Major order for new Enviro200XLB is confirmed at Bus & Coach Association Conference, with the manufacturer taking the opportunity to showcase new Plaxton Elite coaches
Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) has confirmed a major order in New Zealand, as well as introducing new vehicles to the market in the country, at the annual Bus & Coach Association 2017 conference in Rotorua.
Robert Inwards, Owner and Director of Birkenhead Transport, signed a contract for 20 new Enviro200XLB three-axle single-deckers at the Alexander Dennis booth at the conference.
The vehicle was developed specifically to comply with regulations in New Zealand and is the latest addition to the Enviro200 range. Launched in June 2017, the 12.75m long tri-axle single-decker is powered by a six-cylinder Euro 6 engine and designed to carry 45 seated passengers and 38 standees.
Birkenhead’s fleet of Enviro200XLB vehicles will operate in North Shore, Auckland alongside a fleet of eight Enviro500 double-deckers. Six Enviro500s are already in service, with the next two being delivered mid-October.
Robert Inwards commented: “Our Enviro500 vehicles have proven to be very reliable and key additions to our operation. We also have great peace of mind thanks to the local support and parts supply which ADL offers.
“It was an easy decision to make due to the low operating cost especially when we are working under the new PTOM contracts.”
Tony Moore, General Manager for ADL in New Zealand, added: “We are delighted to receive this third order from Birkenhead Transport. We see this as a strong endorsement of the investment ADL has made in developing a range of vehicles for this market, which couple outstanding product reliability, class-leading performance and low whole life costs.”
At the same event, ADL exhibited one of the fleet of eight 53-seater Plaxton Elite-bodied Scania K440 touring coaches ordered by Ritchies Transport Holdings, New Zealand’s largest coach operator.
Of the eight vehicles ordered, two specification variants exist – one with a nearside centre exit door plus centre toilet and a second variant featuring a rear saloon floor mounted toilet to facilitate passenger access and maximise luggage capacity.
A new HVAC climate control system and single glazing conform to New Zealand’s weight regulations.
“This level of flexibility and customisation, along with the Elite’s styling, sophistication and cost competitiveness were strong factors in my decision to choose Elite coaches,” said Andrew Ritchie of Ritchies Transport Holdings.
