Macedonian-built Van Hool EX range launched in 2014 is now well established
BELGIUM One year after launching its EX coach range, Van Hool, has sold more than 100 units. Customers from Belgium, Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Switzerland have put their faith in the new product range, which can be deployed in a wide range of applications from long-distance journeys to inter city trips and scheduled services.
The previously introduced EX15 H and EX16 M were recently joined by another two tri-axles, the EX16 H and EX17 H. The EX is based on a flexible modular design that includes two or tri-axle coaches with a generous luggage compartment and up to 65 passenger seats, optional toilet, and a narrow or wide middle door with or without a wheelchair lift. Power comes from a Paccar (DAF) MX11 Euro 6 engine rated at either 394hp or 436hp) and comes with a comprehensive range of safety features including EBS3 (Electronic Braking System), AEBS (Advanced Emergency Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning System).
Filip Van Hool, CEO of Van Hool nv, welcomed the results. “Even though we have been in the coach and bus market for almost 70 years, we recognise that we need to continue to earn our customers’ trust,” he said. “And the same is true for the new EX range. We are particularly pleased with the sales credentials we now have in the different markets. The expansion of our EX range with two tri-axle coaches and the fact that we are now also able to offer the first right-hand drive EX for the UK market means that the EX range is more complete, which in turn opens up new commercial opportunities.”
The EX was designed and developed at Van Hool’s parent company in Koningshooikt, Belgium and is manufactured at the state-of-the-art production facility in Skopje, Macedonia.
Filip Van Hool continued: “In our industry it is unusual for a bus manufacturer to produce a new product range at a new factory, in a new location abroad, with a completely new workforce. Our customers are particularly impressed by the quality of work delivered.”
