The first Yutong city bus for the UK is expected in the early part of 2016. Pelican Bus and Coach, the Wakefield Europort-based importer has ordered a front entrance Cummins diesel-powered 12-metre vehicle that will be available for demonstration to operators.
Around 120 TC9 midi and TC12 full-size coaches have been bought by operators or been ordered by the UK importer since the first arrive in the UK at the beginning of 2014. Sales Director Ken Grindrod told CBW: “We have been overjoyed by the level of interest in such a short period of time. It has far surpassed our expectations. Operators seem to be happy with the level of service they’re receiving and we’re now generating repeat business.”
Ken commented at the time on the high level of interest in the Yutong product Pelican exhibited at Euro Bus Expo last year. He’s hoping that will be repeated at Coach & Bus Live in a few weeks. “We’re all looking forward to the show,” he explained.
On the Pelican stand will be two TC9s, a 35-seater and a 32-seater with a floor-mounted toilet. The 32-seater is for Abbott’s of Leeming and is the first for the UK where the livery has been fully applied in China. Also included in the saloon specification are E-Leather covers for the seats and a servery.
A TC12 will be the third vehicle on the stand, probably a 53-seater, while examples of both types of coach are expected in the demonstration area. Members of the sales, parts and service teams will be on hand to help visitors in any way they can.
