Clarkes of London has finalised its fleet renewal for this year with the order of 12 Euro 6 Irizar i6 Integral coaches.
The vehicles ordered are six 12.9-metre, 57-seat i6s with toilet facilities, and six, 12.2-metre 53-seat i6s also with toilet facilities. All are powered by DAF’s 11-litre MX series engines with ZF EcoLife automatic gearboxes.
The £2.5m investment is a repeat order, following the previous 12 Irizar i6 Integral coaches purchased in 2013/14.
The procurement has been made ahead of usual fleet replacement schedules to ensure that Clarkes can meet the Euro 6 Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) regulations with plenty of time to spare.
Debbie Newman, Managing Director of Clarkes, commented: “Our decision to replace our Euro 5 i6 fleet well ahead of their normal fleet life has not been taken lightly.
“While our hand was forced by the early implementation of ULEZ, Clarkes will always ensure that it is providing coaches which are at the forefront of technology and which maintain our reputation for being London’s premier operator.
“The i6 Integral is a coach which suits us very well, with enormous kerb appeal and the ideal seating and luggage capacity for the variety of work we have in London.
“It’s true to say that we have always aimed high with our vehicle choices, and the fact that we have returned to Irizar UK for this latest fleet upgrade speaks volumes for the service we have received, both from the vehicle aspect as well as from the team at Irizar UK.”
