exclusively as a VDL, with the "Bova" name being discontinued.

Detailed model codes include the length of the vehicle, thus FHD2-122 denotes a 12.2m high-floor Futura 2.