New as yet unnamed new coach is the fourth Plaxton vehicle since its acquisition by ADL, and is expected to launch at a trade show in October
A replacement for the Plaxton Profile is confirmed for launch later this year at the industry show in Birmingham. The new model, which has yet to be named, is aimed squarely at the low-cost sector and to be an attractive general purpose workhorse designed for practicality and efficiency.
Kevin Wood, Director of New Business Development at Plaxton, commented: “As ever, it is difficult to keep anything under wraps in this business and the jungle telegraph is beating furiously. The word is certainly out about our new coach and we are already receiving inquiries from operators. The big attraction is that it is all-new, lower in height than our current Panther and features a pivot entrance door, which provides the opportunity to reduce boarding times significantly, an aspect operators are constantly seeking to achieve.
“With capacity for up to 59 passengers – and significantly more with a 3+2 seating arrangement – it is ideal for operators seeking a low cost option which is suitable for day hire and short duration touring. It also has potential for applications where high capacity is required, such as home to school transport, and I am convinced it is well placed to win new business.
“The market is now looking much more positive and the time is right to press ahead with this next phase of our development plan. Early customer engagement, designed to gauge opinion, has generated such enthusiasm we have already secured advance orders based purely on initial drawings and illustrations. Of course, in such circumstances the track record and pedigree of previous Plaxton models is a big help.
“In addition, the current Euro 5 option is proving popular but as there are only a limited number of these available – and with several already sold – we expect lively demand for the remainder.”
This coach development is the fourth new vehicle to come from Plaxton since it was acquired by Alexander Dennis Ltd in 2007. From its launch it is being made available on Euro 5 Volvo B9R chassis and on the new Euro 6 Volvo B8R. Transmission on the Euro 5 B9R models is Volvo’s I-Shift. The options for B8R have yet to be confirmed although it is likely the I-Shift and ZF manual and fully automatic can be made available.
Air conditioning and double glazing are standard equipment but customers can opt to dispense with air conditioning.
