VDL Bus & Coach beat the tough competition and has been awarded the prestigious title ‘International Coach of the Year 2012’.
During the ‘Coach Euro Test 2011’, held in Norway, the Futura was chosen as the winner from a field of strong competitors. The members of the jury, representing 19 European countries, based their decision primarily on the total concept of the participating coaches, with special focus on practical usability, fit and finish, and efficiency.
The jury saw the VDL Futura foremost as an efficient, highly cost-effective coach with an attractive design, high level of passenger comfort (due in part to the completely flat floor), an optimal driveline and a good price/quality ratio.
The new Futura was also praised for its ease-of-use and commended for the brief time required for a driver to become comfortable with the vehicle. This, combined with the fine on-the-road performance and a well-matched driveline featuring a smooth shifting AS-Tronic transmission, resulted in excellent ride comfort. With its small turning radius the Futura also scored highly in terms of manoeuvrability.
A unique aspect of the two-axle Futura is its low kerb weight, which is not only of tremendous benefit in terms of fuel economy but also enables the 12.9-metre length variant to carry up to 57 passengers within the maximum weight legislation for international traffic. The spacious, ergonomically designed driver’s area with its state-of-the-art automotive dashboard and pleasant, harmonious, well-finished interior were also praised.
Not surprisingly, Rémi Henkemans, managing director of VDL Bus & Coach, is very proud of the New Futura and his team: “The fact that we can now boast both the title ‘International Bus of the Year 2011’ for the Citea and ‘International Coach of the Year 2012’ for the Futura shows we rank among Europe’s top manufacturers. It also proves we develop our products based on our customers’ wishes and we have made the right choices.”
